Originally Posted by
suppakuppa
Another thing i forgot to mention is that im 25. By my calculation im running out of time extremely quickly! I'll be 26 in october and 27 when i finish my bachelors. i'll have 2 yrs 10 months to get into a UPT not to mention the time it takes to getting accepted. Any advice on the best road to take?
In the AF you have until your 30th birthday to START pilot training. If you truly just want to fly for military and unless you are dead set on flying just for a particular service, I would apply everywhere! Apply with the AF/Guard/Reserve/Navy/Marines. With the Guard/Reserve, apply at every base that will take your packet. But be ready to move to the location if they require.
Originally Posted by
suppakuppa
I know its best to have PPL and some flying time which im currently trying to save up some money so I can get that done soon. If im not able to get in the air before I apply will there be any chance of me getting accepted?
Flight time is desired, not required. I will caveat that with, some bases require a private. But, if you have your private, I wouldn't go out wasting money just to get a few more hours for an interview board. You are not going to impress anyone and the AF will teach you how they want you to fly.
Originally Posted by
suppakuppa
When I was reading on UPT it seems that everyone that goes through it is trying to be a fighter pilot. Although of coarse i would absolutely love to be one, idk if its too late for me to pursue something like that.
Flying fighters is awesome but I think flying Helos with be awesome as well. Landing a C-17 on a dirst strip sounds like a blast...flying a tanker to all the garden spot of the world and partying sounds like a blast to me as well! Not everyone that goes to pilot training wants to fly fighters. Every mission is important and everyone contributes to the cause. Each airframe has it's ups and downs.
Originally Posted by
suppakuppa
My number one goal is to fly.
I love this! Never forget it!
Originally Posted by
suppakuppa
Is the competition the same for people wanting to be pilots but not necessarily fighter pilots?
Forgive me if you already know this info but base on this question, I will assume that you don't.
All of pilot training is a competition. In T-6s everyone is competing to track the way they want. You are racked and stacked based on tests scores, flying grades, officership, etc. Finish number one and you pretty much have the pick of what you want. There have been plenty of number one guys from T-6s/T-37s that have chosen not to go to fighters. You pick from the following "tracks"...unless you go to Sheppard, where everyone goes T-38s. Things have changed and now they are pulling guys to fly heavies/UAVs from T-38s but generally the following is true.
T-1 = Heavies (Tankers, Cargo, etc...)
T-38 = Fighter/Bomber
T-44 = C-130s (may be going away soon...in which case you go to T-1s)
UH-1 = Helos
Once you get into your track, the competition starts all over. Now you are competing for the airframe that wish to fly.
The thing to remember that even though you are competing for what you want...be sure to be a good bro. Help out your bros or your IPs will notice and you will get what's coming to you. Cooperate to graduate!
Goodluck!