How to Become a Fighter Pilot
93The Training is Grueling
Fighter pilots fly high performance jet planes in combat. Their primary job is to defend our troops and positions against attacks by enemy aircraft.
To become a fighter pilot, you first must join the armed forces preferably the Air Force or the Navy as they are the ones in the U.S. who utilize fighter planes.
The Marines have some attack aircraft but they mostly fly support for Marines on the ground.
The Army uses mostly helicopters and the Coast Guard uses aircraft for rescue and neither of these two branches of the service engage in extensive air to air combat.
For Americans, the only domestic employers of fighter pilots are the U.S. Air Force, the Marines and the U.S. Navy.
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Requirments for U.S. Fighter Pilots
All pilots in both the United States Air Force and Navy are commissioned officers and all commissioned officers in these two branches must be college graduates. So the first requirement for a fighter pilot is to be a college graduate.
The next requirement is that a candidate meet the physical, psychological and intellectual requirements for admission to officer training.
This process starts with completing a long and very detailed application which can best be described as telling them everything about your life to date. Don't lie or omit anything on this application as the application will be given to the FBI who will use it as the starting point for a full investigation of your background.
This FBI background investigation includes going through sealed court records, so if you had any run ins with the law as a juvenile, include this information even though the court told you the record would be sealed and not available for viewing.
Past transgressions, both as a juvenile and as an adult may not prevent you from being accepted for officer training but NOT disclosing them and having the FBI find them will almost certainly be grounds for rejecting your application on the grounds that you lack integrity and cannot be trusted.
Even if the FBI overlooks the record on this first check, they will do a more extensive background check before you graduate from flight school and they will most likely discover the record that time and you will be removed from flight school.
Admission to officer training also requires the passing of a test which tests your knowledge (this part is very much like the Scholastic Aptitude Test or SAT, that you took to get into college) as well as having a psychological test built into it.
The psychological questions are intermixed with the knowledge questions. In addition, the test is in sections and, once one section is completed you cannot go back and change answers in the previous sections.
So, by the time you have figured out where they are going with the psychological portion of the exam it is impossible to go back and change answers in order to present the right psychological profile.
In general, the USAF and Navy are looking for people who are motivated, aggressive, have initiative and are team players. This is what the psychological portion of the test looks for.
Finally, you will also have to pass a rigorous physical exam.
Pilot candidates usually also have to take additional knowledge and psychological tests as well as meet higher physical standards especially in the area of vision.
Assuming you meet all of the qualifications, the next step is officer training. All officer candidates, except those who received their commission through ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) in college or as a graduate of the Air Force Academy or the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis have to go through the officer training program following acceptance into military service.
While in officer training school you are not an officer and are treated much the same way as those in the enlisted ranks are treated in basic training.
Physical training is a major part of the program as are the academics which are focused mainly on the history and traditions of the Air Force or Navy.
Physical and mental stress play a big role in the training as one of the goals of the program is to weed out those who can't handle the stress and who are not fully committed to becoming an officer.
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Flight School
Once you complete officer training and receive your commission you will be sent to flight school. As an officer you will be treated with more respect and have more freedom than a cadet in officer training.
However, pilots are an elite fraternity within the service, especially the Air Force which is all about flying, so you will still be in a second class position as you will be both a student and one who has not yet earned pilot wings.
Flight school is a combination of academics, this time dealing with more serious aviation related subjects such as meteorology, aeronautic theory, principles of flight, etc., as well as flying, both in simulators on the ground and in planes in the air.
Stress is also a big part of flight school as they want people who can not only deal coolly with the stress of in flight emergencies, but the added stress of flying under combat conditions.
The intent is to identify and force out those who can't handle the stress as well as those who do not measure up academically or whose flying is not up to standards.
It is not uncommon for a number of people to wash out of flight school and not become military pilots. Flight school will take about a year and, if you successfully complete flight school you will be awarded your wings as a pilot.
Throughout flight school you will be continually evaluated and ranked. The rankings will be posted, so everyone will know where they stand in relation to everyone else.
As the class progresses, the higher ups in the chain of command will review their needs for pilots and send a list of open assignments to the flight school. These assignments will be based upon the needs of the service and there will be no guarantee as to how many, if any, of the assignments will be fighter jets.
Worse still, people are assigned to planes according to their rank in class with the top ranked person having first choice of assignments and the bottom ranked person getting the plane that is left after everyone else has chosen.
Since fighter jocks are the elite of the elite, you can be certain that any fighter assignments will be taken by those at the top of the class. So, if you want to be a fighter pilot, you had better work hard to be at the top of your class in flight school.
A Taste of USAF Fighter Pilot Training
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The Lucky Few Go On to Advanced Training as Fighter Pilots
In the case of the fighter jets, especially the newer high performance ones, the assignment is not to fly the jet but, rather, a seat in the school that trains people to fly these jets. While you are waiting for your fighter jet class to start, you will probably to sent to wilderness survival school to learn how to survive in the wilderness if you ever have to bail out and live off the land for a few days while waiting to be rescued. There will be a few days of class where you will learn which bugs, critters, roots and leaves are edible and then turned loose in the woods for a few days where you can immediately put this knowledge to use by living on these same creatures as you make your home in the wilderness. Disgusting as it sounds, this is actually the easy part of the training as the next stage is to continue to survive on eating bugs and whatever else you can find while, at the same time, evading capture by the enemy. Of course, you will be captured and will spend the next few days as a prisoner of war undergoing the same psychological and physical torture as you would receive from a real enemy.
The final stage is to attend and complete training in the fighter aircraft that you have chosen. You are now both an officer and a pilot so you are well into the ranks of the elite. Even if you fail to complete this school, you will be given another flying assignment, although not necessarily in a fighter jet. In addition to learning how to fly your chosen aircraft there may be additional training beyond how to operate the aircraft. Upon successful completion of your training you will be a full fledged fighter jock one most prestigious positions in the Air Force, overshadowed only by the tiny clique of test pilots and astronauts.
Indian Air Force- Su MKI 30 - Heavy Combat Aircraft
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Major World Air Forces Home and Pilot Pages
- U.S. Air Force Home Page
- Pilot - airforce.com
Taking control of one of the most advanced aircraft in the world — and pushing its performance to the limit — requires extraordinary skill and precision, and Air Force pilots make it look easy. - U.S. Navy Home Page
- U.S. Navy Pilot Page
- U.S.Air National Guard Recruiting Page
Air National Guard information and recruiting site. - Australian Defence Forces Home Page
- Australian Air Force Pilot Page
- Canadian Forces Home Page
- Canadian Air Force Pilot Page
- Indian Air Force Home Page
- Indian Air Force - Careers as a Pilot Page
- Royal New Zealand Air Force - Pilot Training Squadron
Military pilot training in New Zealand extends back to the days of the New Zealand Permanent Air Force formed in June 1923. Then student pilots and those undergoing refresher training were taught on old WWI Bristol Fighters and Avro 504K biplanes. - RAF - RAF Homepage
Great Britain's Royal Air Force (RAF)Home Page - UK Royal Air Force Pilot Page
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Check out My Other Hubs
- An Air Force Base Remembers its Past Pilots and Their Aircraft
Sitting peacefully in the desert at the entrance to Davis-Monthan AFB in Tucson, AZ is park memorializing past pilots and their aircraft. - How to Become a Fighter Pilot With the Air National Guard
In a previous Hub I discussed, in general terms, what is required to become a fighter pilot. That article dealt with the general attributes and requirements for joining the fraternity of elite aviators... - Founding of the National Guard
December thirteenth is the anniversary of the National Guard, the state militias that form the backbone of the reserve military forces of the United States and the troops who have fought most of our wars...
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My grandfather and father are both MiG,s pilots .Number one is great health , absolutely perfect vision . O
Number two is brain . Number three is strong personality . Dream isn't enough .
i am 10 and i am going to be a piolt for the us air force.
Ryan - The Hub is intended to describe the general process for becoming a fighter pilot in any nation's air force. For specifics you have to check with the air force of the specific nation whose Air Force you are interested in serving in.
In the links section of the Hub above I provided links to Air Forces of some selected nations and Canada is one of the ones I have links for. You will notice that there is a link to the Canadian Forces home page as well as a second link for the pilots page of the Canadian Forces.
I would be grateful to anyone who could answer my question on Qualifications. I am a healthy 19yr old, I weigh about 127 and im about 5`7. I dont do well with roller coasters but have noticed Ive grown more of a resistance when riding them. Is there any way of ridding myself of motion sickness so that I might be able to fly as a fighter pilot? ( Ill do anything, spinning around in chairs even lol.)
How similar is this to the Canadian Airforce?
