Forum: Future F-16 crew

Hi!

I posted in the introduction form the other day and outlined my basic plan to get into the Viper.

I will post it here, for you wiser folks than me to review.

I am currently attending Western Governor's University, a 100% online school, with a focus on accounting. I am aiming for two years, two and a half at max to get the degree.

I then aim to hopefullly in the mean time, take flying lessons in my Cessna 150, get my license if I enjoy flying, then after college, I plan to apply at Fresno, or whoever will take me and fly F-16s if I can, or if there are any openings, the F-22.

Does this sound like a solid plan?

Jack

F-16.net Sponsor

Google USAF pilot requirements. USAF prefers scientific degrees for pilot slots. Getting your pilots license would deffinately be a bonus to have. Good luck.

Dude, I was a history major and am now a 9G single seat killing machine(well i still get smoked by the 3000hr IP's). Do what ever you want for a degree. Just have your private before you commit, and maybe get in a rotc program...thats what i did. However there are many roads to freedom, mine was but one.

Forum Veteran Joined: Jul 01, 2007 - 07:22 PM Posts: 620

The online degree is fine. Just be 100 percent sure it's accredited. The pilot's license is fine but done put too much emphasis on it. Just find out if you like flying and what type of flying you enjoy (straight and level, aerobatics or flying helos) and then let the AF pay for it once you get in. When you are ready to apply, fill out the Air Force Form 56, along with all the rest of the application package, and put on there you want to be a pilot (do not indicate you want to be a Navigator as a second choice). Show up to the AF OFFICER Recruiter with everything prefilled, studied up on the AFOQT, and with five letters of recommendation (teachers, civic leaders, family friends, etc). You can start the delayed entry process up to a year in advance of when you want to get in. Get started then because with all the requirements, it could take that long.

I don't think you'll have much luck with Fresno. From experience, they generally only hire prior military enlisted (with a few exceptions). Go active duty, it's much easier to get in. OTS is a piece of cake as long as you aren't a couch potato and by going that route (rather than Academy or ROTC) you know before you sign on the dotted line for the final time if you have a pilot slot or not and you don't incur a committment until you finish OTS (and determine if you really want the military lifestyle). Getting the F-16 or -22 after that is up to you (and timing) in pilot training. We can talk about that more when you get there.

[quote="SnakeHandler"]The online degree is fine. Just be 100 percent sure itThank you everybody for your input!

SnakeHandler,

It is 100% accredited, plus WGU had some blurb about it being on the top list of colleges the military reccomended.

Okay. That is what the flying lessons I am taking will determine if I like flying, and if so, what type, like you said. That might be a good way to go. I will do the Form along with the rest of the stuff. My dad is good friends with the 163rd Wing Commander though, so they might find me some open pilot slots somewhere.

Thank you very much for your advice,

Jack

Cam Newton?

OL

Forum Veteran Joined: Jul 01, 2007 - 07:22 PM Posts: 620

If your dad has pull with the wing king then you might stand a chance. I wouldn't use that as your foot in the door tactic though. Do your best to give a great first impression of yourself to the squadron buds. Spend some time at the squadron and try to hang out with them during some social events. That is how they'll determine if they want you or not.

Thanks!

That was my dad's suggestion. I've been around the military in some form my whole life, so that might help in socializing with the squadron. Really it is all about what squadron will take me, I think, and the impression I form would be the big part.

Off topic,

My dad was stationed at RAF Bentwaters flying F-4Ds with USAFE from 1973-1977, and among his pictures, are some pretty good photos of the YF-16. Would anybody be interested in seeing them if I uploaded them?

Also, he has pictures of the first F-15 that went to Europe too.

Forum: Future F-16 crew

My plan, is it feasible?