I’m just curious. I, like alot of people, believe that this is probably going to end up being a war. If I go to war (and I WILL go, unlike some of the other #%^&* I keep having to listen to at work…) I think about the best job I could hope for is that of a fighter pilot. My dad worked on F-4’s in Vietnam and I’ve grown up around aviation, I even have a little flight time. By the time war breaks out will we still need more fighter pilots or will they just be using ones that have already been trained? What does it take to get that job? Is a high test score enough? College? Many years of service? High rank? What is the best branch of the military to join if you’re looking to do this? BTW, I’m 77" and everyone keeps telling me that’s too tall. What is the height requirement? Any info would help, thanks.
you must have a college degree. preferably in science, because you’re going to have to learn a lot of fluid mechanics. you have to have uncorrected vision. you have to be in good physical shape, and fairly young. you have to commit a long period of time to the military, to justify the millions they’re going to spend training you.
and I think you are too tall, I’m afraid…
One thing to consider – the US Army has recently changed their flight physical requirements from a class 1 physical to a class 1A physical. The big difference between the two is that the class 1A physical allows for corrected vision to 20/20 with glasses or contacts.
I know that pilots in training must successfully pass the test of g-force. I’ve seen it on discovery on late night. It’s a machine that resembles a carnival ride, and it whips you around until it gets to the appropriate g-force. The one distinct clause i remember of this test is thta if you don’t pass, you are not a pilot. BTW, if someone knows the proper name of this machine, feel free to post it.
I believe flight school generally takes at least two years. Perhaps in a war situation, people could get their wings in 18 months or so. The vision requirements could also be relaxed, as there is nothing preventing people without perfect vision from flying (currently, if one’s vision gets bad after being accepted to flight school, one is still allowed to fly). I’ve heard the Navy offers the best shot at being a pilot, in terms of percentage accepted. The Marine Corps is, I believe, the only service where you can be guaranteed a pilot slot before joining.
If there is a war, the military would probably rely on reserve pilots, many of whom fly for commercial airlines, rather than wait for training new pilots. If this happens, it’s probably going to be a very bad year for the airlines.