Air Force Undergraduate Pilot Training
Undergraduate Pilot Training, known as UPT for short, is a highly competitive program offered through the United States Air Force Academy, and also through complementary organizations such as ROTC and the Air National Guard. Thousands apply every year for the privilege to be trained in one of the best pilot program available in the United States. The application and training process can be grueling, and it's a good idea to be informed about the expectations and requirements beforehand.
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Get Informed
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Seek out the information beforehand about the training program. If you know of a local military recruitment site in your area, stop in and talk with the representative about Undergraduate Pilot Training. Alternatively, you can visit the Air Force Academy website and request information. Application for Undergraduate Pilot Training can be made in high school or while already enrolled in a college program. Acceptance into the program will require the completion of a bachelor's degree. There are several universities around the country that provide programs specifically geared toward students interested in pursuing Air Force pilot training.
Education and Discipline
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Pilots are expected to be intelligent and disciplined due to the reponsibilites of the job. Undergraduate Pilot Training administrators look for an individual who is intelligent, athletically fit and has a clean record free of disciplinary problems at school or within the community. Throughout the application process and beyond, a candidate's grades, moral character and community involvement will be examined. Generally, a 3.8 GPA is considered competitive amongst other candidates. A criminal record or excessive disciplinary actions on a school record would be unacceptable.
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Extracurricular Activities
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Extracurricular activites can be a large factor on an application. Involvement in extracurricular activities such as honor's society or community service will also be an important factor. Preparatory training in organizations such as Eagle Scouts, Civil Air Patrol or Junior ROTC are excellent additions to an application.
General Requirements
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A candidate for UPT must meet a minimum level of requirements. Generally, all candidates are required to meet certain criteria for acceptance into any pilot training program. Individuals applying for Air Force Undergraduate Pilot Training must be United States citizens in good health. A physical examination must be passed prior to acceptance, and uncorrected vision must be 20/70 or better with correction to at least 20/20. A mental assessment is typically a part of the health check as well. Candidates are required to be at least 18 years of age and typically not older than 30 years of age at the start of basic training.
Pilot Training
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Pilots complete training in flight as well as fight instrument training. Undergraduate Pilot Training takes place at several Air Force bases including Columbus AFB in Mississippi, Laughlin Air Force Base in Texas, Vance AFB in Oklahoma and Fort Rucker in Alabama. Training typically encompasses at least 90 hours and 26 weeks of flight training in addition to specific training in instrument use, navigation skills and mission planning. Further specialized training can take up to a full year depending on the chosen program of study.
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References
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