Hello – I’m considering joining the Air Force with the eventual goal of becoming a pilot, and I could really use some advice.
I’m sure I share this story with every other pilot, but I’ve dreamed of flying since I’ve been young. My uncle flew for the service and my father as a civilian, so I grew up around planes. Naturally, this has been my one consistent goal for the majority of my life.
I’m currently a sophomore studying Aerospace Engineering at a large school on the east coast. Not Ivy league, but nonetheless the engineering program is well known and respected. I took the ACT and scored a 33 (out of 36), and did well on the SAT subject tests I was required to take. My GPA here is in the neighborhood of 3.4 (should improve after this year). I hold a leadership position in a music-related organization and am a member of several other groups.
Physically, I’m in good shape and exercise regularly. I dislocated a shoulder four years ago but haven’t had any trouble with it since, and am told that it is in great condition. Basically, I believe that I physically and mentally qualify.
My question is: What route should I take to maximize my chances of, in the end, becoming a pilot? I have been considering OTS, but I heard that in recent years they have had their slots cut considerably. I looked into the Air Force Academy, but it appears that I would (mostly, at least) have to start over as a freshmen. Any advice on this would be very much appreciated.
Also, I know it would really devastate me to end up as a mechanic or in a support role, watching other people fly. I respect people that work in those fields and understand how important they are, but that sort of work is not my intent. I think any other pilot would understand how I feel.
Basically, I’m trying to figure out how to progress after graduating from college, as it appears transferring is out. Any advice you can give me on this would help, and I appreciate it very much.
Thanks,
AH
IT sounds like ROTC would be your best option. They have a 2 and 3 year program that you can take since you are not a freshman. However, getting a pilot’s slot is very competitive. If you get in and get through the Academy, then you are more likely to get a pilot’s slot. However, like you said, you’d have to start from scratch.
October 30th, 2009 at 4:55 am
IT sounds like ROTC would be your best option. They have a 2 and 3 year program that you can take since you are not a freshman. However, getting a pilot’s slot is very competitive. If you get in and get through the Academy, then you are more likely to get a pilot’s slot. However, like you said, you’d have to start from scratch.
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