Expert: James Bell - 4/7/2005

Question
Hey, I just have some questions for you involving test and requirements for becoming an Air force pilot.

First off what are the vision tests?

Do you have to have your private pilots license before you start flying in the Air force?

What schooling do you have to go through before becoming an air force pilots? (High school grad, college grad, schooling from the air force?)

Can you get higher on the rankings if you go to the Air Force academy, or like and Ivy League school, or something of that respect?

What training did you go through to become an air force pilot?

Have the requirements changed since you were becoming a pilot?

Would you recommend this career to you son or daughter, if you have a son or daughter, or would you recommend it to anyone?

Thanks for all you help, just do your best with the questions, thanks.


Answer
Greetings again Ben -

I think I got these two posts backwards, but I will answer what wasn't answered in the first letter.

1.  First off what are the vision tests?

Like before no worse than 20/25 uncorrected.

2.  Do you have to have your private pilots license before you start flying in the Air force?

No.  The Air Force teaches you everything.  UPT (Undergraduate Pilot Training) lasts about a year, and covers ground school and initial pilot training.  By the time you finish this school, you will be a certified pilot that has solo'd your aircraft cross-country.

After that, you will then go on to learn the aircraft you will fly for your Major Weapon's System (MWS).  The aircraft you are assigned will depend on how well you do in UPT.  They have fighter slots, and "heavies".  Heavies are transports, tankers, bombers, etc.  Basically, anything with more than one seat.

Initial training will take upwards of a year, with another two to get fully mission ready.  From there you upgrade to Aircraft Commander (in a multi-seat aircraft), instructor, and evaluator.

3.  What schooling do you have to go through before becoming an Air Force pilot?

Like I said before, you are required to have a Bachelor's degree from an accredited university.

4.  Can you get higher on the rankings if you go to the Air Force academy, or like and Ivy League school, or something of that respect?

Again, no.  Everyone receiving a commission does so as a 2nd lieutenant.

5.  What training did you go through to become an air force pilot?

Remember, I was enlisted, so I did not go through pilot training.  However, the pilot progression was answered in question 2.

6.  Have the requirements changed since you were becoming a pilot?

The requirements haven't changed since I have been in the service.  Although, they do let you wear soft contact lenses these days, if you require glasses.

7.  Would you recommend this career to you son or daughter, if you have a son or daughter, or would you recommend it to anyone?

The Air Force in general, and flying, specifically, is a great job, and one I wouldn't hestiate to do again, or to recommend to anyone ... friend or relative.

Sincerely,
James Bell