Thanks for all the info.I am 13 and i have decided to join the Swedish air force(Flygvapen) even though I stay in South Africa.My right eye is not so sharp as my left eye,do you think they will still accept me?And will their aircraft,the SAAB Gripen still be effective by then? Thank you.
Michael
sneak - it depends both on what your eye problem is and the sight requirements of the branch of the service that has the fighter jets you want to fly. There are many nations that have air forces with fighter jets and their rules vary. Also, as mentioned in the Hub above, in the United States the Air Force, Navy and Marines all have fighter jets and their rules on sight vary.
helped....ive got one question.
if got eyes probleml..can still be selected???
I am 14 and I want become a fighter pilot. I love flying it is so much fun. I fly R/C gas airplanes.But it is my dream to be a figher pilot.I wanted to become a figher pilot when I was 7 years old.
I am from Argentina and I am studying in epic flight academy. I want to know if i could work in the US as a pilot after I have finished my commercial studies. I am 18 years old and I dont know if a can work in a company. I want to know if i can be an instructor even though I am not american
I'm 14 and Irish and I am very interested in becoming a fighter pilot and was wondering what Air Force i'd be accepted in?
I live in australia and will joining the air force cadets help me become a fighter pilot
jamin2000 - each nation has their own rules for obtaining a pilot license so check with your nation's aviation authority to see what is needed to obtain a pilot license in your country. If you are interested in becoming a fighter or other military aviator check with the branch of service in your nation that you want to fly for to see what their requirements are as these will probably be more strict than for a regular private pilot license. The same is true for becoming a commercial pilot your nation's rules for a commercial license will probably be stricter than for a private license and each company or airline you wish to fly for may also have some additional rules and requirements.
Iam a teen age girl and comleting my studies... and my dream is to become fightr pilot.. dream to fly high.
aftr readin info m too much excited to go in this field...
I really wont to become a pilot but I think I may be short. how tall do you need to be to fly a normal aeroplane.
Hi, I recently discovered my huge passion and desire to become a fighter pilot. I'm 15 years old. I do "ok" in school, and have a good physical shape. I was just wondering how I could get prepared, and what are the chances for me to fly the "Joint Strike Fighter"??
JS RISHI KANNAH - You sound like you have the desire to be a fighter pilot. I suggest you check the link capsule located toward the bottom of the Hub. In that capsule I have provided links to both the Indian Air Force Homepage and the Indian Air Force pilot career page. These two sites would be a good place to start looking for the answers you are seeking.
I AM 14 YEAR OLD BOY STUDYING 8TH STD. I AM FROM POOR FAMILY AND HAVING LOT OF KNOWLEDGE AND BURNING DESIRE TO BECOME A FIGHTER PILOT IN INDIAN AIR FORCE. CAN ANY ONE HELP ME BY GUIDING HOW TO JOIN IN IAF AS FIGHTER PILOT
hi im 14 and have decided to be a figter piolt for the usa's airforce is there any thing i need to know about what i have comeing send i tit cucumber1997@aol.com
I m a teen right now but i wnt to be a fighter pilot in future...... if any one of u would like to suggest me some important measures u can contact me at sidahir96@yahoo.com
THANKS.....
Hi, I am going to the Air Force Academy and I admitted to smoking weed 2 times on an AFROTC application. Will this disqualify me from pilot training??? I certainly hope not because that doesn't sound reasonable at all.
We run a web site built by fighter pilots for fighter pilots, those who want to become fighter pilots, think like fighter pilots, or just think fighter pilots are the coolest dudes on the planet. We built it to preserve fighter pilot history, traditions, and spirit. Our site is at www.fighterpilotuniversity.com and have just opened a updated web site. We wanted to see if you would be interested in running an ad on our site. We can put you on the top of one of our popular pages, plus include you in regular articles we post with e-mails to our subscribers (currently 1450). We have many visitors from all over the world to our site on a regular basis. If you would be interested in doing an ad, we can work out the details and terms.
Cheers,
John "Jolly" Rogers
Fighter Pilot University
OBTW - our new site has only been up since July 1st and we've had over 95,000 hits. I can send you the google analytics for the past 10 days (I've only had that turned on since Aug 9th). Below is our internal analytics which measures page hits:
I am a 15 year old boy and i want to know that can i be a fighter pilot for the N.A.V.Y. or the U.S. Airforce even if i am from another country. I realy need this information because i am going to college in 2-years and i need to put my academics in order.
Attatched is my e-mail address, if any anyone can help me, I shal be truley greatfull to them. My e-mail address is: bombamjawula@ovi.com. please help!!!!!!
This is very informational about becoming a fighter pilot in the U.S. Air Force.
For people who want information on how to become a fighter pilot in the Canadian Airforce should go to http://pilotincanada.com
Do agree that being selected to be train as a fighter pilot is extremely competitive. I was in the Canadian Air Force and didn't make it as fighter pilot, and ended up working in search and rescue missions mainly. I found this to be a much more rewarding experience.
What an interesting hub! The requirements are quite strict - I hear stories all the time of people who joined the Air Force or Navy just to be a pilot but being denied because of something or other... usually they seem to be denied because of their eyes.
Bud Gallant - thanks for the kind words. I'm honored to learn that it was considered good enough to be included in a HubCamp video.
Hi, Chuck. I saw your hub featured in a HubCamp video, and I can see why. Still #1 in Google for this topic. Congratulations. This really is a great hub, and I'm looking forward to checking out more and learning from your success.
Hi
Plz reply my question
I have 167cm height
2 tooths is empty
May be i'll pass in my country
Great hub.This is very informative and useful.I get a lot of information about the fighter pilot from this hub.Pilot candidates usually also have to take additional knowledge and psychological tests as well as meet higher physical standards especially in the area of vision.So thanks a lot for this wonderful sharing.
I am a teen right now but am looking to join the airforce. If anyone would like to send me information about it and what requierments you need to be a pilot, like vision or accademics, plese emal me at joshuajb98@yahoo.in thank you!!
A Fighter Pilot is one of the most exciting & challenging career options. Only the daring can opt for it.
Check out the article on how to become a Pilot in Indian Air Force: http://www.vfreshers.com/how-to-become-a-pilot-in-
IF i want to be a pilot for the air force, what magor would you suggest that I magor in while i am doing AF rotc at Lewis University. what is the best route to go to get a pilot position.
No you dont need a GED . They accept morons
Mozzz77 - I will try to answer some of your questions here.
As to body structure, I doubt that the female body is that much different when it comes to handling G-forces as there are female astronauts who have successfully flown in space. Since the G-forces are greater on a rocket than a jet fighter plane, I doubt that fact alone would disqualify you. Of course, people are different and if you can't handle the G-forces then that would be a disqualification for you.
As to becoming a fighter pilot in Australia, I suggest that you check out the Australasian Air Force as each nation has its own rules for military occupations. There is a link to the Australian Air Force page in the Hub above but here are two links for the Australian Air Force: http://www.airforce.gov.au/careers/pilot.aspx http://www.airforce.gov.au/units/2fts.aspx
My advice is to study these and other sites as well as visit an Air Force recruiter and discuss with them you dream of becoming a fighter pilot as they can answer specific questions about their current requirements than I can.
Good luck with achieving your dream.
im really grateful for this as i plan to become a fast fighter jet pilot, being a female will this give me less of a chance becoming a pilot, as well is there a certain kind of body structure for women or is just if you can handle what the G-Force? i really just want to know my chances of getting to be a fighter pilot, i have a lot to learn i can tell that now, but thank you so much it gave me and obviously everyone a great incite!!! good job, i;m also just wondering is there a less chance of me becoming a fast fighter jet pilot in Australia or is the chance equal everywhere in the world? i'd like to say again great job!!! i'd love to know more about the knowledge part... like do you need to be great in certain subjects? because i was told by a friend you need to be really good at maths... is that true?
hi sir this is karthik pursuing my b.tech in mechanical engineering in second year
my ambition is to become a pilot of a fighter plane
after the completion of my coarse in mechanical engineering do i have a chance to become a pilot if so can you give me the details if it???
WJP - first of all thanks for visiting my Hub and congratulations on your passing the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test.
As to learning to fly and obtaining a pilot license before entering the Air Force, it certainly won't hurt your chances of getting into Air Force Flight training but I don't know if it will necessarily help during the candidate screening.
In my case, I entered the 2 year AFROTC program while in college. The AFROTC program did have a program where pilot candidates were given ground school and flight training leading to a private pilot license. This was offered during the second year of the program.
