Military Fighter Pilot

Position Description

The U.S. air force is raising the maximum age for flying training, reports the September 1999 issue of Air Force Magazine. The change means people up to the age of 30 can enter pilot and navigation training programs. It's the first time the age limit has been adjusted in 45 years.

The intention, according to the magazine, is to allow people entering the military later in life to receive the training they need to become pilots and navigators.

Working Conditions

Fighter pilots fly high-performance planes, such as the F-15 Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon and F-18 Hornet.

"These pilots are the only ones in their 'office' and have to make rapid decisions, as they have no others who have pertinent mission information," says Capt. Frank Deker.

Fighter pilots have to know more than how to steer a plane. They must be able to use navigation and communication systems, including some of the most advanced technology available in the field of aviation.

Carrying out a mission usually involves flying above ground troops to protect them with air strikes if they're in trouble, delivering bombs on target, or using flying tactics to defend your airspace. In order to feel confident doing any of these missions, a fighter pilot must know how to operate the armament and fire control systems carried on an aircraft. That means hours and hours of training and air practice.

While many more men than women are fighter pilots, more women are joining the air force.

"We don't have any female pilots working for us," says Denise Jennings, who works for Air Combat, a civilian organization that hires retired fighter pilots. "It's too early for any of the female fighter pilots who have started out to have retired. But at least they are starting out now."

With the end of the Cold War, fighter pilots have been seeing less air time than they have in the past. However, because of small conflicts existing around the world, there is still a need for fighter pilots. And with the end of the Cold War, American fighter bases scaled down their operations and closed or shrank air force bases.

"That's when I decided to get out, because without a lot of combat experience and a shrinking air force, I didn't think I would be able to achieve what I wanted," says Ron Milligan, a fighter pilot in California.

Fighter pilots are on call 24 hours per day. However, they'll be given a few days or even weeks notice before they have to pack up for war. "If we're sitting at the breakfast table, we won't suddenly be asked to fly a mission," says Milligan. However, the period of warning time can be less if closer to enemy lines.

"During the Cold War in Europe the enemy was only 100 miles away -- you were constantly on alert. The same thing happened when I served in Korea. We were stationed very close to North Korea and had to be ready."

A fighter pilot has plenty of work to do while not at war. During peacetime, a fighter pilot usually works an eight to 10-hour day. They train and learn new flight exercises. A fighter pilot is regulated by the number of hours they must spend on the ground in between flights. "After flying you must have a 12-hour rest before flying again," says Milligan.

During wartime, although still following flight regulations, work can be long. "You just did the same thing everyday," says Milligan. "Fly a mission, come back, eat, sleep, get up and fly another mission."

In addition to working irregular hours, fighter pilots can be stationed in the same location or can be in the field. Some field operations can keep a pilot away from their family for months at a time. The Facts In the United States, there are approximately 18 wings in the air force. A wing is comprised of about 144 fighter pilots, making the total number of fighter pilots approximately 2,600. There are also fighter pilots flying for the Marines and navy.

The Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) says there were about 110,000 civilian pilots in the U.S. in 1996, and the U.S. air force had 383,000 members in 1997.

The U.S.A.F. Personnel Center reports that there are 12,772 pilots serving as of the end of August 1999. Of these, 152 are second lieutenants, 1,288 are first lieutenants, 5,695 hold the rank of captain and another 3,539 are majors. Nearly 2,100 air force pilots are lieutenant commanders.

Judy Grojean, media relations chief at the U.S.A.F. Personnel Center, notes that in 1999 only about a third of air force pilots fly fighter planes. "We currently have approximately 4,200 fighter pilots."

Employment opportunities should be good in all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces through the year 2006, the OOH says. About 190,000 enlisted personnel and 15,000 officers must be recruited each year to replace those who complete their commitment or retire.

While the U.S. air force is actively recruiting new personnel, the air force doesn't have too much trouble finding people willing and able to become fighter pilots. "We're actually doing quite well," says Master Sgt. Tom Clements. He serves with the air force recruiting public affairs office at Randolph Air Force Base in Texas. In almost all areas of the service, however, the air force is looking for good people, he stresses.

Salaries vary by rank. The OOH reports that in 1997, full-time earnings for an air force or marine corps major, or a navy lieutenant commander, were $2,452.80 per month. It's noted that additional allowances are given for flight duty.

For up-do-date comparisons with those figures, Clements refers to the U.S.A.F. Personnel Center statistics. They indicate that in 1999 officers with two years of experience can earn anything from $1,913 (second lieutenant) up to $3,639 (lieutenant colonel) per month. A major earns a basic salary of $3,181 per month in 1999.

"The normal rank is first lieutenant when you first become a fighter pilot, although some are captains," Grojean says.

Education

Like other members of the military, fighter pilots must be in good shape. They must also have good vision and be able to keep alert. Fighter pilots must pass a medical examination and interview before being admitted to the air force. This isn't a job for the faint at heart!

If you're considering this as a career, you should examine why you want to become a fighter pilot rather than a commercial pilot. Are you ready to go to war and risk your life for your country? If the answer is no, it's probably best that you think of other career options. Otherwise read on.

When you think about becoming a fighter pilot, it's important to realize that you will be doing much more than flying planes. "You have to concentrate on the flying and on the mission," says Frank Deker.

Fighter pilots should excel in mathematics and physics. A high school diploma is usually required to begin training as a pilot. Contact a military counselor to find out what you can do now to prepare for the air force educational path you want to take.

In the United States, a student can take a four-year, two-year or one-year program in the air force. The four-year program is for students who have three or more years left in college.

These students take a general military course, field training and weapons practice, a professional officer's course and flight training. The two-year program is designed for students who have two years of college remaining.

These are only some of the options available in the U.S. air force. Again, it's best to check with a military counselor to find out what route is best for you.

When you call an armed forces recruiting office number for information, you are not signing up for any programs or for the forces. For the number of the recruiting office in your area, check the phone book or the government listings.

Marital Status

Married and unmarried men and women, with or without children are eligible. Persons who are widowed or divorced, also are eligible.

It is the policy of most aviation companies to provide equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, creed, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, military and veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. Most aviation companies are strongly committed to this policy, and believe in the concept and spirit of the United States law.

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All recruiting, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, and other employment related programs are provided fairly to all persons on an equal opportunity basis without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, military and veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status or any other characteristic protected by law;

Employment decisions are based on the principles of equal opportunity and affirmative action;

All personnel actions such as compensation, benefits, transfers, training, and participation in social and recreational programs are administered without regard to race, creed, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, military and veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status or any other characteristic protected by law, and;

Employees and applicants will not be subjected to harassment, intimidation, threats, coercion or discrimination because they have exercised any right protected by law.

Most aviation companies believe in and practice equal opportunity and affirmative action. All employees are responsible for supporting the concept of equal opportunity and affirmative action and assisting the company in meeting its objectives.

Most aviation companies maintain Affirmative Action Plans for minorities, women, disabled persons and veterans.

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Wages and Benefits

Salaries and benefits can vary. For an updated look at salaries in the aviation industry, view the Avjobs.com Salary Report.

Training

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