What are the criteria to fly supply planes for the military?

Question

I would assume they're not as strict/intense as criteria to be a fighter pilot. Also, what branch, and what path would you take to fly supply ships?

Answer 1

incorrect. the standards are the same whether you fly combaqt or non combat aircraft. This includes Physical and educational standards.

Answer 2

The Air Force is the only way to go for cargo planes. First you have to become a pilot and request the type of plane you want, and the air force picks pilots based on the need for each type of aircraft. There isn't really a difference between fighter pilots and cargo ones. In fact, it's probably more difficult to be a cargo pilot, when you think about it. A fighter pilot has one maybe two engines to deal with...a cargo pilot has a minimum of two and usually four. A fighter pilot goes into training for a few months to be certified on that plane, but a cargo pilot has years of training. First as a co-pilot and once that is mastered, then a pilot. The pilot of a cargo plane has to know weight and balance, loads and loading, and a lot more of the characteristics of the aircraft. The Air Force has the C-9, C-130, C-141, C-5, C-17, KC-135, DC-10, as well as bombers. And variations on each of those models, such as the KC-135 which is a refueling plane, an AWACS, Electronic jamming aircraft, etc.

Answer 3

They aren't all the same, different training for different jobs. The SR-71, for example, puts the pilot under such stress because of it's speed. The g-forces are similar to those experienced by astronauts. They have to be trained and conditioned for such an environment. Where on the other hand an F16 pilot has much different controls considering it has weapons. A supply plane is more bulky and fly's differently, it has yet different controls on it. Your training will reflect your job.
You wouldn't extensively train a 0331 (heavy machine gunner) on a dragon or SMAW. He could still use it but not as effectively as an 0351 or 0352