A change in school resulted in my having to drop out of the AFROTC program. I was, however, able to use the 6 week AFROTC summer camp and the one year of AFROTC classroom experience to obtain a position in the Air National Guard as a navigator (a very minor eyesight problem that was detected on a pre-entrance physical forced me to switch from pilot to air navigator training - today both the Air Force and Air National Guard no longer disqualify candidate with the minor astigmatism that I had so long as they correct it with contact lenses).
Good luck and so long as you have the time and resources to get your private pilot's license go for it as you will already have the basic ground school and flight experience under your belt when you enter the AF flight training.
Hello. I took and passed the AFOQT and just graduated from colege. Before joining and going to officer training, will taking pilot classes and having a pilots license help my chances of obtaining a pilot slot? I have heard that it helps people during flight candidate screening if they have pilots license... is this true? Thank you very much in advance!
Kyle - I don't believe prior flight time is required for flight training and I am certain that it is not required to enlist the U.S. Air Force. It was not a requirement when I was in the Air Force a number of years ago.
Chuck-do you need prior flight time to join the air force?..if so how much time?
I'm only in high school but I wanna goninto the navy to fly
Thanks for the post. This was my dream job! I was in the USAF (1980s) but was enlisted and did ground communications only. But that included being part of an air defense system operations crew. In my four years I was around jet fighters long enough to know that I really wanted to be a pilot. Still love the sound of an A-10 Warthog fly by. Maybe in my next life... sigh.
Fighter pilot is the most challenging career. You have to make yourself tough to face it.
Im 16 years old and I plan on being a fighter pilot after I graduate from Marshall University. This site has really helped me and gave me some information that I have been needing to know for a while now. I now have a general idea of what to expect. It's gonna be tough, but as long as i set my mind to it, it will happen.
this is good but it is over loaded with information
I WANNA FLY.................
This is awesome!!!!! I've always wanted to be a fighter pilot. Thanks this really helps a LOT! What is physical torture?
bcunning68 - Welcome to HubPages and thank you for visiting my Hub.
There is a wealth of information on HubPages for new (as well as existing) Hubbers seeking ways to be successful here. The best piece of advice I can give is to consider your HubPages activity a business and, like any good business, concentrate on 1) delivering a quality product; and, 2) more importantly, deliver content that readers want and make sure you let readers know that you have what they want (in other words, marketing).
Here is a link to one of my Hubs that I wrote to answer questions like yours: http://hubpages.com/hub/How-do-I-get-Started-With-
In that Hub I not only provided information on how to get started and be successful but also included some links in the body to other useful Hubs by both others and me. In addition, there are two Link Capsules in that Hub - one with links to other Hubs by me on different things I have found that have helped me as well as a second one with links to a few of the many Hubs by others that I have found helpful. Of course, all of these linked Hubs, both by me and by others, have additional links.
In addition to using the Hubs described above to get yourself off to a good start, you should also develop a habit of spending some time regularly continuing to learn as there are always new things we can learn that will improve our writing as none of us know everything. Even if one of us were to know everything we need to know to be successful, HubPages and the Web in general are still a work in progress with changes and new things coming out every day and all these changes are new things for everyone to learn.
One final comment, in addition to carefully reading and following links in Hubs you find useful in advancing you Hubbing skills, don't overlook comments in both the Hubs you are reading but in your own as they often provide new bits of useful information as well as introducing you to Hubbers from whom you could learn more. Many of the links to articles by other Hubbers in my Hub that I cited above in this comment were discovered when I clicked on the photo of a person leaving a comment on one of my Hubs or some other Hub I was reading and went to their profile and discovered Hubs by them which proved very useful in my Hubbing education.
Good luck with your Hubbing.
I just started on HubPages and have enjoyed reading your articles for both content and to help focus my journey to publish my own Hubs. What are two things everyone beginning this journey should know?
Hey I am 15 put I want to know more about how to join and how much flying expirence do I need ?
i am a junior in high school and it has been my dream to become a fighter pilot. my question to you is where do i start? also, there is so much information out there about becoming a fighter pilot and i was wondering if you know the best place to look for information?
FIGHTER PILOT BY ROCCO LEO
One year ago start my first esculptue.
FULL clay.
THE VIDEO IS THE FIRST COPY IN RESIN
Fighter pilot is a very challenging career. Your article will definitely help yougsters who want to choose this career.
Jwoww - in answer to your question about whether fighter pilots have to be male, the answer is a qualified no. In the United States the Defense Department has been accepting women for pilot training since 1976 (actually during World War II the U.S. military used women pilots to fly planes from the factory to the bases where they were to be deployed from). However, it was not until 1993 that the U.S. military allowed women to fly combat aircraft. The United States also has women in its astronaut corps and more than one has flown in space aboard NASA's space shuttle.
For other nations the rules concerning flying military aircraft and military combat aircraft, will vary from country to country.
Being a fighter pilot isn't limited to just males is it ?
Thanks for the information. Would like to see more on Marine Corps aviation. I am a 4th Class Midshipman in the Marine Corps ROTC & Aviation is one of my options.
Nice|,it must make an hounarable
schmidtaggie@yahoo.com
I'm currently located in College Station, Texas. If you have any connections down here PLEASE let me know.
I'm going to make a badass pilot one day. This really helped. I have always wanted to be a pilot but this just tipped me to be one! As soon as I graduate college, I am definitely doing this! Eating bugs, getting beat half to death, fitness training....Nothing will stop me. It will definitely be worth it. I am very good at math and studying will be number ONE if that is what it takes!
Thanks for the information and im trying to get in the Airforce academy but right now im a sophmore and im in afjrotc so im waiting until next year and trying to prepare for the academy and then becoming a fighter jet pilot!and do you apply online?
I always wondered what it took to fly one of those jets. Thanks for the share.
thx for the help it was very informative
The easiest way to get a fighter slot is to go to the Air Force Academy. They get about 450 slots a year to distribute among the approximately 1000 students per class. Of those thousand, not all are qualified medically and not all want to fly. About 50 cadets who want to fly pilots and are physically able to will not be able to...so if you go to the academy and can stay out of the bottom 10% of the class, you are pretty much guarenteed a pilot slot. Then the competition begins for the coveted fighter slots.
Very informative hubs.. Keep it up the good works
Pimpdigity.....thanks for the info
i also become a pilot
plz can u all help me
I'am a teen and I really want to become a fighter pilot can somebody help me with any infor please..
thanks
i always wanted to be a fighter pilot....
it's my dream!!!!
Excellent Hub!!!!!
The hub is terrifically useful for young generation who are aspiring to become a fighter pilot. It provide all the necessary and valuable information in this regard such as, Pilot candidates usually also have to take additional knowledge and psychological tests as well as meet higher physical standards especially in the area of vision. Thanks a lot for sharing such a valuable peace of text.
I have always drewamed of being a pilot and trained not in an achademy for it I will continue to train in future years and be a pilot
This is an excellent resource! Great job :)
I like the photo, Jet Fighters Flying Over HQ Bldg at Randolph, AFB. How do they do this? I think this requires a very difficult technique.
I believe to become a fighter pilot it must be the single most important thing on your mind so you can stay focused. Much like becoming a navy seal or green beret.
I MAKE PILOT
Chuck, I am trying to do some research for my son. He is currently in the JROT program in High School. He is only a sophomore but is already a Company Commander. His SGT told me that he is in line to be the Battalion Commander next year. My son feels like he would be better off joining the Civil Air Patrol than staying with JROTC. He does plan on applying to one of the Military Academies out of High School and his goal is to become a fighter pilot. So my question would be which one would benefit him more Civil Air Patrol or JROTC?
very cool hub!
I wanted to become pilot when I was younger, but I gave up when they said you need perfect vision. :(
Great and informative hub, thanks!
AuthorSteve - thanks for visiting and for your comment.
I have always believed that it is important to keep other options in mind when you have a goal.
I wasn't seeking to be a fighter pilot but did want to be a pilot and fly. In my case we had mandatory military service for young men in the U.S. and I felt that if I had to serve then flying would be more exciting. Unfortunately, I had slightly less than 20/20 vision in one eye and, in those days, the USAF didn't allow glasses for pilot applicants (they do now and, even then, allowed it for those who had completed training and had been flying before their sight changed). However, the eye sight requirements for Navigators were not as strict so I became a navigator which allowed me to wear flight wings and be a critical part of the cockpit crew flying the plane. This turned out to be very satisfying and enjoyable.
So, keep an open mind and if one road is blocked en route to a goal be on the lookout for close alternatives.
The requirements to become a fighter pilot seem to be even higher than I thought they were (after reading your hub).
But at least there is always the chance to become "just" a normal pilot, if you have failed to become a fighter pilot.
fire fighters for me are hunks... they look great. i love them.. i badly want to be a fighter pilot but unfortunately im a girl.
