How to Become a Fighter Pilot in the USAF

USAF fighter

United States Air Force (USAF) fighter pilots fly complex missions in hostile environments to support the military and political objectives of the United States. Many young men and women find the idea of being one of those pilots as an exciting career possibility. The USAF trains people every year to become fighter pilots. The process of becoming a fighter pilot is extremely difficult and requires a combination of outstanding academic and physical abilities. Any intelligent young person in excellent health can become a fighter pilot if he is willing to undergo years of training.

Instructions

1. Obtain a commission in the USAF. All USAF pilots are commissioned officers and require a degree from an accredited university. Commissioned officers can obtain their commission through the Air Force Academy, Reserve Officer Training Corps or Officer Training School. Only the best commissioned officers are accepted to pilot training. Air Force Academy graduates are given highest preference for slots in pilot training. Reserve Officer Training Corps graduates have preference for pilot slots over Officer Training School graduates.

2. Complete initial flight screening. Initial flight screening is a short course to determine flying aptitude. The course consists of ground school and flying in a small single-engine propeller driven aircraft. Candidates are evaluated to determine if they are capable of completing a flight training program on a compressed timeline to USAF standards. Successful candidates move on to Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training.

3. Place as one of the top graduates in phase one and two of Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training. Phase one and two training consists of ground school and basic flight training. Training takes slightly more than five months and flying is conducted in a turboprop aircraft. At the end of this training, successful flight candidates choose the category of aircraft they desire. Fighter category slots are coveted positions and only the top scoring applicants on both flight checks and academics are allowed to pursue this type of training.

4. Complete phase three training as one of the top graduates. Phase three training is the fighter/bomber training track. Phase three training consists of six months of academic and flight training. Flight training takes place in a twin-engine fighter type aircraft. At the end of phase three training candidates choose the specific aircraft they desire. There are limited fighter pilot slots and it is important for pilot candidates to complete phase three near the top of the class to help guarantee their desired aircraft. Candidates receive their silver wings as a USAF pilot at the end of this training.

5. Finish Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals (IFF) class. This class consists of learning basic fighter tactics and maneuvers prior to moving on to specific training in any USAF fighter.

Tips & Warnings

• Flying military fighters is inherently dangerous. Every year, several fighter pilots lose their lives in training accidents. Additionally, fighter pilots are always subject to flying combat missions against enemy forces.

References

• Baseops.net: Air Force Pilot Training
• DTIC.mil: Air Force Pilot Selection and Training Methods