The "abbreviated UPT" course that you speak of is called, "Fixed Wing Qual/Transition". It consists of the same amount of flight hours that the UPT students fly without the "hazing" that new students are usually subjected to. Because of flying twice a day, most days, (double turns) you finish in a lesser amount of time than the normal UPT syllabus.

Any other questions feel free to PM me. I attended the course when it was at Laughlin AFB. (Del Rio by the sea.) If you go in the future, the course is now going to be at Randolph AFB in San Antonio.

GJ

I don't think the pilot age limit is federal law/title ten thing, never heard of that nor is there a reason that congress would care enough to pass a law. Plus such a law would be restrictive...no waivers could ever be issued (except by congress) without changing the law even in times of national need.

I think there may be a title ten age limit for military personnel..ie age 40. The services normally use age 35 for officers but there have been recent waivers beyond that. Age 40 makes sense because you have to retire at age 60, so they want you to have a shot at reirement.

Blastoff - Actually, I work on munitions for the F-16 (enlisted two years ago...sorry, failed to mentioned that!). Since my unit is downsizing, I don't think they are even holding a board this year for pilot slots. I suppose my question should have been directed at getting a slot at other units. I'm very well-respected at my current unit.

If you can shed any additional light on my chances for waiver, I'd appreciate it. I'm 33 years, 5 months old. Thanks so much.

Lastshot,

I hate to rain on your parade, but I believe that rickair is right in that there really is no up side to hiring someone who is approaching an age limit, who is unknown by the new unit, when they can hire a younger guy, either from their own unit, or off the street, who shows an equal desire to succeed. The thing that you have going for you is that you're already a pilot, however, in the overall scheme of things, that in and of itself is really not too important. I say all the above, coming from basically the same situation that you are in, except that when I applied, I was a SSGT weapons loader, but not a pilot. Regardless, don't let any of us influence your decision. Perseverance is one of the keys to a successful life. If you really want it, go for it.

Good luck.

JJ

JJ - are you now a pilot? What was your situation like in comparison to mine? Thanks.

Oldest Age for UPT
 

Everyone -

What is the oldest age of someone you've known or heard of who has entered UPT?

Lastshot,

My flying background started when my Guard unit hired me to become a pilot. I went to UPT, then on to F-100 fighter training, and returned to my unit to fly the Super Sabre. 5 years later we transitioned to the A-10, which I flew from 1979 until the day I retired, which was the last week of 1999. During that time, I got hired by Pan American, left there for UPS, which I also left, and finally ended up at FedEx, where my last flying position was as a captain on our MD-11's. At age 60, I went to the back seat of the 727 and did that until two years ago when I had a heart problem. Since then I've been out on long term disability, and will remain that way until I retire 51 weeks from now.

The major differences between what you're trying to do and my situation back then are: 1) I was 26 years old when I went to pilot training (but the max age limit back then was 26&1/2); 2) After returning from Vietnam, I had joined that unit as a SSGT weapons loader, and had been there for almost 2 years prior to applying for the pilot training slot; 3) I was not a pilot when I was selected for OCS and then UPT.

Again, good luck.

JJ

JJ - I appreciate all your input. Is there anyway I can correspond with you by email or phone? Would really like some guidance in my aviation career (even non-military advancement) and you seem like a very seasoned pilot. I'd mean a lot to me. Thanks.

Your Guard unit had F-100s until 1979? If you don't mind me asking,where was that?

It was the Flying Yankees of the 103TFG at BDL ANG Base, Windsor Locks, Connecticut.

JJ