I would love to be a fighter pilot but I think I am now too old... Maybe an astronaut..
mcninckey98 - I think Corey beat me to it in answering your question.
Basically, it is my understanding that, as far as the U.S. Air force goes, once you complete your officer training and earn your commission as well as meet all of the qualifications for flight school you should be assigned a date for starting flight school (of course there is always the chance that the needs of the Air Force will change and you get assigned to another job). Once in flight school you will have to meet the passing standards in both your classroom academic work and flight training missions or you will end up being washed out and given a non-flight assignment.
As I mentioned in one of my comments above, the Air Force looks at its pilot needs and provides a list of pilot slots for those needs to each class. There is no telling what types of aircraft a particular class will be offered. It may be a variety of different aircraft or mostly one or two types of aircraft.
Each student gets to choose their assignment from the list offered with the student having the highest ranking in the class getting first choice and the remainder getting to choose in the order of their ranking - the one who ends up at the bottom of the class gets the aircraft that is left.
Corey was correct in that your best chance of getting the type of aircraft you want would be to join the Air National Guard. Air National Guard units generally only fly one type of aircraft and, upon successful completion of flight school you will be sent for training in that aircraft and then return to your unit and fly that aircraft. Here is a link to my Hub on becoming a fighter pilot in the Air National Guard.
http://hubpages.com/hub/How-to-Become-a-Fighter-Pi
There are a couple of things to consider before you decide to join the National Guard:
1) Not all units fly fighter aircraft so you will probably have to relocate to a city in another part of the nation.
2) The National Guard is a reserve force so you will need a regular civilian job and fly on weekends and during your annual two week active duty each year.
3) As reserve units, National Guard units can be called to active duty by the Governor of the State in which the unit is located or President of the United States to deal with a state or national emergency. With the exception of the Vietnam War, it has been the National Guard which has generally been called to active duty first in time of war (including the current War on Terror in which many Guard units have been called for multiple tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan).
Oh and also that even if you earn top of your class anymore, if there aren't any fighter slots available your not going to be in a fighter. That is a pretty common scenario now
Oh I forgot to mention, the best chance of becoming a fighter pilot, is to get into a Air National Guard unit that flys fighters. Good luck with that though because these units are turning down priors with experiance in the same type of aircraft.
Dreaming of being a fighter pilot is great, but just being skilled and working hard will not get you into a seat of a fighter jet,let alone even any other military aircraft, especially not today.
First of all you have to be an officer. In order to do that you either have to attend a military academy, do ROTC during school or attend an officer training school and in order to do that have at least a college degree. Second you have to pass a entrance exam (AFOQT, ASTB, whatever the Army does) that is similer to an exam to get into graduate school. Third you have to do very very well in order to be competative enough to get a "pilot" slot (not a fighter pilot slot).
After commissioning you attend pilot training...(if your lucky) and the needs of your service still require pilots.(again not just fight pilots). As of right now with canceled aircraft contracts and the retirement of Generation 4 aircraft, there is a large pool of student pilots that are either being let out of their contracts or transfered to other duty (i.e. Naval Flight Officer, Combat Systems Officer (USAF Navigator)
Your first goal should be to be a Military Officer first.(although not many officer seem to understand that anymore). In any service you are always an officer first and whatever duty you are in second.
If someone joins any of the regular service branches (i.e. USAF, USN, USMC, USCG, USA) you are subject to the needs of that service. If the need is flying cargo or UAVs, that is where you are going.
It is great to have a fighter pilot goal but don't limit yourselves to just that duty, because most likely you will be disappointed for something that may not even be in your control. It is possible to get through all 2-4 years of rigorous training to be told you are going to fly something else. You will probably fly totally something different than what you expected, but you are flying, and that should be you goal.
If any of you are lucky enough to get a military contract read it carefully before you sign, because it states that your duties are base on the NEEDS OF YOUR SERVICE.
I am a commercial pilot with prior flight experiance, and was selected for a pilot slot for the USN. Getting into a fighter slot will be the least of your worries. There are pilot candidates that have been in A-Pool for up to a year, and they are not only people from commission sources go but they are letting academy grads with aviation contracts out of their obligation to serve as officers, as long as they pay 50% of there school back. Also they are transfering pilots to other positions.
Being a fighter pilot would be great, but I would be happy if I were to be flying rubber dog shit out of Hong Kong, with the way things are going now.
chuck one last question. how many people get to b a pilot for the air force out of a class because i want to b a pilot and i dont want to go through all the training and realizing i cant get a position .thank u very much. u r very help full.
chuck thank u very much for ur help
mcnickey98 - According to the information I found the USAF Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training (SUPT) takes approximately 52 weeks. This is the primary training required to earn USAF pilot wings. Graduates then go on to additional training in the aircraft that they will be flying for the Air Force and the length of this training varies depending upon the aircraft you will be flying.
Here is a link for more information on the USAF SUPT training program.
how long is flight school
mcninckey98 - in the U.S. Air Force all pilot candidates go through the same pilot training to earn their wings.
Then, depending upon their aircraft assignments are sent on for advanced training in the aircraft they are assigned to.
I believe that the process today is the same as when I was a navigator in the USAF and that process involved providing a list of pilot assignments to each class and allowing the graduates to choose the assignment they wanted from the list.
The graduates were ranked based upon their class standing and the graduate who had done the best in the class had first choice, the one with the second highest standing got to choose next, and the person at the bottom of the class ended up with the aircraft assignment that remained after those above him/her had made their choices.
The better one does in basic flight training the greater their chances of landing a good fighter plane assignment (this, of course, assumes that there are fighter assignments available at the time of graduation from flight school).
bob - Here is a link to the Royal New Zealand Air Force recruitment page on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Royal-New-Zealand-Ai
and here is a link to the Royal New Zealand Air Force pilot training page.
http://www.stepup.mil.nz/jobs-in-the-rnzaf/browse-
Check these out and hopefully they will be of help to you.
chuck what can u became if you want to b a pilot but not a fighter pilot in the air force and wat training is needed
how do you in nz
I think fighter pilots are one of those "seize the day" kind of jobs. The experience is simply breathtaking.
thanks this helps me on my project
i went to school right across from shaw airforce base in sumter S.C. i would sit in class and listen to the jets fly over. for as long as i can remember i've wanted to be a fighter pilot for the U.S. airforce. this info has helped alot. Thanks
This website was very imformative. :) keep up the good work
yea im gonna be in the AirForce its my calling I just love all aircraft and i will do best in the AirForce
I made my decision im gonna be a pilot, I know its my plan to be one thanks again for the info
Good Information I have always wanted to be a fighter pilot ever since my parents took me to watch the Thunderbirds, but I also want to become a Marine I am also 14 and I'am in good physical shape very good and make good grades if i join Marines or Airforce I will want to become a Officer. "SEMPER Fi"
Good post.
So you cannot become a fighter pilot if you wear corrective lenses? And also, I am 5'2", I read that the height requirement is at least 5'4" so does that automatically disqualify me?
thanks this helped me on my research paper
Excellent site, very helpful! I have always wanted to be a pilot, but not sure what kind. This really makes me want to rise to the top of my graduating class to become a fighter! But I really want to know, if I don't go to college first and go through ROTC, will it take longer if I just join the Air Force and rise through the ranks that way? Please e-mail me at swordfightingfreak@yahoo.com
Thanks for the post, this motivates me further to become a fighter pilot in the air force. I am about to graduate high school here in June, this semester I am the Corps Commander of my JROTC Unit. I am going to attend the University of Central Florida on an AFROTC scholarship. I look forward to joining their detachment and striving to be the best I can be. I have wanted to be a pilot ever since I played WWII Fighters on PC and watched Top Gun
I am only 14 years old, but I am determined to become a pilot in the AF. After reading this information it has even encouraged me even more. I am in pretty good physical shape and I am extremely good at math, also I don't stress out....But I am only 14 so I'll just have to go with the flow until it is my time to join. Thankyou for all this Chuck!
I'm joining AFROTC in the fall. Can't wait!!
BE A BEST IN AIR FORCE..........
thanks this is good for my grade seven project
Unfortunately, we can not all become fighter pilots. For those who still dream of getting into the hot seat, rent a ride. There are many locations in the world where one can experience the thrills of a being a fighter pilot. See flyajetfighter.com to fly a jet, as a civilian.
I want to be pilot someday
thanks now i can choose my career nicely
i see nothing about high school grades... i may just have an extremely slim chance....
John - thanks for the update on U.S. Marine Fighter Pilots and their training.
Also, the Marine Corps requires EVERYONE to go through The Basic School for 6 months after OCS in order to learn how to be an infantry platoon commander. Even if you want to be a "fighter pilot," you're primary job will be as a platoon commander at some point in time. While pilots in the air force solely fly, Marine Corps pilots have much more work on the table than just flying.
very interesting read, those guys have nerves of steel and deserve major props for what they do.
