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I think the warning here is that most people will drop out of the pilot program and/or aren't qualified for it in the first place (eyesight, blood pressure, age
by throw1234651234 7y ago
I think the warning here is that most people will drop out of the pilot program and/or aren't qualified for it in the first place (eyesight, blood pressure, age, fitness to a lesser degree since it's "fixable" within 6 months). There's always army rotary, I guess.
- docandrew 7y agoTrue - but a lot of people self-disqualify because of rumors and urban legends. Make them tell you "no" if it's something you want. There are waivers for many medical issues, but if you don't ask you'll never get one.
- throw1234651234 7y agoRight. Don't you have to have a letter of recommendation from a Congressman or something? It always felt completely inaccessible to me, much more so than SOF, where you might get by on being fit alone.
- docandrew 7y agoIt's probably a lot more accessible than you think. The congressional recommendation is for entrance into the US Air Force Academy, which is a 4-year university. If you already have your degree, you can apply for OTS (which is your initial officer training - I think it's 3 months long now) and a pilot slot directly. Another option a lot of people overlook too is getting to pilot training via the Reserves or ANG. Those units can interview and hire you directly, and you'll go through the same training and do the same job with a lot less red tape.
- npo9 7y agoI suspect someone joining the military after being in college and private industry has a higher chance of completing the pilot program than someone 18-20 years old which make up the bulk of the military recruits. (Assuming they both meet all physical requirements.)
- chrischattin 7y agoPilots are officers. So, they’ve at least completed an undergrad degree. It’s competitive to get into flight school.
- throw1234651234 7y agoYou are basically competing with George Bush.