Will getting a private pilot license help me get commisioned for a Pilot Slot in the Air Foce?
The AF used to send all prospective pilots to a Pilot Screening program – Hondo, TX for ROTC/OTS and the Academy if they were cadets there. Unfortunately, we lost a few airplanes and pilots practicing spins. So, the AF then was paying for prospective pilots to get 40 hours of private lessons at various locations. If you didn’t finish the requirements for a private license by then, you could pay the remainder if you wished. I’m not sure if the above program is still going or not. The best way to find out is to call or visit the nearest college/university with an AF ROTC program and ask them. Don’t go to the local recruiter because they will try to enlist you. Yes, you could end up on an aircraft after you’ve done another job for a few years, but you won’t be in a pilot seat. If you have the money, I would recommend getting at least a few hours in an airplane and some ground training before you take the AF Officer Qualifying Test. It will help you tremendously with the basics of flying.