Great hub Chuck. Spent twenty years in the crop dusters and allways envisioned myself as a fighter pilot...hey, I can dream! Thanks.
thanks alot chuck, it is nice to know that i can have my vsion corected and still be a pilot.
blair - As to your question, as I have stated in previous comments here and on my other Hubs, my policy is to restrict my replies to the comment section rather than via email as usually more than one person has the same questions so it is more efficient to reply here rather than sending basically the same reply to many people.
The fitness training is usually most intense in the military basic training which comes before specialized training like pilot training.
I got my commission through the college Air Force ROTC program and, at that time, the basic training was a 6 week summer training camp where we had calisthenics every morning and some running but nothing intense. That, however, was a number of years ago and the program may have changed (my nephew is in Army ROTC and he has attended at least two summer camps that I know of). Also, if you go through Air Force Officer Training School OTS) for your commission there is probably more emphasis on physical training.
If you elect to become in fighter pilot in the Navy or Marines, especially the Marines, there may be an even greater emphasis on physical training and fitness.
There are maximum weight requirements for both admission into the Air Force and for pilot training as well as minimum and maximum height limits for pilot training. There also may be a minimum weight requirement.
As for eyesight, the current requirement is basically that your eyesight be correctable to 20/20.
Click here to see my Hub on becoming a fighter pilot for the Air National Guard http://hubpages.com/_fccab/hub/How-to-Become-a-Fig the requirements for which are the same as the USAF and in which I discuss and provide links for up to date information on physical and educational requirements that need to be met to fly for the USAF and/or Air National Guard.
hi chuck, i have just turned 15 and i really would like to be a fighter pilot when i'am old enough. All i want to know is what fitness levl do you have to be at to pass these tests because i want to be full prepared for them, also i have heard you need 20/20 vision, is that true?? thanks alot my email adress is blair.crichton@googlmail.com if you would rather email than reply trough this web page.
legolas - while foreign nationals can serve in the enlisted ranks of the U.S. Armed Forces I am not certain that they are allowed to serve as officers and all fighter pilots are officers.
However, it is not uncommon for fighter pilots and other officers of foreign armed forces to both train in the U.S. (there were three or four people from Allied Air Forces who trained with me when I was in Air Navigation school and the same is true in USAF Flight schools, as well as foreign officers serving in exchange and liaison positions in flying and non-flying positions in the U.S. Armed Forces. One of my instructors in Air Navigation School was a Captain who was a navigator in the air wing of the Canadian Forces.
Chuck, can foreign nationals become USAF pilots? God bless u for a great hub
Was searching for "how to become a pilot", saw your hubpage. Great info on how to become a fighter pilot!
what about women flying fighters in the air force?? in combat??
Dan - For most people, I would say no that it is not a sin to be a fighter pilot. However, if one is a Quaker or other pacifist religion it probably would be a sin as these Christian and other sects are generally totally opposed to war or, at least taking up and using weapons in war (this does not prevent them from risking their lives serving in front line positions as medics and other non-combat roles).
St. Augustine and other Christian saints and scholars have supported the idea of a just war in which one basically fights to defend their homeland. So a person can be both a Christian and a fighter pilot defending his or her country against attack.
Hey Chuck. I am a strong christian and I wanted to know if it was a sin to be a fighter pilot in some cases. I mean if your bombing a city or somewhere in Afganistan wouldn't there be a lot of citizen deaths. Just wondering because that would be the big difference of me becoming a fighter pilot or not
Sarah - in the Air Force the requirement is that pilots be officers and Second Lieutenants (the AF equivalent of an Ensign) fly planes so I presume that pilot wings are given to ensigns in the Navy as well.
Can and Ensign be a pilot? I've usually only seen Lt.
great info it helped me alot! im 19 and finishing my first semester in college. Im wanting to be a fighter pilot and this helped me alot thnx!
first start from bicycle, try to drive it in aggressive mode.
how to become a hunter pilot? interesting topic. Uniform always ttracted me.. but due to some reasns I could'nt make it.. nice hub
Jenish Chand - Thank you for visiting my Hub and for your comment.
In answer to your question, the requirements to become a pilot in the Air Force you must first be a commissioned officer which means that you have to be accepted and successfully complete USAF Officer Training School (OTS). While the U.S. Military will accept non-citizens into its enlisted ranks, officers must be U.S. citizens as stated in the requirements for officer training on this military recruiting website:
http://www.military.com/Recruiting/Content/0,13898
The reason for this is that military officers are government officials with decision making authority. In most nations, decision making positions in government are reserved for citizens of the nation only. Further, in the United State and many other nations, the act of accepting such a commission from a foreign nation can result in one's native land revoking the citizenship of who accept such commissions.
The U.S. Air Force also requires officer candidates to have a degree from a recognized college or university before they can be accepted for Officer Training School.
Since you are only 19 years old, you still have time to complete college and complete the 7 year residence requirement to become a citizen before you reach the age of 28 1/2 which currently is the maximum age for admittance to pilot training.
So, if you desire to become a U.S. citizen as well as obtain a college degree and meet the other requirement listed on the website in the link above for becoming an officer and a pilot you could have a chance to become a pilot in the U.S. Air Force or one of the other branches of the U.S. military that employs pilots.
I suggest you find an Air Force recruiter in the city in which you live and speak with them about opportunities and choices available to you in the U.S. Air Force.
respected sir/madam
I am currently in united states and i am a permanent reisdence here since six months...i always wanted to be a pilot..but the chance i got it to come in united states as a permanent residence...so i have already finished by high school in my country and i am 19 yrs old...so is there any chances that the united states airforce will recruit me as the airforce pilot or as equivalent..please send me email in jenish.chand@gmail.com. i am looking forward for your responce..
Will - in answer to your questions:
1 No. You do not have to go to the Air Force Academy in order to become a fighter pilot. In fact, I don't think attending the Academy increases your chances of being accepted for pilot training.
You have to be a college graduate to qualify to become an officer and being an officer IS a requirement for becoming a pilot. But graduating from any recognized 4 year college or university is fine.
If you go to a college with an Air Force ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) unit on campus and you successfully complete the AFROTC training and graduate you will receive your officer's commission at graduation. If you go to a school without an AFROTC unit you can apply to attend the Air Force Officer Training School (OTS) and receive your officer commission that way.
In my day you had to have 20/20 vision to qualify for pilot training - no corrective lenses allowed. HOWEVER, in researching my recent hub on how to become a fighter pilot for the Air National Guard ( http://hubpages.com/hub/How-to-Become-a-Fighter-Pi ) I discovered that the Air Force now allows less than 20/20 vision provided it can be corrected with glasses or contacts. DON'T get laser eye surgery because, according to the most recent information I have found, this will definitely DISQUALIFY you for pilot training.
Click on the link to my Air National Guard Hub above and check the links to the Air Force Web pages on pilot qualifications I have in there.
Good luck
Chuck Nugent
Hey Chuck! This was great for me. I'm just a teenager but it is my passion to be a fighter pilot in the USAF. I do have some questions for you though. Do you have to go to Air Force Acadamy to be a pilot or can you just go to any college and then join the Air Force after you graduate? Also, I wear contacts, so I don't have 20 20 vision, but if I got laser eye surgery would that qualify me to be a pilot? Great info again, really inspiring! I admire you for serving our country. Thanks!
I always found fighter planes to be awesome, this is some great info on becoming a pilot.
~thranax~
Smith84 - Thanks for commenting.
As to your question, I have prepared a new Hub on how to become a fighter pilot in the Air National Guard. Click here to read it: http://hubpages.com/hub/How-to-Become-a-Fighter-Pi
Chuck
Seems like a cool job but easy to forget the physical and emotional strain these guys get put through. Really well written hub thanks
I graduated with a degree in aerospace engineering and worked as an engineer for a few months before being laid off. I have never been in the military or any ROTC program. I am seriously considering joining the Air National Guard to become a fighter pilot and would like to know the best route to take?
im only in year 7 but i cant wait to join up ive always wanted to be a RAF pilot
That is a crazy awesome hub! My grandfather is a pilot and I have always wondered how he became one! Awesome hub!
one more year of school and I WILL be on my way.
