Originally Posted by
EugeneZ
Is it possible just to go to the Air Force and let them teach you how to fly. Can anyone tell me what they teach and what do you have learn by yourself after you leave? How does it work? Thank you.
Here's a quick summary (this applies to most fixed-wing military flying jobs, not just USAF)...
- First, it will be very competetive.
- You will need a clean criminal record (a few traffic tickets are OK).
- You need to be a US citizen.
- No older than 27-28.
- You will have to be an officer, so you will have to go to OCS before flight school if you are accepted.
- You will have to have a 4-year degree with a high GPA (lower GPA is OK from a TOP-NOTCH school). Technical (engineering, computer science, chemistry, etc) are HIGHLY preferred.
- Varsity athletic background (high school or college) is normal.
- You will need to pass an extensive medical exam,and will need 20/20 vision in each eye WITHOUT correction (you can get laser vision surgery to meet this requirement... PRK only)
- You will need to contact an officer recruiter in order to get the paperwork started...the paperwork package will require a LOT of initiative on your part.
- You will be put through a short civilian flight training indoc/evaluation before you are accepted into the military...you have to pass this.
- For a civilian with no military experience it will be VERY helpful if you have at least a private pilot license.
Also, be aware that you will be signing up to be a military officer FIRST, and a flyer second, especially in the Navy/USMC...think about that before you do it.
If you are doing this to get experience for the airlines, I would recommend a fixed-wing Air national Guard Unit. Otherwise you might get assigned helicopters, which will not help much for the airlines.
Good Luck