Quote:
Originally Posted by ol'tigerguy
Maybe look at the Air Force Academy, free flying-free food. Just put in the effort. My 16 year old just soloed and the cost is astronomical. He is applying at a bunch of schools, but I think one of the service academies is the best bet. 4 years of school and maybe 10 years after that. That would make him about 30ish and ready for the world.
Good luck, Jim
I'm all for service academies, but you have to consider what your real aspirations are...
If you want to be a pilot above all else, the academies (or ROTC scholarships) are problematic in that you might not get a flight slot, or might not complete flight training. As a scholarship recepient you owe 5 years of service in some non-flying capacity. Not the end of the world, but it will delay your career progression.
If you are dead-set on flying, it might be better to seek a guaranteed flying slot after college, either active duty, ANG, or AF Reserve. This way if you are medically or otherwise disqualified you are not locked into a service commitment.
With that said, service academies and military service are good life experience and can open it a lot of doors. It might be worth doing five years on the ground just for the experience...but make an informed decision and be prepared to live with the outcome.
As long as you have an interest in the military in general, you should be OK. Just don't end up bitter and disappointed because you failed the eye exam in the second semester of your senior year (I did fail that eye exam, but I made the most out of my military time anyway).