Interesting Post. For Erik, the abbreviation is pronounced G-LOC (like Gee-Lock) or Gee Induced Loss Of Consciousness and can happen if you pull too many "G's". One of the ways to get to be a military pilot is to attend one of the Federal Service Academies, info at http://www.toughestschoolsintheworld.com/
Good Luck and good hub
Very informational and helpfull to me or any one willing to become a fighter pilot you have a great piece there i enjoyed reading it and watching those videoes u put up but remember anyone who reads this and wants to fly jets u have to be in great shape for (high G tests)Not the funnest test u have to be able to with stand 7 8 9 g's with out a g suit with out blacking out because black out and when you open your eyes the ground infront will be waking you up. anyways i'd say the g test is very uncomfortable because at nine times the force of gravity without a g suite you have to tighten your lower leg thigh and butt also your abdomen musles all at once top stop the blood from dripping to your feet and loosing consecisnous i probably spelled that wrong but in other words blacking out try to tighten those muscles and spin around in circles with 9 times the force of gravity bearing down on you not fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for the info. Of course if your goal is to drop bombs and not fly. You could always go TACP or CCT and become a JTAC. They are the ones actually clearing the aircraft to drop for those of you interested in that kind of stuff. Its also a blast.
great overview.....
Thank you.
Zach - thanks for your comment.
Since you are already in the National Guard I suggest you talk to one of the recruiting officers about transferring to the Air National Guard if you are not already in the Air Guard and then inquire about Officer training and flight training.
If you are still in college you could probably join the AFROTC at your college or a nearby college and complete your officer training while in college. Visit the AFROTC unit at your school or neighboring school to inquire about moving from the National Guard to the AF and about Officer and Flight training.
Good Luck
I was curious about a few things regarding how to be a pilot. First off, I am in the Air National Guard and am currently attending college. If I want to join the Air Force after my Guard commitment is over, what would I need to do for the officer training? thanks.
Johnny, Thanks for your comments and good luck with your desire to become a Marine fighter pilot.
Someone commented shortly after I wrote the article reminding me that the Marines also had fighter pilots and I added a mention of them in the article at that time. Your aunt can correct me if I am wrong but I believe that the main job of Marine fighter pilots is to provide air support to Marines fighting on the ground - this can include attacking the enemy in which the Marine ground forces are engaging or providing air cover to prevent enemy aircraft from attacking Marine ground forces.
Thanks again and I wish you the best of luck in your efforts to become a Marine fighter pilot.
Chuck
I plan on becoming a pilot for the Marines.
And you were wrong about them,they do have fighter jets..and they do engage in fights.
My aunt is a fighter pilot for the usmc..she told me everything.
Great information. I love fighters and watching them rock the skies!
http://hubpages.com/t/9dbdf (personal submarines)
really cool i just want to say thanks it helped me on my assignment
again good hub chuck ...this shows your knowledge base......
Hunter, Check with a recruiter but I am fairly sure that high blood pressure will keep you from becoming a fighter pilot. However, depending upon how high your blood pressure is, it may not prevent you from other flying jobs or ground support jobs working with jet fighters.
Will having higher blood pressure keep you from being a pilot?
man thnx alot im 16 and i go to rev and i wanted a background of how to become a fighter pilot.my freind is going to join da marines on da 29 his going to become a sniper.Wish him luck on myspace!!mentonerachel@aol.com
I am an air force wife and so this hub was naturally closer to my heart than most others you have written.
i'm currently in civil air patrol and i love to fly. i want to be a fighter pilot in either the marines or the navy and this has given me a lot of good information to work with. thanks
GOOD DAY SIR,
I AM VERY GREATFULL AS I COME ACROSS YOUR SITE, IT WILL HELP ME ALOT, AS I PLAN TO BE A JET FIGHTER PILOT IN NIGERIAN AIR FORCE.
This is what i wanted to know
Thank You
Hunter - the requirments not only change from time to time but also vary from one branch of a nation's military to another as well as vary from nation to nation. I have provided links in the Links Section to the home pages for the Air Force and Navy for the U.S. and other nations as well as the home pages for the fighter pilot pages for some of these branches of the service. If the branch or nation you are looking for is not there I suggest you try a Google search.
Yes, what Daniel said do you have an estimate on the height requirements?
Very cool hub, I always wanted to be a fighter pilot when I was younger, I never knew it was that intensive.
Thank you
Cool stuff i'm looking forward to becoming a fighter pilot. can't wait.
I am a high school student that has been looking into the AFA for the past year or so. Over this time I have heard many different things about the height requirements for a fighter pilot. I would like to know if anybody has a correct figure for the height requirement of a fighter pilot. If so, please answer and let me know. Thanks.
Hunter - if your college has an ROTC program visit them and inquire about their two year program. Even if you are a junior or senior they will often take you to start and then let you finish while in graduate school.
Can you be in college and apply for ROTC at the same time?
dude this information was fantastic i'm only 12years old at the time and i've always been fascinated by the art of war but i never thought i'd get so interested in becoming a fighter pilot i always wanted to get in the marine corp until now thank you for helping me find the right path i don't know what i wouldv'e done without this
Ever since I was small i wanted to become a fighter pilot, this will help me allot when i go too the air force academy.
uh..hi im a teen too and im going into high school next year and im interested in becoming a fighter pilot when i grow up and applying to the us air force academy..i was just wondering do they accept canidents that get laser eye surgery my left sye is kinda not as good as it could be..and if you have any tips on what couls help me in the future that would help too..thanks.
Thanks Chuck! I'll visit the sites and keep pursuing the dream!
Keep well
Michael - Thanks foy your comment.
As to your question regarding becoming a test pilot I don't have any specific advice. The military obviously uses test pilots for new aircraft but your age may be a barrier in some countries. Manufacturers of military aricraft also employ test pilots and this might be an option.
Another option might be with commercial space travel companies. In my Hub entitled "Vacationing in Outer Space" http://hubpages.com/hub/Vacationing_in_Outer_Space I discussed and provided links for Britain's Virgin Galactic Corporation's efforts in this area (the last time I checked, they were planning flights beginning this year, 2009, first from Edwards AFB in California and later to a permanent facility in New Mexico.
Another British company, Star Chaser, is also working on commercial space travel and their website is www.starchaser.co.uk
Good luck.
Thank's for the informative hub!
I am a qualified mechanical engineer. I have worked for two years in the ordinance/missle research & development dept. of a government company here in South Africa. After that I branched out into other areas of project engineering. I resigned to study & complete my Commercial Pilots License and have subsequently gained experience on the An-32B. I would like ultimately to fly as test pilot in the development of the world's latest technologies.
I am 30, two years older than the acceptance age of the SAAF and have limited options due to political reasons (i'm white male).
Many of the SAAF personal are being recruited by the RAAF. My younger brother is a US citizen, he was born during the 2 years we lived there in the early 1980's.
I don't think that the US would be interested, but where in the world do you think I could enquire to further my career?
Thanks again!
Writer Rider - There are minimum and maxium height and weight restrictions. Off hand I don't know what they are. I presume that they may vary from service to service and may also change periodically.
I suggest that he check the Navy's pilot page at http://www.navy.com/careers/officer/aviation/ and/or contact a Naval recruiter as they should be able to provide that information.
My son will love this hub! He's going to take aeronautical or space engineering in college then become a fighter pilot. In fact, he wants to be a blue angel as well. Of course height runs in my family and if he's anywhere as tall as my father, he'll be 6'4''. Do you know if there's a height limit?
Hello sir,
Iam prashanth from india iam in my 12 standard i very intrested to become a commertial pilot how can i approach from now to become a pilot.
thank you very much this really helped me learn what i needed to become a fighter pilot, if theres any other information about becoming a fighter pilot please tell me,
The last time I checked, color blindness kept people from flying for the military. The FAA may have rules against this for pilots flying passengers for large commercial airlines. However, the same rules may not apply to other classes of pilots. Also, individual airlines may have their own rules reguarding this.
A final point to note is the fact that there are different types of color blindness and rules may differ depending upon the type of colorblindness.
Nice info just a question i'm a color blind person can i be still be pilot?
This is such a great article. I have quite i few friends that are pilots and a brother that is dying to be one. I think this would be awesome and you make some great points that so many people overlook (first strike for not becoming a pilot) No college degree. Most of my friends went through a lot of the rigorous testing and work until they found out that they were not going to fly! Not last minute, but once you have all of your ducks in a row and not get your wings you are kind of stuck.
The second one is that there is a ton of competition and being in the airforce now and flying one a Top Gun Jet is extremely difficult. Kids are practically scouted like pro athletes.
3 of my close friends make the point that they went to the military to fly and where 10 out of 100 would fly in the airforce 10 out of 20 could fly in the military. But it is all about the effort put forth.
Last but not least - excellent article!!
John - my advice is to check with your local recruiter as the rules regarding vision may vary some from service to service and also sometimes are relaxed or tightened depend upon the needs of the service and the supply of applicants seeking entrence to flight training.
