Air Force Academy

[boeing 777-300]

i am currently in high school and about to finish my sophomore year. i have a 4.3 GPA and am in the band (drum line). I have a passion for aviation and hope to start flying this summer. My goal would be to fly for a major airline. I have considered the civilian and the military route for college and see that there are obvious benefits to both. I have read everything on the USAFA website and I still have some questions. First, I want to see if I understand everything though.

(My understanding of the air force, please correct and misconceptions)
First, you must apply and receive a nomination from a senator. If you are accepted you spend almost your entire summer after graduating high school in cadet training. You major in something (I would pick aeronautical engineering) for four years. The education is free and I read that they pay around $600 a month. During the four years you get an awesome education but don’t have much vacation (3 weeks for summer). If you do well in the academy you can fly for the air force. You serve for ten years and build thousands of hours. (i have heard up to 5000 TT)

Now the questions:

1. How much free time do you actually have in a day at the academy? Do you get Sundays off?
2. Can you take any aviation classes such as flight training while at the academy? Are you required to take English all four years?( I hate essays and research papers with a burning passion)
3. I am in the drumline for a national award winning band. The drumline is one of the most disciplined activities at the school. I do not have time to participate in sports but I do run in the morning before school. Will not playing an organized sport hurt my chances at being accepted?
4. Is it guaranteed that I fly a plane after graduation? What if I get a helicopter?
5. Do you earn ratings (PPL, instrument, commercial etc.) after graduating?
6. Can you pick your base after graduating the academy (Edwards AFB in my case)?
7. What is the pay after graduation? (haven’t done to much reading on the regular air force website)
8. Would a major airline rather have a civilian or military pilot?

The reason I like the military route is because your are able to build large amount of turbine hours for free (financially). I figure i will be 32 or 33 when my service is up, then in a year or two I could hire with a major airline.

Any help is appreciated! Thank you!

 

[Malko]

#1........... The education is free and I read that they pay around $600 a month. .....#2 You serve for ten years and build thousands of hours. (i have heard up to 5000 TT)

.......#3
4. Is it guaranteed that I fly a plane after graduation? What if I get a helicopter?
#4..........The reason I like the military route is because your are able to build large amount of turbine hours for free (financially). .......!

someone may be able to answer more, but according to the numbers above:

#1 The education is not free.....they will have you for 12 years.
#2 Thousands of hours......That would be stretching it from everything I have heard.
#3 No guarantees in the military.
#4 see number 2

That being said the military is a great time and you will get out of it what you put into it.

Welcome to JC !!!!!

 

[Timbuff10]

Yeah, only go to the AFA if you want to be an officer. If you want to be a pilot, then go to a regular college and get a degree, then go off and get your ratings in the summers or something. If you are in Colorado, go to CU where you can do AFROTC for two years without locking yourself into anything. That will give you a good taste of what it would be like plus you get a kick ass education up there too. Aero eng is top notch at CU and has produced more astronauts than any other college in the country other than the service acadamies.

I had the papers in front of me with a pen in my hand ready to sign for 10 years but I couldn't sign my name. I was ready to until that day too.

Just my advice.

 

[Sprint100]

Tim probably made it farther than I did, I was a day away from signing/swearing in. Lots of time are given upp in exchange for wanting to fly. The service can be a great place but the payoff between time committed to the AF vs. flying to build time is not worth it. Even if you throw in the education I still don't think it's worth it. Just my .02

 

[aloft]

Sorry, you lost me after the "do you get Sundays off?" question.

 

[Malko]

Sorry, you lost me after the "do you get Sundays off?" question.

Come On now....He's not even finished with his soph. year in high school. Give the poor kid a break.

 

[frog_flyer]

its all fun and games until the flight surgeon finds a third testicle lodged in your left lung......


no pilot slot for you!

 

[Mikey_G]

6. Can you pick your base after graduating the academy (Edwards AFB in my case)?

7. What is the pay after graduation? (haven’t done to much reading on the regular air force website)

6. You can have a dream sheet as to where you want to go, but Uncle Sam will choose for you.
7. A quick google search will yield the Officer/Enlisted pay charts.

http://www.airforce.com/careers/paychart/index.php Look at the O section...it pays to be an officer.

 

[seagull]

#8, all else equal, is "yes", no question about it.

 

[Mike Lewis]

First, you must apply and receive a nomination from a senator.

