How long does it take to become a pilot? – Starting off right is important for a pilot. Taking shortcuts or attending a subpar flight school can lead you to bad habits and put you and your passengers in danger. Even if you are presently only looking to become a private pilot, getting a complete education will prepare you best.
- Ideally, becoming a pilot should only take 3 to 4 years, the time it takes to get your Bachelor of Science in Professional Flight.
- Getting an education is also good for a consistency of training, so it’s preferred to wait to start your journey until you are in a certified school, like LETU.
- During your pilot training, you will learn ground and flight knowledge.
At LETU, you’ll also get a deeper understanding of the mechanics and business that you will rely on every time you take off.
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How quickly can you become a pilot?
How Long Does it Take to Become a Pilot? It takes two months to become a pilot and earn your private pilot license. To become an airline pilot, it takes two years to gain the required 1,500 hours flight time.
How hard is it to become a pilot?
How Hard Is It To Become a Pilot? – To become a pilot, you must complete a certain amount of flight training and pass a series of knowledge exams. You’ll also need to pass an oral exam and practical test, during which you will demonstrate your aeronautical knowledge and flying skills to an examiner.
- In addition to the technical skills and knowledge required to become a pilot, you will also need good physical coordination and mental focus, as well as the ability to handle stress and make quick decisions.
- Pilots are responsible for the safety of their passengers and crew, so they must be able to perform their duties effectively and efficiently.
Overall, becoming a pilot is a challenging but rewarding process. Even though flight training requires a lot of hard work and dedication at times, students have access to a wide range of resources to help them accomplish their flight training. Student pilots fly with a Certified Flight Instructor who is trained to provide one-on-one assistance and help students succeed.
How much do pilots get paid?
How Much Is An Airline Pilot’s Salary? – According to the Bureau Of Labor Statistics, the median salary for airline captains, first-officers, second-officers, and flight engineers in the United States is $203,010 as of 2021. 
However, those working for major airlines as airline transport pilots can earn a much higher airline pilot salary than this. Let’s take a look at the American Airlines flight crew salary, for example:
The bottom 25% earn up to $121,000 a year.The middle 50% earn between $121,000 and $298,000 annually.The top 25% earn between $298,000 and $768,000 annually.
However, at the time of writing (March 9th 2023), American Airlines flight crew have just been offered a 40% payrise, which will see the top earners making a basic salary of $590,000 annually. These payscales are similar at airline such as Delta, Southwest etc.
Additionally, flyers for major airlines can receive lucrative salaries and benefits packages that include annual leave, housing allowance, and flight pay (we’ll discuss all of this later). Those in the UK and Europe are typically paid less than their colleagues in America. The average pay for flight crew in the UK is roughly £82,000 a year.
Some flyers earn up to £250,000 a year at top airlines when factoring in bonuses, flight pay and other variables, which we will discuss later. In Europe, Air France flight crew earn an average of €150,000 a year, and Lufthansa flight crew make an average airline pilot salary of €9,000 monthly and can earn up to €21,000 per month!
How long does it take to get 1,000 flight hours?
How Long Does It Take to Become an Airline Captain? – FLYING Magazine There are many interesting and lucrative ways to make a living flying airplanes, but one of the most enticing jobs is that of a senior captain for a major airline. Those at the rarefied top of their profession typically enjoy a salary in the healthy six figures, a highly flexible schedule-with up to 20 days off per month-and the prestige and romance of guiding large and complex airliners to exotic destinations around the world.
- Of course, these handsome rewards come only at the pinnacle of a long career; in considering this path, one must also weigh the time and money that must be invested in the meantime.
- One of the questions most frequently asked by commercial pilot hopefuls is “How long will it take me to get hired at a major airline?” The honest answer is a frustratingly unhelpful one: It depends.
