How to Become a Military Pilot

The role of an Air Force pilot is vital in modern military operations. These pilots are responsible for aerial combat, surveillance, and transportation, operating some of the most advanced aircraft in the world. Hence, ‘How to become a fighter pilot’ is the most asked question by aspiring pilots.

Becoming an Air Force pilot is a dream for many aviation enthusiasts and aspiring military personnel. This journey is not only about flying advanced aircraft but also about serving one's country and being part of a prestigious profession.

While the core requirements to become a pilot are similar across different air forces, each country has unique processes and standards. In this article, we will explore how to become Air Force pilot, focusing on various air forces worldwide, including the United States Air Force (USAF), Royal Air Force (RAF), Indian Air Force (IAF), Canadian Air Force (RCAF), and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).

We will also compare the requirements, training processes, and career paths associated with how to become a military pilot. Understanding these can help prospective pilots choose the right path for their aspirations.

What are the Requirements for Air Force Pilots?

1. Physical Requirements

Candidates must meet specific health and fitness standards, including height and age guidelines.

Air Force	Age Requirement	Height Requirement
USAF	18 to 33 years old	5 feet 4 inches and 6 feet 5 inches
RAF	17.5 to 26 years old	5 feet 2 inches and 6 feet 5 inches
IAF	16.5 and 19.5 years old for NDA entry or up to 24 years for the AFCAT entry	5 feet 4 inches for men and 5 feet for women
RCAF	18 to 34 years old	No strict height requirement
RAAF	17 to 25 years old	5 feet 2 inches and 6 feet 4 inches

These age requirements highlight the rigorous standards and diverse pathways candidates must navigate to become pilots in the Air Force, and the height requirements reflect the need for pilots to fit comfortably and safely within the cockpit of various aircraft while accommodating a diverse range of candidates.

2. Bachelor’s Degree

How to become a fighter jet pilot? A bachelor's degree is typically the first step in becoming a pilot regardless of the Air Force.

The Air Forces require candidates to have a degree but do not specify a particular field. However, degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) are advantageous.

3. Commissioning Sources

United States Air Force (USAF)

How to become a USAF pilot? The USAF is one of the largest Air Forces in the world and offers several pathways to becoming a commissioned officer:

United States Air Force Academy (USAFA): This prestigious institution provides military education and training, leading directly to a commission as a Second Lieutenant.
Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC): This program, available at many colleges, allows students to earn their commission while completing their degree.
Officer Training School (OTS): For those with a degree, OTS offers a path to commission as an officer.

Royal Air Force (RAF)

How to become an RAF pilot?

Royal Air Force College Cranwell: This is the primary training establishment for RAF officers, where candidates receive military training and education.
Direct Entry: Graduates can apply directly to become pilots without going through a specific training program.

Indian Air Force (IAF)

How to become IAF pilot?

National Defence Academy (NDA): Successful candidates undergo training at the NDA in Khadakwasla, Pune, followed by training at the Air Force Academy in Dundigal, Hyderabad.
Air Force Academy (AFA) Direct Entry: Candidates can apply through the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT), and undergo ground and flight training at the AFA.

Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF)

How to become a Canadian Air Force pilot?

Regular Officer Training Plan (ROTP): Candidates can join the RCAF while pursuing their degree, leading to a commission upon graduation.
Direct Entry Officer (DEO): This pathway allows individuals with specific qualifications or experience to join the RCAF directly as commissioned officers.

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF)

How to become a pilot in the Australian Air Force? RAAF Academy provides training and education for officer cadets.

Direct Entry: Candidates can apply directly to become pilots upon meeting specific educational and medical requirements.
Defence Force Academy (ADFA): Candidates can pursue a university degree while receiving military training at the ADFA in Canberra.

4. Physical Fitness

All air forces have stringent physical fitness requirements to ensure candidates can handle the demands of flying.

USAF: The Air Force Physical Fitness Test includes running, push-ups, and sit-ups.
RAF: A 1.5-mile run and various strength exercises.
IAF: Running and other exercises to assess endurance and strength.
RCAF: A 20-meter shuttle run and other physical assessments.
RAAF: A 2.4-kilometer run and strength exercises.

5. Medical Standards

Medical qualifications are critical for all aspiring pilots. Candidates must pass an Air Force Flight Physical, which includes vision tests, hearing tests, and overall health assessments. The Air Force conducts this medical examination to ensure candidates are fit for flying duties.

6. Theoretical Tests

How to become a pilot in the Air Force? You have to pass a few theoretical exams to become an Air Force pilot. The subjects depend on your country.

USAF:

The Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT) measures cognitive ability, verbal, math, spatial, aviation knowledge, and perceptual speed and is used for officer commissioning and aircrew selection.
The Basic Attributes Test (BAT) measures cognitive ability, psychomotor ability, and attitudes toward risk and is used solely for pilot selection.

RAF:

Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA) consists of seven sections designed to assess various cognitive skills essential for military service and pilot training. The test is administered at Armed Forces Careers Offices (AFCO) and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete, featuring a total of 148 questions.

IAF:

National Defence Academy (NDA) Exam assesses general mental ability, physics, mathematics, and English and is used for pilot selection through the NDA entry route.
Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) measures verbal ability, numerical ability, reasoning, and general awareness and is used for pilot selection through the AFCAT entry route.

RCAF:

The Canadian Forces Aptitude Test (CFAT) consists of three main sections - verbal and numerical skills, and spatial ability - to assess cognitive abilities, determining the suitability of candidates for various military occupations, including pilot roles.

RAAF:

The Aptitude Test evaluates the candidates' abilities in various areas critical for flying and military service. This test typically includes verbal, numerical, and mechanical reasoning and spatial awareness.
The Pilot Selection Test (PST) is specifically tailored for pilot candidates and includes cognitive assessments and psychomotor skills evaluation.