Or you can receive a nomination from your Congressman. Note that each senator and congressman can have up to 5 people in the Academy at any given time, so depending on how many are currently in the Academy will tell you how many slots are available.

If you are accepted you spend almost your entire summer after graduating high school in cadet training.

Yep.

You major in something (I would pick aeronautical engineering) for four years.

Same as any college.

The education is free and I read that they pay around $600 a month. During the four years you get an awesome education but don’t have much vacation (3 weeks for summer).

Well, you owe them 5 years after graduation (not counting any flight commitments).

If you do well in the academy you can fly for the air force.

No, if you pass the Academy you get to be an officer. Flying is NOT guaranteed by the Academy.

You serve for ten years and build thousands of hours. (i have heard up to 5000 TT)

You serve for at least 12 post-UPT, without any upper bound.

Are you required to take English all four years?( I hate essays and research papers with a burning passion)

Good luck with any college. It's all about research papers. Even in engineering classes, lab reports, project summaries, and detailed designs made me long for the "easy" days of simple English research papers...

3. I am in the drumline for a national award winning band. The drumline is one of the most disciplined activities at the school. I do not have time to participate in sports but I do run in the morning before school. Will not playing an organized sport hurt my chances at being accepted?

The Academy is looking for leaders. Anything you can do to show leadership (class president, team captain, Eagle Scout, etc) is a big plus.

Note that the Academy is VERY VERY physical. Ensure you are in good physical condition.

4. Is it guaranteed that I fly a plane after graduation? What if I get a helicopter?

As was said here, NO GUARANTEES in the military.

5. Do you earn ratings (PPL, instrument, commercial etc.) after graduating?

Military pilots don't get ratings per se, but there are equivalency things that basically equate it.

6. Can you pick your base after graduating the academy (Edwards AFB in my case)?

Maybe if you choose Thule, Greenland or Minot, ND... You can put together a wish list, and they will use that for consideration, but there are a lot that come into in. For example, Edwards AFB is a test center. Unless you are an engineer or test pilot, it's very doubtful...

8. Would a major airline rather have a civilian or military pilot?

I don't think they care.

The reason I like the military route is because your are able to build large amount of turbine hours for free (financially). I figure i will be 32 or 33 when my service is up, then in a year or two I could hire with a major airline.

This has been said time and time again.

If you want to go into the military ONLY to go to the airlines, you will be in a HUGE world of hurt, and likely not survive past day one of training. You have to have the proper mindset, which is: Go into the military because you want to serve your country in ANY capacity, as that is the only guarantee.

 

[Mr_Creepy]

Good post Mike but forgive me I have to ask that "Congress" includes both the Senate and the House of Representatives, doesn't it?

 

[Mike Lewis]

Good post Mike but forgive me I have to ask that "Congress" includes both the Senate and the House of Representatives, doesn't it?

Oops, I meant Representative.

Also, there's the chance for a Vice Presidential nomination as well, but the VP only gets 5, the same as the Congress members, but since they aren't restricted by state or district, they're nearly impossible to get. But, as with everything, it doesn't hurt to try.

 

[Blue Side Up]

If i remember right they stick that $250,000 education up you a** one nickel at a time.

 

[boeing 777-300]

wow....... wow

ok, the fact that i might get assigned to helicopter or not even fly at all kinda turns me off. i wouldnt want to serve 12 years doing someting i dont enjoy. Univeristy of North Dakota sounds good right about now.

dont know if i could give up my friends and family for that many years...

thanks for everyones help!

 

[falconvalley]

A lot of good things said so far. From what I've heard about the AF Academy, they tend to ignore whether Cadets want to fly or not and put who they think fits into the cockpit. So, you spend 4 years at the Academy while they groom you to be who they think you will work best as. If you want the best shot at flying for the military, take TimBuff10's advice and go to college elsewhere, THEN apply to be a pilot in the military branch of your choice. That way if the initial flight physical (or a different problem arises) doesn't go well, you can weigh your options without a complete committment right away.

 

[TonyC]

My goal would be to fly for a major airline.

Then please don't go to USAFA. If you want to be a career Air Force officer, go to USAFA. IF you want to be a pilot, there are much better avenues. Research the Air National Guard, the Air Force Reserves, and your local FBO.

First, you must apply and receive a nomination from a senator.

Or a U.S. Representative, or the Vice President.

If you are accepted you spend almost your entire summer after graduating high school in cadet training.