The is a notoriously cyclical industry, and the traditional career path will likely evolve as airlines struggle to cope with the ongoing, Still, a look at the current job requirements, industry outlook and prospects for advancement will give you a pretty good idea of the potential time frame involved.
Obtain a four-year degree.Complete flight training.Start an entry-level job, build 1,000 to 1,500 hours of flight time.Get hired at an operator that flies multicrew turbine aircraft (the heavier the better; jets are preferred but not necessary).Upgrade to captain and build 500 to 1,500 hours of turbine pilot-in-command time.Get hired by a major airline.
A four-year degree is still strongly desired by most major airlines, but it needn’t add four years to the beginning of your career. Career changers might have a degree already; the airlines don’t show any preference for aviation majors. High school students can get an early leg up by earning college credit through Advanced Placement courses or community-college enrollment.
Another option is to complete a two-year degree concurrent with and then finish your bachelor’s degree via a satellite or online program while building flight time. Flight training from the private pilot certificate to the CFI rating can take as little as six months of full-time training in an accelerated program at a reputable flight school.
It might take you up to two years if you’re training independently or on a part-time schedule. Accelerated programs at a typically cost more than a mom-and-pop FBO training under Part 61, but they will put you in a position to build flight time and get hired at an airline sooner.
- If you’re employed full time and flying frequently, it could take you anywhere from 12 to 30 months to build the 1,000 to 1,500 total hours of flight time necessary for the next step.
- Turbine PIC time is a requirement at most major airlines.
- Note that many will hire some well-connected applicants without turbine PIC time, and we suspect it will have less importance as the pilot shortage deepens.
But for now, you cannot count on getting hired without it, which means a stint at a regional airline or other turbine-aircraft operator. Upgrade times vary widely by company and can change significantly without warning, but at present it is not difficult to get hired at an operator with upgrade time of around two years, and to build the required turbine PIC time within an additional two years.
Considering all the above, you can see that a motivated and hardworking 18-year-old high school graduate could potentially earn a two-year degree, complete flight training, build time, get hired by a turbine operator, finish their four-year degree, upgrade and accrue enough turbine PIC time to be hired by a major airline by the time they are 25.
An older career changer who already has a four-year degree could potentially go from zero hours to a major airline in five or six years. Of course, one must also consider that unforeseen circumstances could slow one’s advancement. Historically, it has often taken between 10 and 15 years from the beginning of flight training to getting hired at a major airline.
- Once hired by a major, advancement is entirely a matter of company growth, pilot retirements and one’s personal preferences.
- Currently, several legacy and low-cost carriers have upgrade times (into narrow-body aircraft at junior bases) of less than two years.
- Most pilots elect to remain in the right seat for much longer, being paid slightly less but enjoying better seniority and the quality of life that comes with it.
Likewise, one might choose to remain on a domestic narrow-body fleet long after their seniority can hold a widebody position flying international routes. Overall, between post-consolidation industry stability and the historically large number of pilots set to retire in the coming years, those being hired at the major airlines should enjoy steady advancement and a good return on the time and money they have invested in their careers.
Is 24 too late to become a pilot?
What Age Can Someone Learn To Fly? – For young people interested in learning how to fly, there is no age requirement to take flying lessons with an instructor. However you can’t fly solo (without an instructor) until 16 years old. These solo flights usually consist of pattern work and must be approved by your instructor prior to your flight.
Once you are 17 and have the required hours of flight time and ground work, you can apply to take your check ride to get your private pilot’s license. At our flight school in NJ, we welcome many teenagers who are ready to pursue their dream of becoming a pilot. We love to see young people chasing their passions! For those who are at retirement age and looking to take up new hobbies, it’s not too late to become a pilot.
It’s important to note that commercial airlines require pilots to retire when they are between 60 and 65 years old. Depending on your age you might not be able to ever work for an airline, but there is no age limit on a private pilot’s license. Don’t let your age deter you from following your dream.
Is 30 too late to become a pilot?
