Fighter Pilot

[Jaged]

Does anyone know what it takes to become a fighter pilot? How hard is it to become one?

[MilitantB0B]

Originally posted by Jaged
Does anyone know what it takes to become a fighter pilot? How hard is it to become one?

Don't know much, but I know that most of them are pretty short, which rules me out.

[Lexington_Steele]

I know that you need perfect or better than perfect vision.

[MilitantB0B]

Originally posted by Lexington_Steele
I know that you need perfect or better than perfect vision.

which also rules me out

[Doobz]

letter of recommendation from a congressman, near perfect grades, absolutely no vision impairments, and absolutely perfect shape

[MilitantB0B]

Originally posted by Doobz
letter of recommendation from a congressman, near perfect grades, absolutely no vision impairments, and absolutely perfect shape

And they find enough people to fill the piloting ranks that qualify? Man, it is more rigerous then I thought. Does that include things like bomber pilots, transport planes, helecopter pilots etc. or just the people who fly the fast fighters?

[Doobz]

i'm going by the navy carrier pilots

and yes, they only accept the absolute best of society

i believe they began accepting female applicants as well in the past few years

the letter of recommendation from the congressman is a HARD thing to get, probably one of the hardest things to accomplish on your way to fighter pilot-hood-dom-ness whatever

[Navaron]

Originally posted by Doobz
letter of recommendation from a congressman, near perfect grades, absolutely no vision impairments, and absolutely perfect shape

Umm no. You need 20/20 or better vision, and you have to be in good shape, but they could give a shit less if you have a letter from a congressman. It has nothing to do with it. In fact, the last thing they want to deal with is some beaurocrat asshole watching them.

Most branches you'll need a 4 year degree, because you have to be an officer to fly. The army (Warrant officers program) you don't need to be an officer, but you'll also end up in a chopper most likely.

Going to an acadamey (any of them) and graduating in the top 2% is the only way to be gaurenteed a certain plane.

The marines are the only branch that gaurentee pilot's positions, however, they also expect more from their men.

You do not have to be short, however, you must be below 6' to fly fighters. You can be up to 6'5 and fly bombers or support aircraft.

You get your plane based on your skills in testing. If you suck you get a C5. If you're great you get an F22.

If you have more specific questions let me know, I'm sure I can answer most all of them. I'm a pilot now, and next summer I leave for Marine Basic to enter the PLC program, where upon graduation I'll be a 2lt, then go off to TBS for 6 months, then down for 2 years of flight training.

You're also locked in for at least 8 years.

[Doobz]

are you sure about that congressman thing? i'm almost certain that one is needed, at least without a degree

[Sentrosi]

:insert obligitory "what Nav said" emote here:


Good luck Nav. I'll rest better in the upcoming years knowing that a member of {BOHICA} is protecting our country....


"OH GOD, what did I just say? Is it possible? Christ, I'm scared."


Next thing you know, California will elect a porn-star washout as govenor....

[Navaron]

Originally posted by Doobz
are you sure about that congressman thing? i'm almost certain that one is needed, at least without a degree

Yeah, like I was saying, you need a degree for every branch but the army.

You're probably thinking of how to get into West Point, Annapolis, or the Airforce Acadamy, where you need to be nominated by a congressman. Which, if you get in the top 2% at any of those places you're then gaurenteed any plane you want.

[Sentrosi]

Doobz,

You need a letter from your congressman if you want to go into the respective Academy.


Sorry for the double post....

[MilitantB0B]

Originally posted by {BOHICA}Navaron
Which, if you get in the top 2% at any of those places you're then gaurenteed any plane you want.

Air force one?

[Navaron]

Originally posted by Sentrosi
[BGood luck Nav. I'll rest better in the upcoming years knowing that a member of {BOHICA} is protecting our country....
[/B]

Koldfusion already is, and Denali will be going also. We back up what we believe in all walks of life, including "real" or whatever it's called .

[Navaron]

Originally posted by MilitantB0B
Air force one?

At any of the 3 acadamy's. It's a motivational thing. Everyone wants to be in a Raptor, so you study harder so you can.