Good Luck
can you still become a fighter pilot if you have glasses but had Lasik or similar type sugery?
Andras Daroczi - thanks for visiting my Hub. To answer your question, when I was in the Air Force 20/20 vision was required to get into pilot training. Navigators, which is what I was, had a slightly lower standard than 20/20, and a few even wore glasses while in Navigator training. So, if you wear glasses you probably will not be admitted to pilot training. However, once you have your wings and are flying there is, or used to be, some latitude as you get older so some deviation from 20/20 vision was allowed and on some types of aircraft I did see older pilots wearing glasses.
Awesome hub Chuck! I have a question. I wear glasses...that means I can't be a fighter pilot?
lol
Thanks for the info. Im 15 and cant wait to fly for the Navy.
My hero
Ya that whole hight i had never thought of that before. Looking into piloting is just recent for me too...like chuck you know of any, caus i mean im a pretty short guy, you kno. So im just wondering thats if you ave any idea at all
hey chuck thanks for that i really needed the information. do yuou know if its the same for the australian airforce? if not could u help find out fr me well anyway thanks for that oh yea i met a new freind the other day guys and his dad is australias best fighter pilot he was australias first topgun. he said if u really wanna become a fighter pilot put ur head down at school and do everything required even if you dont like it because if you do you will have a much better chance and remember if you can try make ur records stand out to the rest not just have the requirements go out and get everything you can to do with it. itll really help in the longrun
Ouch! What a bummer!
It was my dream to be a fighter pilot when I was 20 years old. Ready to board a bus to a military airforce base, I made a self check for any physical defects. Only then did I realize i was wearing glasses for near-sightedness.
HI CHUCK,
INFORMATIVE AND INTERESTING HUB ON FIGHTER PILOT
Hey, I was just curious if your aware of any height requirements, because im actually geting my civilan licence at the moment, and although im only in my teens, I have the intensions of joining the military, and becoming a fighter pilot, however im only 5'2 and im positive that im not going to be growing any time soon, so do you thing this would pose a problem, because i would rather find this out now then after going through training, and schooling, when i could have been dirrected my focal intrest somewhere else.
Well this blog comes nearly 20 years to late. Think I´m too old to become a fighting pilot. The time when Top Gun came out was my time and inspired me but ... one (meanwhile 3) child wanted to be feeded. Thank you Chuck for this great blog, Erik PR: wait... I: wait... L: wait... LD: wait... I: wait...wait... CY: wait... I: wait... L: wait... YCat: wait... I: wait... Top: wait... I: wait... L: wait... C: wait... SD: wait...
My bro. is very interested in becoming a pilot this hub will interest him a lot
Andrew - thanks for your comments.
As I have mentiond in other comments above, I was a navigator on an air refueling tanker and not a fighter pilot or even a pilot while in the USAF and the Hub was written as a general guide and not not a detailed set of instructions. We did have some guys (flying in the Air Force was for men only in those days) in my class who had washed out of UPT and went to Air Navigation School as a second choice as well as some who wern't able to make the cut for UPT and ended up on Navigation school (in my case my eyesight was a hair under the requirements for UPT so Navigation was my only other flying option). The goal of many in my class was to land an assignment as a navigator on an F-4 as these were cross-trained as co-pilots on that aircraft and could use that as a back door route to becoming a fighter pilot. Of course, as a navigator I was around a lot of pilots and most of the planes we refueled in the air were fighters and this is where I got most of my information for the article.
I like the suggestion about adding humor. Since I have a lot of good stories, some my own and more from what I heard from others, I will consider a Hub or two using these stories.
Thanks again and good luck with your flying.
Chuck
Well you're right for the most part. You may want to clarify that just because you complete OTS or ROTC (or even a service academy) doesn't mean you'll necessarily go to flight school. I would add a little humor to the post as well (why so seriouis?) to amuse us 2nd LTs who have nothing better to do than look at what other people think are ways to be fighter pilots. I was hoping for this to be a lot funnier than it was. Also you may want to talk about ENJJPT since that's the best way to go fighters. Definitely want to mention the difference between UPT and advanced aircraft training, track select, T-38s and AT-38s, etc. Otherwise pretty good.
Excellent hub! Spot on! I am so glad to see someone with your knowledge taking the time to talk about your experience.
Don't forget to let all those kids out there know about the Service Academies too! That is an excellent way to become a pilot! My fiancé is a 2LT in the USMC, and is in flight training currently. We are stationed down here in Pensacola while he goes through the final stages. It is amazing to watch the amount of studying, practice, and knowledge that goes into the training. He is a Naval Academy graduate, and I must say that he, along with his peers, are very well trained and educated. As a former AFA cadet (left due to a heart condition), I can vouch for the amount of knowledge that the Academies bestow upon their cadets and midshipmen.
And on a quick side note, I would like to respond to William C Walters who posted above:
John McCain may have graduated in the bottom of his class, but he still made it in to the United Stated Naval Academy and survived 4 years of intense schooling and training. The United States Service Academies are known as some of the best among higher education institutions. The men and women who graduate from them are commissioned, as all officers are, by the President of the United States into the Armed Forces to serve and protect our Nation. After I went and read further about the incidents that you are speaking of, I truly begin to wonder where you get off questioning what happened. Do you even know what a “flame out” is? Or the fact that he had to bail out over Hanoi when his plane was no longer able to fly due to being incapacitated by enemy fire? The fact that his father and grandfather were Admirals had no effect on the reality that he stood his ground as a true American to protect the freedoms that you take advantage of with your disgusting ignorance and lack of thanks. Next time, think before you post, or speak for that matter because there is no need for you to attack someone, or something (the military, its aviators, etc), that you know nothing about. So, go put your face in a book or go talk to a military pilot face-to-face and get your facts straight before you start shooting off at the mouth (or keyboard) again! Oh, and by the way, there is no “e” in the word pilot anywhere, so find the spell check while you are at it. Thanks and have a wonderful day!
Thank you again, Chuck! This was an amazing hub! I look forward to hearing more! As we say in our household:
Semper Fi! / Aim High!
AF Southern Belle
Excellent hub! Spot on! I am so glad to see someone with your knowledge taking the time to talk about your experience.
Don't forget to let all those kids out there know about the Service Academies too! That is an excellent way to become a pilot! My fiancé is a 2LT in the USMC, and is in flight training currently. We are stationed down here in Pensacola while he goes through the final stages. It is amazing to watch the amount of studying, practice, and knowledge that goes into the training. He is a Naval Academy graduate, and I must say that he, along with his peers, are very well trained and educated. As a former AFA cadet (left due to a heart condition), I can vouch for the amount of knowledge that the Academies bestow upon their cadets and midshipmen.
And on a quick side note, I would like to respond to William C Walters who posted above:
John McCain may have graduated in the bottom of his class, but he still made it in to the United Stated Naval Academy and survived 4 years of intense schooling and training. The United States Service Academies are known as some of the best among higher education institutions. The men and women who graduate from them are commissioned, as all officers are, by the President of the United States into the Armed Forces to serve and protect our Nation. After I went a read further about the incidents that you are speaking of, I truly begin to wonder where you get off questioning what happened. Do you even know what a “flame out” is? Or the fact that he had to bail out over Hanoi when his plane was no longer able to fly due to being incapacitated by enemy fire? The fact that his father and grandfather were Admirals had no effect on the reality that he stood his ground as a true American to protect the freedoms that you take advantage of with your disgusting ignorance and lack of thanks. Next time, think before you post, or speak for that matte because there is no need for you to attack someone, or something (the military, its aviators, etc), that you know nothing about. So, go put you face in a book or go talk to a military pilot face-to-face and get your facts straight before you start shooting off at the mouth (or keyboard) again! Oh, and by the way, there is no “e” in the word pilot anywhere, so find the spell check while you are at it. Thanks and have a wonderful day!
Thank you again, Chuck! This was an amazing hub! I look forward to hearing more! As we say in our household:
Semper Fi! / Aim High!
AF Southern Belle
I understand that John McCain graduated 6th from the bottom of his class at the Naval Academy. Why was he selected to be a fighter piolet? After he crashed a few planes why was he allowed to continue? Did the fact that his grandfather and father were Admirals have anything to do with it?
great site it has inform me about being a fighter pilot i just hope i make it is my real dream since i was a kid im from puerto rico and theres not many puertoricans who become fighter pilots so thanks to this site now i now how to become one
What an exciting hub, even for a woman like me. We were all created to do something in life. I'm grateful for those who answer this calling.
Great Hub and cool USA picture :)
Excellent. One of the best hub I ever Read. Thanks !
