Forum: Future F-16 crew

Last edited by ColonelKlink on Aug 29, 2007 - 09:28 AM; edited 1 time in total

Hello All! This might be a long read, I apologize, but I could use some help from those that have been there or are currently in the process.

Background:

I'm 22 years old, a recent graduate of Miami University in May of this year (of Ohio - majored in Zoology - [Link pending approval] cumulative GPA) and had originally planned on going on to Medical School. For whatever reason, I decided that I didn't have the "something" that told me I was destined to be a doctor.

However, one of my ultimate joys in life has been flying and military fighter planes specifically. Every air show I've attended I find myself incredulous that one can be paid to fly fighters for a career.

After graduating, I decided that I was going to earn my private pilot's license (I am about to start lessons) believing that my ultimate goal is to become a fighter pilot as that aspect of my life (flying, fighters) has been my only real interest as far as what I would love to do day in, and day out.

I have relatives and contacts that were previously in the [Link pending approval] Air Force (a Lt. Col. who was a logistics officer, an ex-A-10 pilot, and also a Major who flew fighters and helos I believe), friends who are in the Air Force, and have also been in contact with a family friend who runs a flight simulator for Boeing at an Air Force Base in North Carolina. This person in [Link pending approval] used to be a C-17 pilot and has given me some advice regarding my career aspirations as well as talking to a Colonel who frequently flies in his simulator specifically about my situation.

The Gist:

I've heard from some college friends with similar interests that enlisting in a Guard Unit is a great way to go since slots generally become available and contacts within the unit are generally helpful in getting a slot but it's my goal to make a career out of flying, not just a few weekends a month. I have read some posts and have a slightly shaky understanding of what's involved as far as the steps to becoming a fighter pilot, but I'm still confused as to how I should go about it.

Questions:

1. Should I attempt to apply for OTS come January when classes resume? And if so, do I talk to a recruiter to do this?

2. Should I contact a guard unit near me (Toledo, Ohio is probably the closest) and get advice or information pertaining to my specific situation?

3. Are my chances at this point of becoming a fighter pilot pretty slim?

4. What is the difference between being a pilot in an ANG Unit versus a full-time active duty pilot?

I have read some other posts in the forums that are relevant to my situation but I thought it might as well be a good idea to lay my situation out there and receive some knowledge from any willing to give it.

Thanks in advance for any advice or re-direction that anyone may have.

Respectfully,

B. Holeski

F-16.net Sponsor

I think you've pretty much covered everything!

Parkeran

Talk to an OTS recruiter. The recruiters you see all over the place can point you towards one after they try to get you to enlist. This does not guarantee you a pilot slot of any sort - it is a competetive process.

CK,
First let me preface this post by saying I have recently been selected for pilot training on board 07-01 and was in your shoes a few years ago. My advise is to talk to an OTS recruiter as soon as possible and start putting together a packet for the next rated board. This is quite a long process and involves taking the AFOQT, TBAS, as well as having a MEPS physical and many other steps that I'm not going to waste space with.
As far as contacting a guard unit goes, it is an option but can be very difficult to get a pilot slot this way. These slots typically go to guys who have been in the guard for a while as enlisted. By the time you would enlist in the guard and put some time in, you would be close to being age critical (must be in UPT before age 30)
To answer your question about becoming a fighter pilot, the opportunity is there for someone who is willing to bust their @ss to get there, however it is a long difficult road. First, you must take the tests, apply for and be accepted by the board. Next would be to go to OTS and then to UPT. Finally, you must finish high enough in your class at UPT to track select T-38's and then you are at the mercy of whatever planes are in the drop for your class. You must realize that it is an honor to serve this country and fly ANY plane for the AF. I too have aspirations of flying fighters, but I will be most proud of serving my country and flying ANYTHING for the AF.
Also, check out wantscheck.com and baseops.net these sites are great resources for someone wanting to apply for a pilot slot in the AF. Feel free to PM me if you have any further questions and good luck.

