If I join the airforce, what chance do I have of piloting a jet? I have 20/20 vision, if that matters.?

Question

If I didn't have 20/20 vision, how would that affect my chances?

Answer 1

Zero chance.

You have to have a 4 year college degree, perferably in enginerering, math or physics,

To be accepted into Flight School.

Pilots are Officers,

Which means you need a college degree and must be a US citizen.

Answer 2

Yes, you need a 4-year degree. No, it doesn't have to be in any particular field of study. There are pilots who majored in history flying alongside elecitrical engineering majors. You do, however, need to score well on the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT), particuarly the sections on Instrument Comprehension and Aviation Information. (You can find out more on the AFOQT at the second link.)

There are three commissioning routes to become an Air Force officer: Air Force Academy, ROTC and Officer Training School. There are a certain number of available pilot slots for each source.

It is possible to get a waiver if you don't have 20/20 vision, but it is extremely rare. Keep in mind that the Air Force easily finds people who want to be pilots. Since there's usually a supply of 20/20 candidates, they're likely to take someone who doesn't need glasses rather than grant a waiver. Also, the Air Force doesn't currently accept pilot candidates who've had LASIK because they haven't determined how the stresses of flying affect vision over the long term in people who've had this procedure. There are medical conditions that might preclude you from flying (e.g., irregular heartbeat).

Once you have a pilot slot, there's extensive and rigorous training in several stages. After learning the basics, pilots get more specialized training in fighters, bombers, etc. (See first link below.) Pilot candidates "wash out" at all stages for academic, medical and other reasons.

It's a long process to become an Air Force pilot, but the first stop should be your recruiter. He or she can give you a better idea of the current recruiting goal for pilots and an idea of your chances. Best wishes!

Answer 3

First, be sure to look at all of your possibilities...Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and Army (there are more pilots in the Navy than the Air Force. The movie "Top Gun" is NAVY).

Do you have excellent grades? Are you strong in engineering/Physics/Calculus?

Your best bet is to be an amazing student, physically fit and you don't just "join"... You increase your likelihood of becoming a pilot by being accepted into an OFFICER Program. Pilots are usually officers. If you enlist, you are going a very difficult route. Recruiters are famous for getting guys to enlist thinking they'll be pilots one day....usually doesn't happen that way.

Be sure you're joining for the "right" reasons. If you only want to be a pilot but don't understand what it means to sign your life away to the miliatry, you're making a mistake. Sometimes you can get through the whole pilot program and something happens (physical issue, leadership issue, etc). You're still obligated to serve in the military even if you don't become the pilot you hoped to be.

EDIT: For joey322.... whether you go ROTC or Academy, you'll need to take calculus and calculus-based physics....so you can major in Theatre, if you want...but you still need the coursework in science and math. OCS is a little different.

Answer 4

it's not just that. you have to meet physical requirements, test properly. it takes years of training.
they only take people younger than 26 or 27, i think...
b/c their schooling is so long. you'd probably be in school for 1-2 years before even getting in a jet.

plus, remember that it's not just the airforce that has jets. every branch has aircraft. my husband is in the marine corps and works with the F-18 jets.
navy has jets, too. not just the airforce!

EDIT:
the other answers are correct...you need a college degree, bachelor's not just associates and you need to become an OFFICER, not enlisted. so, that means you can enlist now and then try to make it into OCS (officer candidate school) however, getting past that and THEN being chosen to pilot would be rare, indeed.

if you're serious about it, then get to work and STUDY your butt off and work out and stay in shape. you ahve to be on point body and mind.

oh, but as for what your degree is in...that doesn't matter too much...i know i pilot who has a degree in kinesiology..the human body didn't have much to do with aircraft....last time i checked.

Answer 5

Yeah ok so u have 20/20 vision that is good but its going to take more than good vision to become a pilot n there r plenty of places u can look this up on like the web n most of all going to the recruiting office and talking to n Air Force Recruiter its that simple.

Answer 6

Everything World Traveling Woman has told you is correct. I would caution you when you go talk to a recruiter. Recruiters recruit enlisted people....they do not have a lot of incentive to encourage you to be a pilot. If you can, you might consider visiting an AFROTC nearest your home, whether you plan on going to that school or not.

Answer 7

if you do not have a 4 year degree, are a US citizen and can pass the VERY rigorous physical standards, you have exactly zero shot. If you are older than 28, you won't get getting a chance at Aviation either.