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Nowadays I hear that the best way to become an airline pilot is to join the US Air Force. Their flight training program seems like a great way to meet people and receive great experience; but my mom would never want to see me joining the military :o (I'm still only 14). If I join, for how long would I have to be with them, and what are the Pros/Cons? Thanks for the help.

There are two ways to the airline life: civilian or military. There are plusses and minuses for each route. I went the military route, and flew jets in the Marine Corps. Yes, there is more to the military the just the Air Force guys. Don't forget about the Navy and Marines, and I just flew with a guy that retired from the Coast Guard. Remember, we're all on the same team. Some fly off 10,000' runways and others off an aircraft carrier.

As for the military, the training is second to none. You get to fly high performance jets or turbo-props. You get paid as an officer and the flight training is free. I still can't believe they gave me the keys to the jet at age 24 and said go land on the boat! Downside could be long deployments to the sand box, tough if you have a family back home. If single, no problems.

Either way, study hard in school, get a four year degree. If you want to fly in the military, consider the Naval or Air Force Academy or try to get an ROTC scholarship. Another good deal is to "rush" a Guard or Reserve unit for a pilot slot. This way you get to fly 2-10 days a month for Uncle Sam, then have the rest of the month to do what-ever.

Quote:

Originally Posted by hassan60665 (Post 65007)

Might take you abit longer, as I think you need to attain American citizenship (I think). And I'm to understand you're Lebanese, correct?

I'm coming to the end of my Air Force commitment after 8 years. The new commitment is 10 years from the time you graduate pilot training.

The needs of the airforce changes from time to time though, and there is no way of saying what it will be in the next 10 years. Right now they are paying people to get out of the Air Force... even pilots with time left on their commitment.