Going from a civilian to fighter pilot

[flyf15]

First off, thanks much for all the information everyone. So, I should go talk to any Air Force recruiter? Or are there ones that specifically deal with people such as myself?

Go talk to a recruiter. Keep in mind that the USAF eye exam is going to be a lot more extensive than a FAA First Class Medical. FAA medicals are a joke compared to a USAF exam.

What are the requirements as far as eyes go anyways? All I've heard is that your eyes must be "perfect."

 

[Occam's Razor]

First off, thanks much for all the information everyone. So, I should go talk to any Air Force recruiter? Or are there ones that specifically deal with people such as myself?

What are the requirements as far as eyes go anyways? All I've heard is that your eyes must be "perfect."

Plano/Sphere, no astigmatism, no color blindness, normal depth perception.

 

[TankerDriver]

First off, thanks much for all the information everyone. So, I should go talk to any Air Force recruiter? Or are there ones that specifically deal with people such as myself?

Again, you need to find an "OTS Accession" recruiter. There are usually one one branch office in specific regions, so you may have to drive an hour or two to your closest OTS recruiter.

Look in the phone book for an AF recruiter. Even if they're not an OTS recruiter, they can most likely point you in the right direction.

 

[SIG600]

How can I put this politely...

When that 1.2 hrs of flying is the most intense/fun/challenging 1.2 hrs that you have ever spent in your life, it more than makes up for any BS you have to put up with the rest of the time.

There are billions of people in the world that would pay millions of dollars (if they had it) to go do what I get to do every day - and I get paid for it!

I'll let everyone elses' comments stand on the commitment/non-flying duties/family issues, because they're all true. But my point is this: there is NOTHING else in the world to compare with flying a fighter. Period.

Best post ever... (maybe)

What you fail to mention (tankerdriver that is) is that 1.2 I'm doing something from the wheels hitting the well to shutting down. Take off, join up, don't suck as a wingman (always a hard job and 9000 ways to be bad at it), get the hop done (and well), be a good wingman some more, look good in the break, be on my numbers in the pattern, fly some great passes to the carrier box before my gas is up... and all the while doing everything as perfect as possible because in the end I'm my own worst critic. There's never 3-4 hours droning along at altitude unless you're going somewhere. That 1.2 hours is HARD f'ing work, and it's fun/challenging/rewarding/hard/etc. every second of the way.
Don't let this turn into a fighters vs. heavies thread, I've got several friends that fly tankers (and other things) and everyone loves what they do. Hey not everything is for everyone... but for me the first time I was in a 4 plane division with 3 other Hornets, coming from a civi background... thats something I'll always remember. Might seem stupid, but you see pictures of crap like that all the time, wondering how cool that would be (at least I always did). I'm here to tell you pointy nose grey jets is where its at (and landing on the boat). It's extremely hard work, and very humbeling, and every now and then you'll show your ass and feel like a moron, but there is also the feeling of plugging the afterburners or raging around at 7 g's just because you can... going from 5K feet to 30K feet in a matter of seconds, having a hop go JUST how you planned it, and not missing a beat along the way, 200' and 400 knots up a canyon, (and a million other indescribable experiences) it's awesome. Let's not forget the people you work with are also some of the greatest you'll have the chance of being around and become lifelong friends with. I seriously don't consider my job "work." I've never felt like I had a "job" and I've never wanted to call in sick because it sucks. Don't get me wrong, come Friday afternoon, I'm def ready for the weekend and a beer at the O'Club. But by Sunday evening I'm ready to get back at it and try to make it the best week ever.

I agree with Mongoose69. There is no comparison. Eating a box lunch on your way home from the AR track isn't quite the same as having snot trickle down your throat in a high-G turn, trying to keep sight.

Don't get me wrong, SAR bubbas and Tanker drivers don't pay for beer if I'm in the bar too, but there is nothing...NOTHING like flying a fighter.

Craning your neck around, trying to keep/get sight in a 6.5 G turn after the merge, mask pulling down, sweat running, feeling the fangs come out, puts a smile on my face just thinking about it.

Like several others have said... no one here can really tell you your chances. You'll never know if you don't apply. And don't limit yourself to just the USAF. There's also fighter (better ) flying to be had in the Navy and USMC.

 

[Big Beer Belly]

. And don't limit yourself to just the USAF. There's also fighter (better ) flying to be had in the Navy and USMC.

Sig ... the kid said he was HETEROSEXUAL! ... not into that 5000 man love boat you all float around on!!

Definitely go USAF ... if nothing else, our Q's are nicer!

BBB

 

[stonewall]

I agree with all that's been said. Tankerdriver is a rational guy most of the time, but he has a one-ton chip on his shoulder over his tanker combat time. His numerous posts bear that out.

As a side note...nothing tactical, but my TIK-RIC leg two days ago at FL 270 was at 690 KTS groundspeed. That's over 12 miles/minute. Is that fast? Yes, that's fast.

 

[pilotyip]

Expand your search; go to every service recruiter. USCG, Army, USN, USMC, Guard, cover every base. Then make a decision on what you feel is the best offer. I will guarantee whichever route you go; it will be a fantastic experience. I wanted to fly Patrol planes and see the world, I got P-3's out of training and think it is the most exciting airplane in the world, faster than many jets down on the water.

 

[Occam's Razor]

Sig ... the kid said he was HETEROSEXUAL! ... not into that 5000 man love boat you all float around on!!

Definitely go USAF ... if nothing else, our Q's are nicer!

BBB

Funny, the F-15 guys at Kadena indicate there might be a history of non-heterosexual activity amongst the "Wings Of Lead" club.

My recommendation: Marines! "Where Men Are Men...And So Are Women!"

 

[FlyingSkip]

Absolutely, Razor! I married one, and she looked good, and felt good, and it was always nice to be able to tell people who didn't know us well that she was the best shot with an M-60 that I ever saw---OOOrah!

Of course, now we're divorced so she looks like crap, somebody else feels her (Thank God!) and she couldn't shoot a barn from the inside out---but maybe I'm a little biased...

As far as the big subject---keep your eyes open, talk to as many people as you can and realize that your obligation is a lot more about SERVICE and not so very much about flying. Good luck!

 

[Big Beer Belly]

Seeing the gentle ribbing between the services here reminded me of something. I was just talking to an old squadron buddy I hadn't heard from in years. After laughing about old times we both lamented that we really missed the camaraderie of the military. It's no where near the same working for the airlines. Just another aspect to a military background that I haven't seen mentioned. There are intangibles in life that sometimes eclipse the quickest path to the captain seat. To each his own.

BBB