One of the many great advantages of becoming a pilot is that while there’s a starting age, there’s no age limit! All you need in order to become a pilot at 30 years old is to get into a flight school and in order to fly a commercial aircraft, you need to pass a class one medical examination.
Is pilot a stressful job?
Is Being a Pilot Stressful? – Now to answer the most important question of this article: “is it stressful to have an avaiation job?” The simple answer is no, the flying profession offers many benefits that other professions would not get you. This eliminates plenty of stressful events from happening in your life.
- Perhaps one thing pilots tend to think is a little stressful is the idea of flying an entire plane full of many other people.
- This can be stressful if you think about it negatively, however, your only problem at this point is not trusting in your abilities and aircraft enough.
- Along with your experience, which you’ll acquire after getting plenty of licenses such as: private pilot license ( PPL ) and commercial pilot license (CPL), you need to trust in your aircraft.
This means that you need to realize that a lot of what a pilot used to do back in the day is all automated nowadays. This ensures the plane’s safety and gives you enough time to relax and enjoy your flight. Another thing is that the flight profession is often unpredictable.
Which is why being a pilot is perfect for those who wish to challenge day-to-day routine and instead are looking for a career which is constantly changing and improving. Most importantly, both takeoff and landing require the most energy when flying an aircraft. Otherwise, it’s smooth sailing. The only things you need to do in between is to watch the monitors and make sure that the autopilot is on track.
When it comes to health awareness, pilots are required to go through medical certification every couple of years. This also includes mental health. Many airlines are starting to implment peer-support programs. This is because airlines have started to feel a sense of responsiblity when it comes to the pilots’ mental and physical health.
Is it fun to be a pilot?
Many people choose to become pilots because it can be an exciting experience. Some people may enjoy the feeling of being in control of an airplane and getting to see the world from above.
Is it worth trying to become a pilot?
There are many reasons why becoming a pilot is worth it. For starters, it’s a career that offers great freedom and flexibility. Pilots can travel all around the world and experience different cultures, climates, and landscapes.
How much does a Ryanair pilot earn?
Have you ever wondered how much pilots earn in the UK? – How much is a pilot salary UK? Let’s discuss more about how much a commercial pilot can expect to make in the United Kingdom. The average salary for UK pilots is roughly £85,000 annually, but this can fluctuate based on experience and aircraft type.
This salary range will cover inexperienced first and second officers, sometimes known as co-pilot, as well as senior first officers (SFO), all the way up to experienced captains. You can expect to start on roughly £50,000 a year and make up to, as mentioned, around £200,000 a year at airlines that offer long-haul, as flying bigger jets often pays more.
Even at low-cost airlines such as easyJet and Ryanair, captains can make at least £150,000 annually after roughly a decade of service. These major operators will nearly always pay more than smaller airlines like Flybe/Logan Air, which run a small operation. 
Do pilots make a good living?
What are some sample salaries for airline pilots? – The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the median U.S. pilot salary at $211,790 in 2022. This means 50% of pilots earn more than this, and 50% earn less. However, there are pilots working for major airlines making more than $700,000 per year.
- With so many factors impacting airline pilot salaries, it’s important to look at multiple perspectives and examples to have a real understanding of how much pilots earn.
- In other words, you want to know how much you can expect to earn.
- How much do pilots make is a simple question with a multi-faceted answer.
Salaries vary whether you’re with a legacy or regional airline. Other factors include experience and equipment. We have shared examples of Captain and First Officer salaries for several major airlines. These salaries are based on flying 1,000 hours per year.
How long can pilots fly in a day?
Flight times within the duty periods are restricted to a maximum of 8 hours for flight crews consisting of one pilot and 10 hours for flight crews consisting of two pilots. The 8-hour and 10-hour flight time limitations include any additional commercial flying performed by the flight crew during the period.
How far is a 20 hour flight?
