If you join the u.s. air force, or navy, what are the chances of actually becoming a pilot?

Question

i'm just wondering because it's fleet week right now and have always wanted to fly a plane... but i've always been told that the chances of actually becoming one in the u.s. military is slimmer to none. any one with actual facts? thanks so much!

Answer 1

I myself always wanted to be a fighter pilot, but due to my poor eyesight, I have even less chance than you would... unless you also have poor eyesight.

I am not sure exactly how they decide who becomes a pilot. I believe that you would have to pass a physical examination before you can begin flight training, or something like that. But whilst you can 'go to school' to be a pilot like other people do, it is more exciting to fly a F/A-18 or an F-15 than to simply fly a jetliner or a Cessna...

Answer 2

First off, you need to be an officer to become a pilot. That usually means a 4-year degree, or close to it.

All of the services have pilots (Marines, Navy, Army, Air Force, Coast Guard). To become a pilot once is a matter of selection, but you can find out if you qualify before you sign anything.

There is a number of tests both physical and mental before you can move on and train as a pilot, but like i said most of that can be addressed before any paperwork is signed.

One thing that cannot be promised (at least in the Marines) is the type of aircraft that you will fly, that is usually decided during flight school.

Best advice is to get ahold of "Officer" recruiting offices. These are not your typical recruiters that walk around high schools or the mall. These guys are fellow officers who recruit only officers for their branch. They are the best knowledge experts to help with your question. The other enlisted recruiting offices should have a phone number for the officer recruiting if you are having trouble finding them.

Answer 3

Not completely sure about the Air force or Navy, but in the Marine Corps it is based on Aptitude test, physical, and if there are enough spaces you go to a more basic flight school. At the basic flight school the people who do best become the jet pilots while those who score lower end up flying helos. Caveat Lector: This is based on what a FAC told me. I was just a lowly machine gunner. To tell the truth though, I liked the helo pilots better. Nothing sweeter than a couple of Cobras a mile in front of you wiping out the enemy strongpoints before you get there. and to all the "haliburton" people in here.... Your welcome.

Answer 4

The Air Force has fewer pilots than any service, the air force flyer thing is a recruiting hook only 3% of the Air Force actually flys. Go to ROTC for avionics. FAA has a physical, but you must be in excellent health, Eyes must be corrected to 20/20.

Answer 5

Your BEST chance to become a pilot is with the Air National Guard. Talk to a recruiter.

Answer 6

First of all, you must be in perfect health, with perfect eyesight, and meet the standards for flight training -- which is very difficult indeed, and add on top of this -- the Bachelor's Degree (and most who are selected for Pilot Training already fly in some capacity in the Civilian Side).

Answer 7

Most ppl flying have degrees and have come thru their respective college (Annapolis, West Point, Air Force Academy in Colorado) or from ROTC.

Answer 8

You have to score high enough on the aptitude test, and be able to pass the physicals to be a pilot. If you can do that, then you have most people beat.

Answer 9

no actual facts but u could always go to school and learn to fly like most people do.

Answer 10

alot of people say the navy is where you have the better chance of actually flying.