True.

You major in something (I would pick aeronautical engineering) for four years.

As with any college or university. (You might want to finish the first year of core academics before you decide.)

The education is free and I read that they pay around $600 a month.

Well, there's no tuition, but I wouldn't consider it free. You trade it for years of your life. They pay the equivalent of an E-4 (I believe).

During the four years you get an awesome education but don’t have much vacation (3 weeks for summer).

True.

If you do well in the academy you can fly for the air force.

False. You compete for pilot training slots. You can do well but still not get a slot. (Someone with more current information may correct this.)

You serve for ten years and build thousands of hours. (i have heard up to 5000 TT)

I beleive it's twelve now. And yes, one can accumulate thousands of hours.

Now the questions:

1. How much free time do you actually have in a day at the academy? Do you get Sundays off?

In a weekday? None. On a Saturday? Some. Yes, you get parts of Sundays off.

2. Can you take any aviation classes such as flight training while at the academy? Are you required to take English all four years?( I hate essays and research papers with a burning passion)

Some aviation courses are part of the core curriculum, and some are electives. English is required all four years (I thought you wanted to go to college - - get used to English!)

3. I am in the drumline for a national award winning band. The drumline is one of the most disciplined activities at the school. I do not have time to participate in sports but I do run in the morning before school. Will not playing an organized sport hurt my chances at being accepted?

The Academy is looking for well-rounded individuals. There is no single description of the ideal candidate. Academics, leadership, extra-curricular activities, work experience, community service all contribute.

You might be interested in the Academy's Drum and Bugle Corps.

4. Is it guaranteed that I fly a plane after graduation? What if I get a helicopter?

Nope. That's the best reason, in my opinion, to seek other avenues if your goal is flying. It's highly unlikely that you'd be flying helicopters.

5. Do you earn ratings (PPL, instrument, commercial etc.) after graduating?

No FAA ratings are earned while in the Air Force, but your experience translates easily into a Commercial Instrument Multi-Engine through teh Military Competancy exam. Specific experience in certain types of airplane will then translate into some type ratings. Some guys are able to get their ATP while flying certain airplanes.

6. Can you pick your base after graduating the academy (Edwards AFB in my case)?

You can always list your preferences, but you are always at the mercy of the "needs of the Air Force."

7. What is the pay after graduation? (haven’t done to much reading on the regular air force website)

Second Lieutenant - - O-1 - - pay scales are published.

8. Would a major airline rather have a civilian or military pilot?

No.

The reason I like the military route is because your are able to build large amount of turbine hours for free (financially). I figure i will be 32 or 33 when my service is up, then in a year or two I could hire with a major airline.

Any help is appreciated! Thank you!

Probably more like 35, but who's counting? It's anybody's guess as to what the industry will look like 16 years from now, so who knows how long it would take to make the transistion. Some guys retire one month and start at a major the next. Some guys never get the break, never land a job with a major. After 4 years of intense training at USAFA, a year of pilot training, and 13 years of service to your country, there's no guarantee you'll land that iarline job you're dreaming about today. It's a long road, and no certain payoff.


Consider paying for your own college (or working on scholarships), work on your ratings, and applying for the Air Force Reserves. You'll receive the same excellent pilot training but without the years of dedicated service required. You'll get flying experience, but be able to hold down another job. In fact, you'll probably be able to land the airline job while you're still flying your reserve gig. Best of both worlds, and you might be doing it 5 to 8 years earlier.





.

 

[skyhawk39]

Please understand also that you may well get everything you want by joining the USAF, going to UPT and getting a really kick arse drop on what you get to fly (like I have done) but at some point you WILL get pulled out of the cockpit and have to work a non-flying job, and/or attend a PME (Professional Military Education) course.

Thoughout my career I've flown a lot, been deployed to the sandbox three times (twice flying, once as an ALO with the US Army) had a joint-staff desk job, as well as been to three PME schools (that were non-flying for the most part). I currently back in the cockpit, but that could change with the next assignment.......

You swear the oath to be an officer and serve where they send you and do what they need. If flying is your ONLY motivation then I would say please look somewhere else.