In 20 hours, you could bicycle the entire 200 miles from Baltimore, Maryland, to New York City (and maybe even have a couple hours to spare). You could watch the entire Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Hobbit trilogy back to back. Or you could take the world’s longest flight.
What is the longest flying time?
Undefeated record: The world record for the world’s longest continuous flight was set in 1959 by Robert Timm (pictured) and his co-pilot John Cook. Months in the air: The men flew in this four-seater aircraft for 64 days, 22 hours and 19 minutes.
Is 19 too old to become a pilot?
Related FAQs Pilot Career Guide – What are the eligibility requirements for becoming an airline pilot? How do I become a pilot? How do I become a pilot for United Airlines? How do I become a pilot for American Airlines? Do I need a college degree to be a pilot? How long does it take to become a pilot? How long does it take to become a commercial airline pilot? What is airline seniority? What is a regional airline pilot’s salary? How much does it cost to become a commercial pilot? What pilot training programs are available? What is a student pilot certificate? What is a private pilot license? What is a commercial pilot license? How to become a certified flight instructor (CFI)? How to earn your ATP certificate? How much do airline pilots make? What is the current airline pilot hiring outlook? What are the effects of COVID-19 on the airline industry? What are the eligibility requirements for becoming an airline pilot? Summary of educational, medical, legal, certification and qualification requirements to become a commercial pilot and fly for major and regional airlines.
What are the eligibility requirements for becoming an airline pilot? » How do I become a pilot? You can become a pilot. Learn how to become a pilot and get your pilot license, including requirements, eligibility, how long it takes, and cost. How do I become a pilot? » How do I become a pilot for United Airlines ® ? ATP Flight School is the nation’s leader in airline-oriented flight training and has partnered with United to provide ATP students the fastest path to a successful pilot career with United.
Learn more about United Aviate SM, How do I become a pilot for United Airlines? » How do I become a pilot for American Airlines? Accelerated pilot cadet program, offering a proven path to a pilot career at American Airlines. How do I become a pilot for American Airlines? » Do I need a college degree to be a pilot? No, you don’t need a college degree to become a pilot.
- Learn more about what the college education requirements are to become an airline pilot.
- Do I need a college degree to be a pilot? » How long does it take to become a pilot? It takes two months to become a private pilot.
- In two years, you can become a commercial airline pilot.
- Learn how you can become a pilot with ATP Flight School.
How long does it take to become a pilot? » How long does it take to become a commercial airline pilot? Enroll in accelerated flight training with ATP and go from zero experience to a commercial airline pilot, with 1500 hours, in two years. Learn how you can become an airline pilot with ATP Flight School.
How long does it take to become a commercial airline pilot? » What is airline seniority? Airlines operate on a seniority-based system. Learn what this means for your career and why getting to the airlines first is important. Airline seniority explained » What is a regional airline pilot’s salary? The shortage of pilots qualified to fly for the airlines is causing regional airlines to offer signing bonuses, tuition reimbursement, and other incentives.
Learn more about how much you will earn as a pilot. Compare First-Year Pay at Each Regional Airline » How much does it cost to become a commercial pilot? ATP provides up-front, fixed-cost pricing in a way that differentiates us from most other flight schools and academies.
- With over 30 years of experience, ATP designs our flight training programs with enough flight time for the vast majority of students to be successful.
- How much does it cost to become a commercial pilot? » What pilot training programs are available? Complete list of aviation courses, flight training, and career pilot programs offered by ATP Flight School.
What pilot training programs are available? » What is a student pilot certificate? The student pilot certificate is a requirement in order to fly a powered aircraft by yourself, known as “soloing” in aviation. What is a student pilot certificate? » What is a private pilot license? A Private Pilot License (PPL) is the first major milestone on the road to a career as a pilot.
Learn about the private pilot license; including privileges, requirements, eligibilty, and how to earn your private pilot license. What is a private pilot license? » What is a commercial pilot license? Learn all about a commercial pilot license, including privileges, requirements, eligibilty, and how to earn this pilot license.
