[quote=rickair7777;129702]

"The large majority of fighter pilots are over thirty...

4-5 years of college: age 23
1 Year of Pool/OCS: Age 24
3 Years UPT/RAG/FRS: Age 27"

SEE:

http://www.wantscheck.com/PilotSlotR...5/Default.aspx

Average age of entering UPT is 23. Most are AFROTC College or USAF Academy graduates. Average age graduating UPT is 24 and they already have one year commissioned service. F-16 / F-15 /C-17 / B-52 / etc.etc. and survival training takes another year and they are operational at about age 25.

Been there, done that, got the T-SHirt.

I graduated from UPT at age 26. When I had 750 hrs total time (age 27) I was an Instructor Pilot in Vietnam. At 1500 hrs total time (age 28) I was in command of a C-141 flying worldwide. AT 2000 hrs (age 29) I was flying photo reconniassance in a pressure suit above 70,000 ft. At age 31 the USAF sent me back to college and it was staff & command positions after that. My case was not that unusual.

If an officer (note I didn't say pilot) wants to get promoted, just flying airplanes doesn't do it. Performance ratings must show graduate degrees, military professional schools, and staff position experience before the Major's promotion board meets at the ten year point. That's why many military pilots separate and go to the airlines / Reserve and ANG flying. I would agree that the average age of a reserve or ANG pilot is well into the thirties.