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Air Force (Read 1593 times)
Dec 8th, 2004 at 8:46am
Ben_M_K   Ex Member

 
Hey. I was wondering if its difficult to get into the air force to learn how to fly. I would really like to join the Air Force and then hopefully the airlines. I would go to a regluar college in my area and join after that. Can I do that?

I just want some basic info on what it takes to join the Air Force to learn how to fly.
 
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Reply #1 - Dec 8th, 2004 at 8:53am

Craig.   Offline
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Good highschool grades and a degree from a 4 year college/university in the US. you can go through college with the airforce and they will usually pay for the majority of the costs. You'll also need to be very fit, and expect your first year with the airforce to be alot of book work and the usual training. Or so it was sold to me
 
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Reply #2 - Dec 8th, 2004 at 10:29am

beefhole   Offline
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Hey Ben, same career path for me.  As I am perfectly aware of the excruciatingly high standards to enter the airforce as a pilot, I am not shooting for the fighter program and hope to fly something a bit heavier.  I would recommend an airforce ROTC in college and beginning GA flight training before entering the airforce.  Also, talk to a recruiter.  This is crucial, from him(her) you'll learn exactly what they are expecting from applicants.  Also, if you're really smart, got really good grades, and know a judge on the federal appellette court (it helps:P ) go for the academy.  Also, in our day and age, if the airforc doesnt work you can always go straight to commercial through flgiht colleges or academies. That's my plan B.  Good luck.  Talk to a recruiter!
 
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Reply #3 - Dec 8th, 2004 at 12:56pm

C   Offline
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Ben,

Again, same career path here, but obviously in a different air force... Smiley

Some things are still the same...

Go in with an open mind, and aim as high as possible, to be the best you can. Certainly on this side of the atlantic we recruit with the idea that everyone has the capability to fly fast jet aircraft; then at a later stage they are streamed to fly their required type.

A thing I always think is imperative to remember is that they want a well rounded person - not just someone with super grades throughout their education, so go out at do things that set you apart from the average chap on the street - and get the grades you need...

Get to know the service you want to join inside out - it will not only impress your recruiters but will also stand you in good stead for your Officer training.

One final thing. Being a pilot in any air force is regarded as a very high profile, you could say elite, position. I'm sure in the US the competition for places is just as strong as it is over here. Make sure you leave the recruiters with no doubt as to why you are the best choice for them to recruit...

Oh, and its never too early to see the recruitment people. I first went when I was 12, that was 10 years before I began my training. you could say I've been fairly focused on what I've wanted to do for a long time!

Hope this helps,

Charlie Smiley
 
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Reply #4 - Dec 8th, 2004 at 1:40pm
Ben_M_K   Ex Member

 
Thanks for your advice guys. Smiley

I have a question. What does ROTC mean?
 
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Reply #5 - Dec 8th, 2004 at 2:23pm

C   Offline
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Quote:
Thanks for your advice guys. Smiley

I have a question. What does ROTC mean?


Reserve Officer's Training Corps...

http://www.afrotc.com/home.htm?flash=yes

Charlie

 
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Reply #6 - Dec 31st, 2004 at 5:50am

DiveBomber189   Offline
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Will there be a better chance of being hired by an airline if I joined the air force rather than attending a flight school/club?
 
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Reply #7 - Dec 31st, 2004 at 6:04am

Ivan   Offline
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Quote:
Will there be a better chance of being hired by an airline if I joined the air force rather than attending a flight school/club?

hours is what counts... i think you'll get more on-the-stick time in the airforce
 
Russian planes: IL-76 (all standard length ones),  Tu-154 and Il-62, Tu-134 and An-24RV&&&&AI flightplans and repaints can be found here
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Reply #8 - Dec 31st, 2004 at 6:38am

C   Offline
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Quote:
hours is what counts... i think you'll get more on-the-stick time in the airforce


But you'll put your airline career on hold for several years first. Depends on which air force of course...

Charlie
 
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Reply #9 - Dec 31st, 2004 at 6:44am

Craig.   Offline
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you'll find the most important thing, is the fact your getting top quality flight training for free. the downside is. If you fly fast jets you will still have to really work for your atpl. But i hear airlines will pay for ex airforce/navy pilots to do that.
 
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Reply #10 - Dec 31st, 2004 at 6:48am

C   Offline
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Quote:
you'll find the most important thing, is the fact your getting top quality flight training for free. the downside is. If you fly fast jets you will still have to really work for your atpl. But i hear airlines will pay for ex airforce/navy pilots to do that.


...and in the UK I think you can help fund it with these new fangled Enhanced Learning credit thingys...
 
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Reply #11 - Dec 31st, 2004 at 11:13am

beefhole   Offline
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Quote:
Will there be a better chance of being hired by an airline if I joined the air force rather than attending a flight school/club?

Yes.  Plain and simple. Best training, best equipment, and I've heard many hub captains will ONLY hire military guys.  Especially considering the way the airline market is right now, you need the best credentials you can get.
 
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Reply #12 - Jan 2nd, 2005 at 9:47am
Ben_M_K   Ex Member

 
I agree beefhole and thats why I want to go to the Air Force!! Smiley
 
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Reply #13 - Jan 2nd, 2005 at 10:16am

C   Offline
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Quote:
I agree beefhole and thats why I want to go to the Air Force!! Smiley


It's the way forward... Wink
 
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Reply #14 - Jan 2nd, 2005 at 12:51pm

Da Judge   Offline
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I'm working on getting into the Academy(even though I'm 14), math/science grades are good, and my flight instructor says i'm a natural.But I'm still worried. I have full knowlage of the air force and their standards and I'm afraid of not getting in.
 
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