What is a commercial pilot license? » How to become a certified flight instructor (CFI)? Learn all about earning your flight instructor certification, including privileges, requirements, eligibilty, and salary information. How to become a certified flight instructor? » Learn all about earning your flight instructor certification, including privileges, requirements, eligibilty, and salary information.
- How to become a certified flight instructor? » How to earn your ATP certificate? An ATP certification will also open a wide array of pilot job opportunities with various corporate and private air carriers.
- Learn more about the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certification, such as, eligibility requirements and flight experience requirements.
How to Earn Your ATP Certificate? » How much do airline pilots make? Flying is a rewarding career, both financially and in terms of job satisfaction. Pilots undertake intensive training to develop a highly unique skill set. As a result, commercial pilots are paid well.
What is a commercial pilot’s salary? » What is the current airline pilot hiring outlook? Commercial airline pilot job career information; airline pilot hiring, pilot salary, retirement numbers, military pilot population reduction and the overall upcoming pilot shortage discussion. What is the current airline pilot hiring outlook? » What are the effects of COVID-19 on the airline industry? Long-term pilot career outlook in response to COVID-19, including long term hiring trends, projections, retirements, and the effects of postponing flight training.
What are the effects of COVID-19 on the airline industry? »
What age do pilots retire?
U.S. House panel votes to raise commercial pilot retirement age to 67 
Pilots from United Airlines take part in an informational picket at Newark Liberty International Airport in Newark, New Jersey, U.S., May 12, 2023. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz/File Photo WASHINGTON, June 14 (Reuters) – A U.S. House of Representatives committee on Wednesday narrowly voted to raise the mandatory commercial pilot retirement age to 67 from 65.
Members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee voted 32 to 31 for the pilot age amendment to a proposed five-year bill to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) aviation safety and infrastructure programs for the next five years. “While commercial airline pilots are currently mandated to retire at 65, these same pilots that are forced to retire can still fly corporate and charter jets beyond the age of 65,” said Representative Troy Nehls, a Republican, adding the change could help address a pilot shortage.
The House committee approved the roughly 800-page FAA bill by a unanimous 63-0 vote. It is expected to be taken up by the entire House next month. Republican Representative Sam Graves, the committee chair, said the bill is “vital to our economy, to millions of jobs, and to the 850 million passengers that depend on our aviation system every year.” The pilot age proposal faces opposition from unions and an uncertain fate by a U.S.
Senate committee, which will consider its version of the FAA measure on Thursday and does not currently include the pilot age hike. The Regional Airline Association (RAA) praised the pilot age hike, noting 324 airports have lost, on average, a third of their air service with more than 400 airplanes parked due to a lack of pilots.
“Raising the pilot retirement age keeps experienced pilots – particularly, captains – in place,” RAA said. The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) opposed raising the retirement age and says it could cause airline scheduling and pilot training issues and require reopening pilot contracts.
The House bill would bar airlines from charging family seating fees but would not set minimum seat size requirements or impose new rules to compensate passengers for delays. Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by David Gregorio Our Standards:
: U.S. House panel votes to raise commercial pilot retirement age to 67
Can I become a pilot if I wear glasses?
Yes, airplane pilots can wear glasses. (And many do.) If you wear eyeglasses or contact lenses, you can still become a commercial, private, or military pilot.
Do pilots age quickly?
Do Flight Attendants Age Faster? Scientists have shown that tick rates change at speeds as slow as 25 miles per hour and height differences as small as afoot. So if this occurs under these everyday conditions, is the slowed-down aging experienced by the space traveler also experienced by the frequent flier, and those flying in the aviation industry? A cross-country flight is so short when compared to flying off to another planet, sure, but you’re still going a lot faster than someone who’s not traveling at all.
What is the least age of pilot?
