For young aspiring pilots, one of the best ways to get your license is through air force pilot training. The training gained through either that you force or the Navy’s flight school is second to none when equipping you with the skills needed for a career in aviation.
As great as this training is the air force is not for everyone. Some of the things to consider are whether this lifestyle will suit you and whether you are prepared to complete the minimum bonded time with the armed forces.
If none of this puts you off get ready for the ride of your life. Air force flight training is competitive so you will need to get through all the initial selection processes.
Benefits of Air Force Pilot Training
One of the first obvious benefits of air force pilot training is that you get paid to learn to fly and are taught by some of the best instructors in the world. You don’t only learn to become a pilot, but receive an outstanding general education in the process.
In order to become a pilot in the air force you must be an officer. To do this you must have a four year college degree so obtaining prior to enlisting is a great idea. Becoming a college graduate is a great idea for a commercial pilot regardless of whether you intend to enlist with the armed forces or not at all employers of pilots look favorably on a college degree.
What am I Committing Myself To?
Before you can apply for pilot training you must serve in the air force for two years as an officer. If you then make it through the selection process and earn your wings, you are being committed to 10 years of active duty following your training.
This would make your total commitment to the force 12 years. To give an example, if you enter the air force as a college graduate at age 22 you would be 34 years old before he could become a civilian commercial pilot. Approximately one third of those who enter air force pilot training don’t make it to completion. If you fail or drop out you must still serve four more years.
All candidates for air force pilot training must pass the introductory flight screening. This program is offered to only 1700 candidates each year. It is run over a period of 40 days and includes a 25 hour flight screening course and ground school.
You force pilot training is intense and hard work and requires a serious commitment, however the skills gained including leadership and aviation are second to none. Whether you want to fly helicopters or jets the air force is a great way to obtain your commercial pilot license.
Resources
United States Air Force
http://www.airforce.com/careers
http://www.af.mil
United States Navy
http://www.navy.mil
http://www.navy.com/careers