Obtaining a pilot's license?

Keyboard Ninja · 05-13-2007, 09:18 AM

Anyone know what the requirements are to become a AF pilot? I'm not really interested in becoming a fighter pilot. I'm more interested in whatever translates best with a commerical airliner (like for FedEx, Continental Airlines, etc.). Helicopter training would be awesome too. I met a guy back home who was a helicopter pilot for a local tv news station and it seemed like a very cool job.

I'm asking because I'm going to work on getting a pilots license after my upgrade training is done. I figured since I'm out here on the island it wouldn't hurt to go for it. I don't drink, smoke, and I don't even own a TV right now LOL. Besides studying and working out I figured I'd do something with my spare time outside of the usual 2 hours a day of basketball.

Is there something on base where I could get this sort of information at?

sigmanugary · 05-13-2007, 04:07 PM

Well, if you wanna be an AF pilot you have to take care of somethings first...#1 you need a degree(you're prior E so the type isn't really as big of a deal) #2You need to look at a place to get your commission(ROTC/OTS). #3 the biggest part...See if you even qualify medically for a FC1 (Pilot's Flight physical)...this is a big deal and can be an automatic show stopper if you don't qualify medically. For instance, my vision sucks I have a high perscription so the only flying job I could do was being an ABM(a FC III flight physical...alot less demanding). The AF can cut you medical waviers for some stuff but for somethings its an automatic deal breaker. The best thing you can do right now as a young airmen is do really good at your job, work on your degree, and tell your leadership of your intentions(Flight CC, NCOIC, etc). It will be tough but it can be done...the AF is ALWAYS looking for pilots. BTW the AF will pay for you to take your "ground school" training toward working on your PPL. Go talk to the Education Office on base, they can help. If you have any questions fire away...I know lots of pilots!

Keyboard Ninja · 05-13-2007, 09:00 PM

How many flight hours would they be looking for? And what is a FCIII flight physical? I've got 3 years here to complete whatever I need, and only 30+ hours left for my BA from Park University

highside7r · 05-13-2007, 09:54 PM

For the helicopter route I would recommend the Army. You can put a package in for the Army Warrant Officer flight program without a degree. I do recommend and agree with Sig above, get/finish your degree, it helps in the long run. You would have a 6 yr obligation. After you finish flight school, you can take your military comp test and have your Comm. Pilot-Rotorcraft with an instrument rating. This is the only program that allows other services to apply for, I know, I'm ex-Navy.

For most helo jobs, they want at least 1500 hours, with a good part of that in turbines. If they have a flying club there, join if you can and you will save alot of $$ in the end. As far as the G I Bill, you have to pay for your PPL, then you can start getting 60% paid for the commerical. I didnt know the AF will pay for ground school, so grab that fast.

sigmanugary · 05-14-2007, 05:12 PM

Good job on your degree finish it up ASAP. It sounds to me as far as flying for the AF your best route to be a pilot is OTS. As far as flight hours go get as many as possible. Someone at the Education Center could probably help you with that. With that said know that the ADSC(Active Duty Service Commitment) for pilot is 10 years from the day you get your AO's(Aeronautical Orders) I believe. To be a Navigator or Air Battle Manager its the same deal but 6 years instead of 10. The flight physical thing I was talking about (i.e like my FCIII) depends on the type of flying job. The reason I said this is because you my not qualify for a pilot slot(FCI) but you can pass the one for NAV or ABM. Still fun jobs, flight pay, wings, etc but you aren't working the throttle. In my career field(ABM) there is a large population of prior enlisted guys who crossed over to the dark(Officer) side. It is a long process and you seem to be early on your enlistment so you could have some issues with that but on the positive side you almost have a degree. Like Highside said if you wanna fly Helos then go into the Army and go through Warrent Officer School. I can't speak on that cause while I know some Army dudes none of them are in aviation or Warrent Officers for that matter. The best you can do now is read up on as much as you can, finish your degree and talk to your boss about your intentions. This will show him that you are a motived troop and you have a goal that you are trying to obtain...and follow this up with good work.

Keyboard Ninja · 05-14-2007, 06:31 PM

Do you think the education center would help me pay for other things besides ground school?

sigmanugary · 05-15-2007, 06:00 PM

I dunno but it can't hurt to ask...as far as the PPL is concerned the only thing that The AF will pay for I think is just ground school but thats just hearsay.