Higher ages and other requirements – On the other end of the age spectrum, these countries have a higher age threshold for pilot certification:
Japan: the minimum age for a Commercial Pilot’s License (CPL) is 21 years old, which is higher than in many other countries. India: The minimum age for a Commercial Pilot’s License (CPL) in India is 18 years old, but the candidate must have completed a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline to be eligible for a CPL. Hong Kong’s Civil Aviation Department requires a minimum age of 21 for a Commercial Pilot’s License (CPL).
This has been a brief look at the age requirements for just a sampling of countries. Whether young or relatively ‘older,’ the ability to dream of flying airplanes is not hindered by age. Many people have a passion for flight which began during childhood and was reinforced each time we heard an aircraft fly overhead.
What age can a pilot no longer fly?
In the U.S., there are no FAA age limits for pilots except for commercial airline pilots employed by airlines certificated under 14 CFR Part 121. These airlines cannot employ pilots after they reach the age of 65. However, these pilots may stay on with a Part 121 carrier in some other role, such as flight engineer.
How much does it cost to get 1500 flight hours?
An ATPL is considered the highest level of certification. Attaining this license will allow you more options when it comes to flying for pay. An ATPL requires at least 1,500 flight hours and averages $5,000.
How to get your 1500 flight hours?
How Long Does it Take To Become a Airline Pilot? | Phoenix East Aviation Posted at 31 Dec in, by Many people look at experience required to become a pilot for an airline and get discouraged. The requirement for a pilot to obtain an is 1500 hours. That’s a lot of hours, and that’s just the minimum number required! Factor that in with the number of pilots in the job market and you’re left wondering if you’ll ever gain enough experience to fly for an airline.
Don’t be discouraged. While the actual length of time it takes to go from zero flight hours to airline pilot, you can be assured that with, it will take you less time than the average pilot. When you fly with PEA, you’ll earn your certificates and ratings in less time than at large university flight program, and in less time than a non-accredited pilot training center.
Specifically, how much time will it take? This depends on many things, but if you are diligent in your studies and can focus on, the program could take less than a year. First, your progress will depend on how often you fly. PEA instructors and students fly at least two to three times per week, while students at other schools fly once a week or even less.
- PEA students stay on a strict FAA-approved syllabus, which means that their training is scheduled ahead of time and must be accomplished within a certain time period.
- Flights that are grounded due to weather or maintenance are rare, but when they do occur, they must be made up quickly in order to stay on schedule.
This makes it difficult for students to procrastinate, and procrastination is sometimes the more difficult thing for pilots to overcome during pilot draining. Your progress will also be determined by your ability to learn. Pilot training can be intense, but if you study hard, you’ll advance quickly.
- A student that prepares properly for a flight will be able to move on to the next lesson more quickly than a student who spends his time at the beach.
- Most students struggle with one topic or another, so don’t expect to soar through without any setbacks at all.
- Just know that the more you study, the quicker you’ll progress.
At PEA, you’ll be fully immersed in aviation and will be surrounded by friends and instructors that will help keep you on track! Finally, you’ll go through training quickly if you don’t take a lot of time off. Deciding to take six months off in the middle of a training program will result in an obvious delay.
- But there are many other things that can cause delays, like VISA problems, financial setbacks or medical issues.
- Try to avoid these problems when possible.
- When you’re finished with PEA’s professional pilot program, you’ll still need to gain flight hours and experience toward additional ratings, such as the multi-engine flight instructor rating (MEI) and the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate.
You can build these hours and get experience as a flight instructor for PEA before moving on to an airline. The time it takes to move on to an airline after you complete the professional pilot training program will also depend on how often you fly, but most people can gain the required 1500 hours within a year or two after earning a flight instructor certificate, making your total time to go from zero to airline pilot about three to four years.
- The flight program at Phoenix East Aviation is one of the most advanced in the world.
- Our students can move through the program quickly if they are dedicated and study hard.
