Airplane Pilots

Background

The military operates one of the largest fleets of specialized airplanes in the world. Supersonic fighters and bombers fly combat missions. Large transports carry troops and equipment. Intelligence gathering airplanes take photographs from high altitudes. Military airplane pilots fly the thousands of jet and propeller airplanes operated by the services.

What They Do

Airplane pilots in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

• Check weather reports to learn about flying conditions
• Contact air traffic controllers to obtain take-off and landing instructions
• Develop flight plans showing air routes and schedules
• Fly airplanes by controlling engines, rudders, elevators, and other controls
• Monitor gauges and dials located on cockpit control panels
• Perform combat maneuvers, take photographs, transport equipment, and patrol areas to carry out flight missions

Physical Demands

Airplane pilots must pass the most demanding physical test of any job in the military. To be accepted for pilot training, applicants must have 20/20 vision and be in top physical condition. They must have very good eye-hand coordination and have extremely quick reaction times to maneuver at high speeds.

Special Requirements

A four-year college degree is normally required to enter this career. 

Helpful Attributes

Helpful attributes include:

• Determination to complete a very demanding training program
• Self-confidence and ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• Strong desire to fly airplanes

Helpful School Subjects

No information available.

Helpful Fields of Study

Helpful fields of study include:

• Aerospace
• Electrical engineering
• Mechanical engineering
• Physics

Work Environment

Airplane pilots may be stationed at airbases or aboard aircraft carriers anywhere in the world. They fly in all types of weather conditions. Military pilots take off and land on airport runways and aircraft carrier landing decks.

Services offering this career:

• Air Force
• Army
• Coast Guard
• Marine Corps
• Navy

Hiring Practices

To serve in the military, a person must be at least 17; the maximum age for enlistment varies. To enlist, a person must pass a physical exam and an aptitude test. An enlistee must also meet military standards of discipline and be a US citizen or permanent resident alien.

This position is for officers.

Wages

The military is competitive with the civilian world when it comes to pay and benefits. All branches offer the same basic pay and benefits.

Pay depends mainly on rank or grade as well as length of service. Bonuses and the situation in which the person is serving (for example: flight duty, sea duty, hazardous duty) also affect pay. 

Cost-of-living increases usually occur every year, based on inflation. The military also pays allowances for food, clothing, and housing. All these factors combined are called Regular Military Compensation (RMC). They should all be considered when comparing military pay to civilian pay.

There are two main parts to RMC: basic pay and allowances. There are also additional incentives for special abilities, training, or hazardous duty.

Check out the RMC Calculator to calculate your RMC based on your inputs.

Training Provided

Pilot training is a two-year program covering one year each in initial and advanced training. Initial training includes time spent in flight simulators, classroom training, officer training, and basic flight training. 

Course content typically includes:

• Aircraft aerodynamics
• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations
• Foul weather flying
• Jet and propeller engine operation
• Operation of aircraft navigation systems

This is among the most challenging training given by the services. Not everyone who attempts this training can meet the strict requirements for completion. Advanced training begins when pilots successfully complete initial training and are awarded their "wings." Advanced training consists of instruction in flying a particular type of aircraft.

Civilian Counterparts

Civilian airplane pilots who work for passenger airlines and air cargo businesses are called commercial pilots. Other civilian pilots work as flight instructors at local airports, as crop dusters, or as pilots transporting business executives in company planes. Many commercial pilots began their career in the military.

Related Civilian Careers

• Airplane Pilots
• Astronauts

Employment and Outlook

In peace time the services have about 16,000 airplane pilots. In times of military action the number may be different, depending on the type of specialties required. Each year the services need new pilots due to changes in personnel and the demands of the field. After initial and advanced training, most pilots are assigned to flying squadrons to fly the types of aircraft for which they were trained. In time, pilots train for different aircraft and missions. Eventually, they may advance to senior management or command positions.