-D

Enthusiast Joined: Oct 30, 2004 - 07:49 PM Posts: 31

I got hired by two gaurd units when I was 22 without any prior enlistments in any type of military. It is a very possible option plus you know what aircraft you will be going to!

bpow wrote:

I got hired by two gaurd units when I was 22 without any prior enlistments in any type of military. It is a very possible option plus you know what aircraft you will be going to!

I agree when I was active we had people who moved up, I'm in the ANG now and have seen four enlisted move up in the last two years. Also when I was Reserve we had some who did the same.
The advantage of the ANG or AFRC is you can fly near your hometown. (if available slots are not filled).
You could end up as a flight surgeon if you want to be a doctor. You may be able to fly and finish your school at the same time.
Another thing is most ANG and Res. pilots fly for airlines when not on duty.
Your call.... but don't discount the Guard or Reserves before you check it out.

ColonelKlink wrote:

I'm 22 years old, a recent graduate of Miami University in May of this year (of Ohio - majored in Zoology...

Zoology might actually help explain a lot of things you'd encounter in the AF. At time it resembles a zoo more than you would expect...

Mike

Thanks for all the responses thus far.

ACMIguy wrote:

Another thing is most ANG and Res. pilots fly for airlines when not on duty.

This is often the case, but I can not understand why someone would want to fly for an airline...

-Maybe you'll get a pension, maybe not... who knows?
-Delays everywhere
-Most of your customers are very pissed off about everything
-You are hated more than the IRS
-You go through TSA security every day
-Your jet can't climb (unless you are used to gliders and 700 FPM is good...)
-The bus driver outfit looks pretty sharp...
-I thought I had a job? Oh wait, I do! I'm just furloughed!!!!
-Have you seen what the pay is like?
-You live in an airport terminal
-Your employer just declared bankruptcy. Again...

Flying boxes can be a lot better if you like the hours

Corporate flying can be a good gig depending on who you work for

@ATC

My roommate in college's dad was the ex-A-10 pilot I mentioned and he currently flies for one of the airlines---I think Southwest---and he's relatively happy as far as I can tell. From what I've heard he makes a pretty decent living, though I can totally believe that delays and the whole "bus in the sky" image might not "fly" with some folk (pun intended). And who doesn't like the plastic wings, ha!?

I'm planning on ANG and either airline or corporate flying... As bpow said, you get to choose your aircraft if you go guard... that's why I'm planning on doing that. Being prior enlisted will help, especially if you are prior enlisted with the unit of whose aircraft you'd like to fly... If you have your degree already, just get set up for an AFOQT, TBAS, and, well, not exactly sure what else as I'm not to that point in the process yet... As dae00 said, he's got it all fresh Smile

. After getting the testing done, if you dont want to be prior enlisted, just sign up for the board dates!

Do you guys have any recommendations for study materials for AFOQT's/TBAS, [Link pending approval] I've found some sites offering guides/study materials compiled by ex-fighter pilots but curious as to what some of you all did.

ColonelKlink wrote:

@ATC

My roommate in college's dad was the ex-A-10 pilot I mentioned and he currently flies for one of the airlines---I think Southwest---and he's relatively happy as far as I can tell. From what I've heard he makes a pretty decent living, though I can totally believe that delays and the whole "bus in the sky" image might not "fly" with some folk (pun intended). And who doesn't like the plastic wings, ha!?

I can believe that. I'm pretty sure SWA is the only airline that has stayed in the black right along. They take care of their people well, from what I hear.

I recommend Barron's Officer Candidate School Test guide. I used this as it was the only one available that was updated for the new version of the AFOQT. I would think ARCO would have a new one out by now. At any rate they will both provide you with information you need to study for the test. Also, be sure and take the practices test and TIME THEM. One of the most difficult parts of the AFOQT is the time restriction in each section.

As far as the TBAS goes, there is not a lot you can do to study for it. Just take a look at the link I have posted below for all of the information on the test that is not classified.

http://www.wantscheck.com/PilotSlotReso ... fault.aspx

-D

I actually came across this link when you mentioned [Link pending approval] above. Interesting how such a simple Flash Program can be used to test multi-tasking ability in the cockpit albeit a fraction of the multi-tasking skill required. (not sarcasm)

Forum: Future F-16 crew

Air Force as a career - To be a fighter pilot