Air Force Fighter Pilots
Air Force fighter pilots are soldiers in the United States Air Force. They are trained to fly airplanes, and they can use these airplanes to defend the nation or fight enemies during times of war. When they aren't at war, fighter pilots must also train to hone their skills and expertise.
Air Force pilot responsibilities include preparing for their missions by reviewing their goals, obtaining weather information, and understanding existing intelligence. Before taking off, fighter pilots must file a flight plan and participate in a crew briefing. To ensure an aircraft is ready for flight, pilots must also inspect, load, and fuel it. In addition to flying, Air Force pilot responsibilities include working with commanders to develop plans and implement policies. While in the air, fighter pilots communicate with other pilots and air traffic control professionals. They perform navigation, surveillance reconnaissance, and rescue missions. To become an Air Force fighter pilot, candidates must be 18 to 28 years old and fulfill the branch's education and training requirements.
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USAF Fighter Pilot Requirements
| Required Education | Bachelor's degree; complete Officer Training School |
| Other Requirements | complete the Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) for security clearance |
| Annual Salary (2019) | Starts at $39,445 for Second Lieutenants* |
Source: *U.S. Air Force Officer Pay
US Air Force Pilot: Career Information
AF Pilot Requirements
Before you can become an Air Force fighter pilot, you must meet the basic requirements to join the military. You need to be 18 years of age and a citizen of the United States. The Air Force also has certain physical requirements that you must meet in order to safely fly a plane. You need to be between 5 feet 4 inches and 6 feet 5 inches tall, and your seated height must be 34-40 inches. You can't be overweight, have allergies, hay fever, or asthma. Your vision must be 20/50 uncorrected at long distances and 20/20 at close distances. You also can't be colorblind or have had corrective laser eye surgery. Beyond these physical AF pilot requirements, you need to pass physical and psychological examinations, as well as the Air Force Qualifying Test and the Basic Aptitude Test.
Education and Training
Many aspiring pilots receive their undergraduate education at military universities. College majors that can help to prepare undergraduates for careers as fighter pilots include mathematics, physical science, or management. Air Force fighter pilots must also have a strong knowledge of air navigation, aircraft operating procedures, flight theory, and meteorology.
Air Force fighter pilots must complete the Air Force Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training (SUPT) program. They earn additional awards and gain experience on progressively more complex aircraft. Unit commanders can also issue awards based on performance and experience. Air Force fighter pilots must be familiar with the F-16 fighter jet. They attend classroom training, use simulators, and perform test flights. They then progress to air combat and in-flight refueling. Air Force fighter pilots must possess up-to-date aeronautical ratings and licensing.
In addition to these undergraduate studies, Air Force pilots must also complete training programs specific to their roles in the Air Force. This can be achieved through one of several different mechanisms. First, aspiring Air Force fighter pilots can attend Officer Training School (OTS), a 9 and a half week program designed to give you the skillset you need to join the Air Force. Another option is to study at the Air Force Academy (AFA) in Colorado, where your officer training will be integrated with your undergraduate education. Finally, you could choose to complete an Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) program at an eligible college or university. This would also give you opportunities to complete your training while also completing your undergraduate education.
Air Force Pilot Salary
How much do Air Force pilots make? Pay for Air Force fighter pilots varies according to their experience. New Air Force officers are ranked as second lieutenants. As of 2019, they earned $39,445 a year. The resource AirForce.com provides data on the monthly pay for Air Force fighter pilots based on their rank. That data as of 2019 is displayed in the table below:
| Rank | Monthly Pay (2019) |
|---|---|
| E1 Airman Basic | $1,733.10 |
| E2 Airman | $1,942.50 |
| E3 Airman First Class | $2,042.70 |
| E4 Senior Airman | $2,262.70 |
| E5 Staff Sergeant | $2,467.50 |
| E5 Technical Sergeant | $2,693.70 |
| E7 Master Sergeant | $3,114.30 |
Source: AirForce.com
To become an Air Force fighter pilot, candidates must have a bachelor's degree, complete the Air Force Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training (SUPT) program, and Officer Training School, and undergo the Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI). New officers enter the ranks as second lieutenants and earn $39,445 a year.