- In order to advance through your certificates and ratings, you need to fly as much as possible and immerse yourself in aviation.
PEA is the perfect place to do this., and you’ll be an airline pilot before you know it! : How Long Does it Take To Become a Airline Pilot? | Phoenix East Aviation
Do pilots age quickly?
Do Flight Attendants Age Faster? Scientists have shown that tick rates change at speeds as slow as 25 miles per hour and height differences as small as afoot. So if this occurs under these everyday conditions, is the slowed-down aging experienced by the space traveler also experienced by the frequent flier, and those flying in the aviation industry? A cross-country flight is so short when compared to flying off to another planet, sure, but you’re still going a lot faster than someone who’s not traveling at all.
How long does it take to become a fast jet pilot?
Thank you for your interest in becoming a fighter pilot in the Vermont Air National Guard (VTANG)! We are seeking highly motivated men and women to join our team. The Vermont Air National Guard is now currently accepting applications for Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT).
The board will be held early March and applications are due NLT 31 December 2022. Application Packages Pilot application package must be submitted in full, the VTANG will not accept partial packages – all contents must be accounted for upon delivery to the 134th Fighter Squadron (FS). Candidates will be notified if they are selected for an interview based on the candidate’s ability to meet the outlined prerequisites and the competitiveness of their application.
All interviews will be held in person at the 134th FS located in South Burlington, VT. Prerequisites for Pilot Training Applicants
Must be in good overall health Must be a U.S. Citizen capable of obtaining a Top Secret clearance Age: Air Force regulation mandates that any student attending UPT must start flight training prior to their 33rd birthday Must possess a 4 year college degree (or have at least 90 credit hours completed) Degree must be obtained before being sent to Officer Training School (OTS) for officer commissioning Must have taken, and received the results from the following tests: Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT) Test of Basic Aviation Skills (TBAS)
To schedule the AFOQT and TBAS tests, contact any Air Force or Air National Guard Recruiter. Military members may contact the local base training office to schedule the AFOQT and TBAS tests. Flying experience is NOT required, though any civilian time should be submitted for consideration. Required Application Items
Info Sheet ( Click here to open attachment) Cover Letter Resume AFOQT Scores TBAS/PCSM Scores Letters of Recommendation (Three Maximum) Most recent 2 OPR/EPRs if current serving in the Armed Forces College Transcripts Copy of pilots license and most recent logbook page (if applicable) Current Photograph (within last 6 months)
Mail completed application package to: 158th Operations Group Administration ATTN: Pilot Selection Board 108 NCO Drive So Burlington VT 05403-5870 Summary of Selection Process and Pilot Training: This hiring board will select an undetermined number of applicants for pilot training and follow on F-35 training.
Once selected, applicants will be scheduled for a USAF Class I Flight Physical at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. A current FAA physical does not meet USAF standards. When the physical is complete packages are sent to higher headquarters for approval and assignment of dates for Officer Training School (OTS), Introductory Flight Screening (IFS), and Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training (SUPT).
Typical timeline to begin training is 6-12 months and OTS, IFS, and SUPT will take approximately 18 months. After completion of SUPT, new pilots will attend Land and Water Survival at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. These two courses take approximately three weeks to complete.
- Pilots will then attend Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals (IFF) lasting about 3 months.
- Finally, pilots will attend the F-35 Basic Course (B-Course) lasting approximately 9 months at either Luke AFB or Eglin Air Force Base.
- Upon completion of the B-Course, pilots will return to the Vermont ANG, where they will complete their initial Mission Qualification Training (MQT).
During MQT pilots will continue to further their skills to become combat ready fighter pilots. Officers will remain on continuous active duty from the time they begin SUPT until they complete MQT. After completion of all MQT requirements, the now combat-ready F-35A pilot has the opportunity to revert to a Drill Status Guardsman (DSG, part-time status) or compete for a full time position if one is available.