7. Initial Flight Training

How to become Air Force pilot? Once candidates meet the educational and physical requirements, they proceed to flight training.

Air Force	Initial Flight Training	Duration	What They Learn
USAF	Initial Flight Screening (IFS) at Pueblo, Colorado	Up to 25 hours of flight instruction	Basic flying skills in a Diamond DA-20 aircraft
RAF	Initial Officer Training at the RAF College Cranwell	Approx. 24 weeks	Fundamentals of flying
IAF	Training program at the Air Force Academy in Hyderabad	12 months	Ground school and flight training
RCAF	Primary Flying Training at the Canadian Forces Flying Training School in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba	Not specified	Military flying environment and procedures
RAAF	Basic Flying Training at No. 1 Flying Training School (1FTS), RAAF Base East Sale, Victoria	Approx. 6 months	Fundamental flying skills and basic airmanship

8. Specialized Pilot Training

How to become a fighter pilot? After initial training, candidates move on to specialized training.

Air Force	Specialized Training	Duration	What They Learn
USAF	Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training (SUPT)	About 1 year	Candidates learn to fly the T-6 Texan II and progress to advanced aircraft training.
RAF	Elementary Flying Training (EFT)	Around 6 months	Advanced training conducted on the Grobs G115E
IAF	Specific aircraft operational training	Depends on job role	Advanced training based on their assigned roles
RCAF	Basic Flying Training at the NATO Flight Training Centre, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan	8 months	Classroom, simulator, and in-flight instruction
RAAF	Advanced Flying Training at No. 2 Flying Training School (2FTS), RAAF Base Pearce	Approx. 6 months	Flying training, including advanced maneuvers, formation flying, and instrument flying

Active Duty Service Commitment

After completing training, pilots must commit to serving in their respective air forces.

USAF: New pilots incur a 10-year active duty service commitment after completing SUPT.
RAF: RAF pilots typically commit to a minimum of 12 years of service after completing their training.
IAF: The IAF requires pilots to serve for a minimum of 14 years after training.
RCAF: Canadian Air Force pilots commit to a period of service that varies depending on their training path.
RAAF: RAAF pilots usually have a commitment of around 10 years of service after training.

Additional Training and Specializations

After initial service commitments, pilots may have opportunities for further training and specializations.

USAF: Pilots can specialize in various roles, including fighter, bomber, or transport aircraft. Additional training programs like SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape) are also available.
RAF: RAF pilots can specialize in different aircraft types and roles, including fast jets, helicopters, and transport.
IAF: The IAF offers specialized training for pilots in various aircraft, including fighters and transport planes.
RCAF: Canadian Air Force pilots can pursue additional training in various operational roles, including search and rescue, and reconnaissance.
RAAF: RAAF pilots have opportunities to specialize in different aircraft and operational roles.

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Conclusion

How to become a military pilot? Becoming an Air Force pilot is a challenging yet rewarding journey that requires dedication, education, and training. While the pathways to becoming a pilot can vary significantly between the USAF, RAF, IAF, RCAF, and RAAF, the core principles of commitment, physical fitness, and technical proficiency remain constant.

Whether you aspire to become a fighter pilot, a military pilot, or a pilot in the Air Force, understanding how to become a fighter jet pilot in different countries can help you navigate your path to achieving your dream. With determination and the right preparation, you can learn how to become a pilot in the Air Force and earn your wings to serve in one of the most respected professions in the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How Long Does It Take to Become an Air Force Pilot?

A: The time required to become an Air Force pilot varies by country, but generally, it takes about two to three years after obtaining a bachelor's degree. This includes completing officer training and approximately one year of specialized pilot training, such as Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT) in the U.S. or equivalent programs in other air forces.

Q2. How to Join the Air Force After 12th Grade

A: To join the Air Force after completing 12th grade, candidates usually need to take entrance exams specific to their country. For example:

United States: Candidates can join through the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) or apply to the U.S. Air Force Academy.
India: Candidates can take the National Defence Academy (NDA) exam or the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) to join the Indian Air Force (IAF) as a pilot.

Q3. What is the Qualification for Pilot?

A: Qualifications to become an Air Force pilot differ by country but generally include:

Educational Background: A bachelor's degree is often required, with specific subjects such as mathematics and physics being advantageous.
Age Limits: Age requirements vary; for example, in the U.S., candidates must be between 18 and 33, while in India, candidates applying through NDA must be aged 16.5 to 19.5 years.
Physical and Medical Standards: Candidates must meet certain health criteria, including vision standards, which can often be correctable.

Q4. Do I Need Prior Flight Experience to Apply?

A: No prior flight experience is typically required to apply for pilot training in most air forces. Many candidates begin their flight training with no previous experience. However, having some flight experience may be beneficial during training.

Q5. How Long is the Service Commitment After Training?

A: The service commitment after completing pilot training varies by country. For example, in the United States, pilots commit to 10 years of active duty after training, while in India, the commitment can vary depending on the entry route, such as the AFCAT or NDA.

Q6. What is the Lifestyle Like for an Air Force Pilot?

A: The lifestyle of an Air Force pilot is generally demanding yet rewarding. It includes:

Rigorous Training and Operational Readiness: Pilots undergo extensive training and may be deployed for missions, which can involve irregular hours and travel.
Leadership and Teamwork: Pilots often take on leadership roles and work closely with other military personnel.
Benefits and Opportunities: Pilots enjoy lucrative salaries and various benefits, including travel opportunities, camaraderie, and the chance to operate advanced military aircraft. The lifestyle can be challenging but offers a strong sense of purpose and fulfillment.

How to Become Air Force Pilot