 

[ian]

As someone currently at USAFA, i will answer your questions to how things are right now, but keep in mind that in two years it could be completely different. First of all i am sorry for any misspellings or gramatical errors, im typing very fast. and i dont know how to fix it, but my answers are inside the quote.

i am currently in high school and about to finish my sophomore year. i have a 4.3 GPA and am in the band (drum line). I have a passion for aviation and hope to start flying this summer. My goal would be to fly for a major airline. I have considered the civilian and the military route for college and see that there are obvious benefits to both. I have read everything on the USAFA website and I still have some questions. First, I want to see if I understand everything though.

(My understanding of the air force, please correct and misconceptions)
First, you must apply and receive a nomination from a senator. If you are accepted you spend almost your entire summer after graduating high school in cadet training. You major in something (I would pick aeronautical engineering) for four years. The education is free and I read that they pay around $600 a month. During the four years you get an awesome education but don’t have much vacation (3 weeks for summer). If you do well in the academy you can fly for the air force. You serve for ten years and build thousands of hours. (i have heard up to 5000 TT)

To get in you need either a senator, congressman, Presidential, or Vice Presidential nomination. Or you can be a recruited athelete that there are spots set aside for. I was 'blue chipped' which is what happens with the recruited atheletes, but received a nomination as well so i know somewhat of both sides. You will report for Basic Training on July 1, so depending on when you graduate it determines how long your summer is. BCT lasts from July 1-August 2. Your freshman year there are not many privelages and you are only seeing about 100/month in pay. I am a sophomore and i am currently taking home about 670/month. You really dont work during the summers, there are 3 summer periods 1 of which being leave. One is calld Operation Air Force where you go to a real base either state side or overseas for three weeks and just watch and hang out. Then you have soaring/jump your freshman summer which is pretty fun.

Now the questions:

1. How much free time do you actually have in a day at the academy? Do you get Sundays off?
I start class at 0730 every morning and i get out of my last class at 1120 every day. Sundays are always off.
2. Can you take any aviation classes such as flight training while at the academy? Are you required to take English all four years?( I hate essays and research papers with a burning passion)
You are required to take three english classes, 111,211,411. You can fly down at the Aero Club on base for a discounted rate.
3. I am in the drumline for a national award winning band. The drumline is one of the most disciplined activities at the school. I do not have time to participate in sports but I do run in the morning before school. Will not playing an organized sport hurt my chances at being accepted?
Won't hurt, but won't help. You can try out for Drum and Bugle Corps.
4. Is it guaranteed that I fly a plane after graduation? What if I get a helicopter?
no. if you are Pilot Qualified you will get a pilot slot (according to years past). I think in the past 3 years there have been more pilot slots than people that are PQ. What you fly is determined in UPT, it has nothing to do with the academy.
5. Do you earn ratings (PPL, instrument, commercial etc.) after graduating?
6. Can you pick your base after graduating the academy (Edwards AFB in my case)?
Edwards is where i went on Ops to last summer actually. you get to put in your dream sheet for bases, but you are not guaranteed your first choice. As for the ratings, you can get them if you take crossover FAA tests.
7. What is the pay after graduation? (haven’t done to much reading on the regular air force website)

Estimated about 900 every two weeks
8. Would a major airline rather have a civilian or military pilot? Either or.

The reason I like the military route is because your are able to build large amount of turbine hours for free (financially). I figure i will be 32 or 33 when my service is up, then in a year or two I could hire with a major airline.

Any help is appreciated! Thank you!

 

[jtrain609]

Join a drum corps, be a true American badass! Or be like me and do indoor (http://www.greatlakespercussion.org)

 

[fish314]

Well, I went exactly the route that you are talking about. Did my 4 years at the Academy, (98 Grad- HUAH), then went to pilot training, and I'm currently at my 3rd assignment, which is teaching pilot training at Columbus AFB... so let me shed a little light.

As was previously mentioned, there is no guarantee that you will get a pilot training slot even if you are PQ (just ask anyone who graduated in 92, 3, or 4). If you get a pilot training slot, you still have to make it through pilot training (A TOUGH program, I can assure you!). And there is no guarantee from pilot training that you will get the airplane of your dreams or the location that you would prefer. Tack on the fact that the pilot training commitment is pretty long (8 years when I went through, and 10 shortly thereafter), and you will find that you are signing away a very large portion of your life with very little guarantee about what you will be doing with it. Last but not least, don't forget, in the USAF we don't just fly airplanes... We fly airplanes into war zones. USAFA, and more to the point the USAF, is certainly a viable route to flying for the airlines one day, but I would suggest that you only take that route if you are pretty sure that you want to serve in the military. If not, go do something else.