Forum: Future F-16 crew

Hey guys,

This place seems to have a rep as a good source of info from folks in the know with minimal dashings of BS, so I've got a question for ya (and yes, I searched first). Can anyone tell me a little (or a lot) about what the work schedule is like for an ANG or AFR F-16 pilot? I've had a lot of questions on the career and had just about all of them answered, but so far that's one issue that has yet to be satisfactorily settled. I've heard everything from it's a kush assignment where you only come in every couple weekends to the workload is so heavy and frequent you might as well be active duty and flush your regular job.

Reason I ask is I've already got a moderately successful entertainment industry career I'd like to keep, but at the same time I want to take my love for flying and desire to give something back to the good old USA and turn that into a second career. Trying to see if both at the same time are doable. I think they are, but I'd love to hear from someone with some experience.

I'm fully aware of the time one would need to be away for training, et cetera, so you don't need to tell me about that. I just want to know how it is after training when you've settled into your actual job.

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I have no experience in the workload for ANG viper pilots, but I'm enlisted and I can tell you when you try to balance College, work, ANG and Girlfriends. The workload is unbelievable. I couldn't even think what Viper pilots must have.

Honestly, and I'm trying to say this very politely- I would worry about getting the pilot slot first. It doesn't sound like you're currently in the military which doesn't hurt you for getting one, but it defiantly gives you a second look when applying. The process for a slot is Highly demanding not only on the physical side, but you're school history. On top of that they look at many other factors that I can't even list.

Again I'm not an officer, but I've done my research on pilot slots for a while, I'm trying to get that 4-year degree down.

Good luck bud!

After the four years of training; AMS, UPT, IFF, land and water survival training, RTU, MQT, and seasoning, you'll be able to fly your six sorties a month and maintain a regular job.

Forum: Future F-16 crew

ANG/AFR Pilot Workload