Good blog but as long as you want to be there you for ever will ever walk with your eyes turned skywards for there you have been and there you will ever long to be. You have tasted flight..... davinchi.... Dont worry too much about what anyone says.... if you have the passion you will try untill you get there. you really will. being a pilot is the last bastian of passion, and thats what they look for in pilot applicannts.
every boys dream! I tired up here in Canada but didn't have the math skills/abilities. Oh well.
unreal Chuck great hub .
Very good informative hub. My cousin is an Air Force fan. He wants to become a fighter pilot. Its his first choice. His second choice is to become a SWAT Team Leader.
I email forwarded your great hub to him using the Share link found in the end of your article/hub.
This stuff is really great. thanks so much for the info
thankyou for the information, that really helped a lot
Andrew t-d Here is the YouTube URL for the first video: http://youtube.com/watch?v=n5LM0e6YUmI
Whats the name of that first video,,i cant find it on you tube,,help!!!
greatest job ever! awesome
upsilone - as to citizenship requirments for the United States Air Force, you will have to check with the Air Force. Foreign nationals can enlist in the U.S. military but pilots are officers with appointments by Congress and these may not be open to foreign nationals. I suggest that you contact the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate Office in your country.
Excellent Video. I am ready for the challenge.
Can people with no american citizenship become pilots in the USAF?
i see. yes, i have done some research since i posted the question, and i will pursue becoming a test pilot one day (after i graduate from the AFA, and a few years of experience).
Alex - I assume that being a test pilot is considered by some to be more prestigious is because there are both fewer of them and, absent combat, being a test can more dangerous since the planes are so new and cutting edge. As one old pilot once pointed out to me while I was in the Air Force, the manual for older planes is thick and contains all kinds of information about the plane, its problems and how to fix them. For new planes there are only a couple of pages and more are added each time one crashes and we get to study and learn from the crash. The test pilots are the ones whose experiences (and crashes) give us the first few pages of the manual.
Thanks alot, I'm only 14 but, I've always thought about becoming a fighter pilot. And this was alot of help and informational for me. Thanks again, nice videos by the way.
Nice write up, this is really detailed - thanks! I thought about applying to the RAF here in the UK, but the admissions officer pointed out that it was only the top few percent of each class who got to fly single seater jets - based on your performance during the courses the type of plane you would end up flying would be chosen for you. Didn't fancy cargo runs in a Hercules so never took the application any further ;-)
wait, why is being a test pilot more prestigious than being a fighter pilot? astronaut i can understand...but test pilot?
This stuff is SO COOL!!
This info was awsome and gave me a great idea of what i need to fufill my dream of becoming a fighter pilot. Thanks alot.
it is my passion to become a fighter pilot.
plz, send me info about it.
i will always thanks u.
Thank you for the info, but I don't think I would pass the physical test.
Thanks people! I guess I will have to print it out to memorize it. That really HELPS me!
Max - One advantage of going through ROTC is that you get a taste of military life while still in school. During your last two years you actually join the reserves and receive pay as well as college credit for taking the courses and attending the drills. There is also a summer camp commitment where you train on a regular military base. When I was in the Air Force ROTC you had the opportunity to sign up and take the physical and written tests for flight training and, if you qualified, were slotted for flight training after graduating and receiving your commission. Also, by going through ROTC you complete your officer training while in college and receive your commission upon graduation rather than having to spend time signing up and attending officer training after graduation.
I don't know if what I have told you above is still entirely correct as it has been a number of years since I was in ROTC but, again, if you are interested it would cost you nothing but some time to sit down with one of the instructors in the ROTC program at your college or a neighboring one to discuss the requirements, options and benefits of their program.
Chuck
THANK YOU chuck and about ROTC, other than it does not take as long, what are the advantages when you go through ROTC
Max - Assuming you do not get a commission through an ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) in college, you will need to enlist and complete officer training which is 12 weeks or more. Initial flight training is generally about a year, and training in your aircraft is probably three to six months or more. This, of course is for the United States. If you are in another nation the rules and times will be different. Time will also be needed for pre-enlistment physical exams, appitude tests and other paperwork.
If you are interested, you should get more specific information by visiting an Air Force, Navy or Marine recruiter if you are out of college or contact the ROTC unit, if there is one, at your college or a nearby one (you can sometimes attend ROTC training at a neighboring college or university if there is not a unit at your school).
I did post links to flying information pages on official U.S. and some foreign military recruiting sites which can be a good place to begin research and making contact for an in person appointment. Good luck.
THANKS great info chuck, really helped me a lot, but how long does this take after you have passed college until you are done with specific aircraft training.
wonderful
Thank you so much. the information was so informative, and i now know the challenges that i hope to face someday. I really appreciate that. Thanks!
C/MSGT A.M.Riendeau
First Sergeant
Inter-State Composite Squadron
Civil Air Patrol
Holy Cow - thank God for people who want to do this!!
Great info - impressive photo of the arial formation!
Always dreamed off riding in a fighter jet. Thanks for the videos.
Amazing...It is my dream job and taught me alot!!! Thank's Chuck
hey, can you still become a fighter pilot if you have your G.E.D.? any information will be helpfull, my email is, chrisfaith420@yahoo.com, thanks.
You got two killer videos on here... Well done
That is great! I can't wait till it's my turn to join up.
Everything that you have written on the pilot training, air force/navy, fighter pilots is helping me reach and achieve what many people can not do. All though I am a teen and soon to make my choice for a career I personally believe that I will be able to be in what I know Ican do. So as much help as you can give me would be amazing.
Thank You
Enthusiast, Thanks for visiting my HubPages and for your comments. I have no problem approving both of your comments as my policy is to only deny spam comments and comments that are obscene or insulting to other readers. I make no claim to be all knowing and thus have no problem with someone correcting or expanding upon what I have written. I also don't have a problem with someone disagreeing with opinions that I post so long as the comment is civil.
Sorry, for overlooking the Marines. Being an ex Air Force flyer (navigator on a air refueling tanker, not a pilot or fighter pilot) I should have known that Marines fly combat as well a providing air support to their troops on the ground. However, this fact did not come to mind when I was writing this short piece. But I do appreciate your enlightening the readers as to the role of the Marines in the combat aircraft arena.
However, for the record, within the Pentagon the Marine Corps are a part of the Department of the Navy and the top military commander of the Navy (Chief of Naval Operations) and the Marine Corps (Commandant of the Marine Corps) both report to the Secretary of the Navy. So, technically, the only two U.S. employers of fighter pilots are the Department of the Air Force and the Department of the Navy. But, as the Marines have a distinct identity within the U.S. military establishment as well as a long and proud combat tradition on the ground, sea and air, they should have been listed separately as an American employer of fighter pilots.
Thanks again.
Chuck
Lol, i'm guessing you're not even gonna post my comment since it has to be "approved" by the author. I wouldn't wanna look stupid either.
What are you talking about??? "the only domestic employers of fighter pilots are the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Navy."??? The Marine Corps. has fighter pilots flying the F/18 Super Hornet and soon will be flying the F-35 JSF. Get your info straight "expert".
im 15 years old and cannot wait to join the navy and become a fighter pilot
Thanks for hoping giving me an idea on how training is, now I can practic that here at home and get the general idea.
Thank you very much. I am 16 and needed something like this, very informative. This is definetly the path I am taking, not a doubt in my mind. Thanks again!
Nice!! Even tho i was a Jarhead those guys were sure pretty to see going over. It makes you feel better being on the ground. Thanks... SEMPER Fi!
The part of physical torture, thats the first time I read something like it. Encouraging and discouraging at the same time. Bullocks.
Great site , extremely facinating stuff
I'm just now starting ninth grade so now I know I have to workout more and build endurance and try to work my way up to the top of the class
THANK YOU FOR THE STUFF NOW I CAN HOFELLY JOIN AF
Very informational and helpful. I learned a lot off of this website.
Cool picture! Fighter jets have always fascinated me.
Great information for people thinking of a career in flight, really has helped my home schooled son think about future classes and courses. Thanks!!
Nice!!! in doin a report for school on this and it really helped me thanks!!!
Great post! Now i know what i need...thank you
I am only a teen but i want to become a fighter pilot.So if you have any additonal info about being a fighter pilot plz message me?
It's great! I learned somthing new!
Good job! Very informative!
It's great! That was new for me!
Great post! It really helped me!
Thanks for your post! That's what I needed!
Alex 2 weeks ago
Hey,
i am alex and i do wanna be a fighterpilot but in my country there are a lots of cuts in the army and the chance of becoming a fighter pilot is olmost zero. I am from the Netherlands and I'm curious if its possible for me to become an american Fighter Pilot. I really wanna do everything fot his job ! u most understand it's more than a dream for me. Hopefully i will recieve some usefull comments!
my regards to u all!