BBadanov, the OP can still be a pilot in the Air force. He has to apply and if selected he will go to UPT, which stands for undergraduate pilot training which all Air Force pilots attend whether or not the individual has civilian ratings or not. In fact, civilian ratings can help one be more competitive when they apply. The OP is correct in his thought process. He is trying get sent to Air Force pilot training. He is not trying to fly Air Force planes with a civilian rating. Thanks for trying to provide advice, but we need to be careful that we do not spread misinformation.
The facts:
First of all, one needs to be eligible to apply. The requirements are that you have a university degree, have less than five years of total active federal commissioned service (the OP has 0 years since all his time was enlisted, not commissioned) and there are even waivers for this policy, and must enter pilot training before your 30th birthday, be able to obtain a TS clearance (the OP probably has a secret clearance already and possibly a TS). Applicant must also have passing scores on the AFOQT, and a competitive PCSM score.
The PCSM is composed of three factors, your pilot score from the AFOQT, your TBAS score which is from a device like a big computer game testing hand eye coordination, and your CIVILIAN FLIGHT HOURS (200hrs and up will give you the max score).
Lastly, the member must pass an Air Force class 1 medical which is
Much more daunting than a civilian FAA or JAA medical. They won't have you do the medical until after you are accepted. I actually received a pilot position in the Air Force but I failed the medical. I still have a FAA and JAA class 1 medical.
The Army has their own flight selection procedure but even their pilots must progress through the Army's own flying program regardless if you have civilian flight ratings or not. The Army has more pilots than the USAF but most of them are warrant officers, only few of them are commissioned. The USAF no longer has warrant officers.
Trent, like I said before, if you want accurate information, you can PM me or try other forums. This forum is best for gouge outside the USA.
From what I can tell, the OP is eligible. Having civilian flight ratings will be to his advantage, because a potential guard or reserve unit will feel more confident that the candidate will pass UPT. I have met plenty of guys who entered UPT but never flew a plane before, and they all of a sudden felt that flying wasn't for them and quit. A guard unit doesn't want to take a chance like that especially when they only get one or two slots a year per unit and it takes over a year to churn out a pilot. Lastly, if you are lucky enough to get a slot, don't make it known at UPT that you have civilian ratings. There are guys who walk into UPT with a chip On their shoulder and get washed out, aka fail.
Apply to more than one guard or reserve unit. You may also have to apply more than one year in a row. If they see that you are persistent and they get familiar with your package, so to speak, you will up your chances. Usually, being called in for an interview is excellent, only a handful get picked for an interview out of a large aPplication pool. If you are interviewed but not picked, your shot the following year is really good.
Last edited by zondaracer; 12th Feb 2011 at 10:44.