I heard recently that getting into a pilot position in the air force is quite difficult. I am currently in a program that the Air Force Auxiliary teaches called CAP (Civil Air Patrol).
Details: I'm 5'4" (still growing), 120lbs, 14years old, had childhood asthma when I was 4 but grew out of it, 20/20 vision in one eye in the other 20/30, so I guess my question is this good enough? My main concern is my eye site. What do you think? What else can I do to improve my chances of getting into the USAF?
Helpfull information only please..
Thanks
2007-01-26 10:41:14 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Military
Right now, getting a pilot position is very difficult in the Air Force... er, well, getting the position isn't more competitive than before, but getting picked up for a comissioning program (and making it through that program) is. The Air Force is in the middle of manpower cuts, so there's simply less spots available. CAP will help you towards that end, and I was a member myself back when I was in HS.
As to height and weight, you're near the bottom limits, so keep growing. If you had asthma but grew out of it, I wouldn't bother to mention it (unless there's ever any chance of a recurrance. Asthma will eliminate you immediately). Your vision isn't a problem... 20/50 is the standard and even then correctable vision candidates can apply for the surgery and pilot slots.
The best thing you can do:
-Work out. Good athletics scores are important (though they are not the most important part).
-Take the SAT, ACT, and SAT II. Repeated successes on these three tests will show a pattern of intelligence and ability to handle testing situations. Don't bother with the ASVAB.
-Keep your GPA high. This shows practiced discipline.
-Get involved with your community. CAP is good, but I would get into the BSA and try to get through a few ranks as quickly as possible, since BSA is more community service oriented than CAP.
-Pick a technical major. 80% of Officer Candidates have to have technical majors, and the last 20% CAN have technical majors. Why compete for only 20% of the slots when you can compete for all of them.
- When you write your applications, be sure to grammar and spell check everything. Sound confident but not overbearing and show proper decorum for someone who wants to be an officer. Don't beg, whatever you do, nobody likes a whiner... especially one who's whining to become an officer.
- DO NOT SOUND BLOODTHIRSTY IN YOUR APPLICATION. The US Air Force, contrary to yeyhoos you see running around, does not like to take candidates who join because they want to kill someone. The focus of today's Air Force looks at killing as a necessary but unfortunate part of our very important job, and we take the act of killing (and especially losing troops) VERY seriously.
2007-01-26 10:59:31 · answer #1 · answered by promethius9594 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
20/30 will not be a problem . Be sure you keep your grades up and if possible, look into the USAF Academy. Stay physically fit and try to be active in extraciricular activities at school. Start as a high school Freshman and talk to your counsellor at school about the Academy. It is a great place to get into pilot training.
2007-01-26 19:19:34 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i am a member of civil air patrol my self i think the requirements for an air force pilot is a hieght requirement of 5'4'' - 6'3'' i may be wrong. i dont know about the weight portion. but all i know is you need at least 4 years of math up to 1 year of calculus or pre cal and one year of physics and 4 years of english and 2 years of a foreign language. thats what they told me . you must have a gpa of over 3.5 or higher yet again i may be wrong but thats about all i know i hope im of help to you
2007-01-29 00:57:42 · answer #3 · answered by Hidalgo 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
all I know is the atributes my brother had to get in. Perfect vision, fit to the max. brillant ,. My brother is now 51 was a fighter pilot. He took a test that he did so well on it they let him in before he was out of college. That would never happen now. I think from observing my brother and other pilots the MOST IMPORTANT THING IS SWAGGER. HOW GOOD CAN YOU LOOK IN A FLIGHT SUIT? THIS IS FACT.
2007-01-26 19:17:21 · answer #4 · answered by mary texas 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Be forwarned an asthma attack while in the Air Force is an automatic discharge.
At your age think GRADES, you not only need good grades in high school but collage as well.
2007-01-26 18:49:55 · answer #5 · answered by tom l 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
apply for an ROTC program in high school and throughout college, on completion of your ROTC you can be commissioned as a 1st of 2nd Lt. or you can go to the Air Force Academy for college. either way it'll help you out.
2007-01-26 18:51:03 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it is difficult to be selected to fly in the U.S.A.F. If you are not successful in a military flying career you can go the civilian route gaining hours instructing or working for a commuter airline. It just depends how badly you want to fly for a living.
2007-01-26 18:56:28 · answer #7 · answered by Mon-chu' 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
math, science, english,
honor rolls
physical conditioning
write the air force academy for their requirements for admission.
2007-01-26 18:48:29 · answer #8 · answered by mhp_wizo_93_418 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