Forum: Future F-16 crew

Hello. I am new to this forum. Let me get straight to the point. I am an Army pilot who wants to fly the viper. I went to the Army because I was 31 and knew I could not get an age waiver for the AF. I am prior enlisted air force crew chief. I have a masters, I was ranked high in my OCS class. Basically, I know I am high speed low drag.

I already know I can come over to the AF. I just need to have my wings converted and attend the fixed wing qualification course at vance. However, most people say you can forget about flying viper or any fighter. I want to know how true it is and get any advice. What does a 34 year old officer do to fulfill his dream? Any advice would be appreciated.

By the way, I am in the reserves and want to stay in the reserves (guard or reserves).

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I know a guy who flew Black Hawks for 9 years in the Army and is now flying Vipers with the ANG in Alberquerque. He went through the Vance Fixed Wing Course and he's now 31. I've also seen in the past Majors go through UPT and then into the guard, so don't listen to the naysayers.

The key is to find a guard unit that will pick you up and sponsor you at Vance. This task may be difficult, but not impossible. You may also need a waiver for your age, but again I've seen it done. Good luck!

f16driver, IThanks f16 Driver. I talked to AETC and they told me I wouldn't need an age waiver. I know it can be done. The thing is, the few units I have talked to (in AL and NC) both told me abosolutley no. So, while I know it can be done, it is just finding a unit to allow me to compete. Anymore thoughts?

A quick question though, what is the age most pilots stop flying the viper? maybe that is what they are concerned about. That I may be too old to fly such a physically demanding bird.

I think the flying age cutoff for the ANG is 55-ish. I could be wrong. There are several ANG pilots (instructors and line guys), in varying platforms around the country that are well into their 40's and early 50's and still flying. It's one reason why the Guard is so attractive to flyers. The active duty eventually sends you to a staff or admin job after "X" amount of years or rotations to make room for the new guys behind you. Not so in the ANG. If you can still pass your physical and can still show aptitude, you can fly up to the max age limit. THAT"S how it should be, IMHO.

Best of luck to ya!

So I wasnt' given bad advice by an AF aviator after all. I was told to join the Army and get an age waiver. Afterwards, apply to the AF. I would not need an age waiver to go to the fixed wing course at Vance. ALL I need to do is find a unit that is interested. But right now, the competition is soooo heated. Most fighter units don't even have a UPT slot. Nevertheless, I am not going to give up. If I am 40 when demand picks up (and trust me, in todays terroist enviroment, it will) I will still apply until I wear them out. I WILL FLY AF. Anymore advice?

[Link pending approval] one 58 driver to another (or so I assume by your handle).....heres my [Link pending approval] ARMY!!!! I understand how desirable it is to be flying a fighter and being a "cockpit manager", but come on! We fly the greatest airframe in the entire military, and are quit argueably the last "stick and rudder guys" out [Link pending approval])
But then again if you like warm showers, hot meals, dry beds, air conditioning that actually works! and one piece flight suits (thats why we all got into this military aviation [Link pending approval] ABDU's!!! ) then by all means go Air [Link pending approval]

Scouts OUT!

cav58D

Persistence is the key, but a squadronmate's brother flies Vipers at TX ANG, his only chance was to get an instructor slot at Vance AFB so he could get at least 1000hrs of jet time (pre-T-6), he didn't so he tried anyway......they said absolutely no chance for helo drivers with no jet time. Two of my former instructors got lateral transfers 7 years ago with about a year setback in time in rank, one for B-1's and the other for AWACS, but they both had 3500hrs+ in T-34's.
I think the only thing available now is in active duty and it's as a remote control pilot flying the Predator and Global Hawk.

You should try less popular units inland, keep trying though, you never know.

Forum: Future F-16 crew

Army pilot wanting some good advice, please help