Becoming a fighter pilot is a dream for many. Military flying has been around since the world wars, but as technology advanced—and media representation in movies such as Top Gun increased—the general public’s fascination with military pilots, especially fighter pilots, has only increased.

One of the most popular questions many have is how to become a military pilot in the first place. It is possible to become a pilot in nearly every branch: the U.S. Air Force, Navy, Army, Marines, Coast Guard, and National Guard. Each branch completes its own training, but there are common requirements that apply across the board to help applicants start their careers.

Most notably, a four-year degree is usually required to have a chance at becoming a military or fighter pilot. Some applicants complete this prerequisite by attending a university run by a military branch, such as the U.S. Military , Air Force, Naval, or Coast Guard academies. Still, others attend a traditional civilian university and complete additional requirements on campus.

In addition, pilot hopefuls must be officers. Besides attending one of the four military academies, applicants can complete training at the Officer Training School or, especially notable if they attend a four-year university, ROTC. ROTC programs for all branches exist at numerous universities across the country, providing access to practically any interested pilot.

Pilots must also meet a variety of physical criteria and fitness tests. The Air Force stipulates that height requirements vary based on the aircraft a pilot will operate, but fitness is still of paramount importance. Uncorrected 20/20 vision, or better, is critical, as is good heart health and acceptable hearing. Pilots must also be in good mental health so they can remain calm and focused even in the most stressful situations.

Finally, there are many demographic criteria that a prospective candidate must meet. Pilots need to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident at least 18 years old. Maximum ages vary by branch but are generally in the mid-30s.

All these requirements must be met before a pilot even gets in an aircraft. After becoming eligible, a pilot must complete a ground school course on aerodynamics, aircraft systems, and more. The military uses a series of basic trainer aircraft, many based on civilian aircraft models, to start their pilots’ training before moving them to advanced aircraft and, finally, the pilot’s permanent type.

Military pilots have a variety of roles and responsibilities. From refueling other aircraft and searching for threatening targets to providing aerial support to ground troops and even dogfighting, pilots are expected to carry out each mission with professionalism, expertise, and skill.

After settling into their new job, pilots have opportunities to be promoted or change types. These moves can often be competitive, and new positions are based on performance. However, military pilots are nothing if not motivated to meet each new challenge and opportunity head-on.

The post How to Become a Military Pilot appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

The development comes as the U.S. Air Force, long facing its own pilot shortfall, continues to grapple with how best to tempt pilots to stay in service, including $50,000 bonuses.

Under the United Military Pilot Program, military pilots don’t need an airline transport pilot certificate or flight-hour minimums when they apply, according to the airline. Pilots, however, will need to complete all required training and certification before flying for the airline. Nearly one out of every five pilots employed by United has served or currently serves in the U.S. armed forces, according to the airline.

“Launching this program is a win-win: Our airline gets direct access to some of the best, most talented aviators in the world, and military pilots—and their families—get the time they need to plan their civilian career while still serving,” United CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the program late last week.

• READ MORE: Air Force Pilot-Training Numbers Come Up Short of Aspirations

Air Force Pilot Shortage

For the military, however, there’s no worse time for pilots to leave.

In April, Air Force Vice Chief of Staff General David Allvin told Congress that in fiscal 2022 the service branch experienced a net loss of 250 pilots and was 1,900 pilots short of its 21,000 requirement goal.

“Robust airline hiring continues to draw away experienced pilots critical to producing, training, and developing new pilots,” Allvin said during his testimony to lawmakers. “The loss of experience will negatively impact production and retention because this loss is most prevalent in the field grade officer pilot year groups. To improve retention and production, we persistently consider and invest in several monetary and nonmonetary incentive programs to address our aircrew’s quality of life and service concerns.” 

Air Force Bonuses

The Air Force launched two bonus plans this year: the Legacy Aviation Bonus Program and the Rated Officer Retention Demonstration Program. Active-duty aviators eligible for the programs had until September 15 to apply.

The Legacy program offered bonuses up to $50,000 for certain groups of aviators, including traditional pilots, those operating remotely piloted aircraft, air battle managers, and combat systems officers in exchange for commitments to remain on active duty. The Demonstration program offered incentives of $50,000 a year for pilots with Undergraduate Flying Training (UFT) Active Duty Service Commitments (ADSC) expiring in fiscal years 2024 or 2025.

“The two programs target two distinct population sets,” an Air Force spokesperson told FLYING. “Select aviators are only eligible for one of the two programs. The Legacy program targets those whose initial Undergraduate Flying Training (UFT) [has] expired, while the Demo program targets those who are still serving their initial UFT ADSC.”

• READ MORE: Air Force Boosts Pilot Retention Bonuses

“Retaining our experienced aviators is key to succeeding in a war-fighting environment,” Brigadier General Kirsten Aguilar, Air Force force management policy director, said when the service announced the latter program in August. “The Demo program helps posture the Air Force to reliably retain aviators to meet current and future operational requirements.”

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