How many people usually apply for a pilot slot?

From what I've read here during the last 2 or 3 years, it seems as though about half the graduating class requests a pilot slot. According to the following post, it was slightly less than half this year.
Mikeandcris said:
In a meeting with the Superintendent, Dean, etc. just prior to Parents' Weekend, we were told 475 firsties put "Pilot" as their first choice, and there were 461 Pilot slots to give out. Not sure if those numbers held up, but that was the projection at the time. (Very thankful our son got one of those slots...)
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Aglages is correct. Prior to day 1 and basic cadet training, it seems that the overwhelming majority of appointees mention wanting to be a pilot and fly. Once they've been at the academy for a year or two; they understand the commitment the air force requires; they realize that there's a 10 year commitment (5 additional years compared to a non-pilot); and they realize the additional academics required after graduating the academy........ many cadets have an epiphany and decide against applying for a pilot slot.

I would say that on average, over the last 7 years or so, it's been around 50% of the class that applies for pilot slots. The good news is: Most years, the academy has unfilled pilot slots and turns many over to ROTC. Meaning, if you're qualified and you pass academically at the academy, you can pretty much get a pilot slot if you want it.

CAVEAT: Receiving a pilot slot, and passing the numerous stages of pilot training and actually becoming a pilot, are 2 totally different things.
 
Christcorp said:
Aglages is correct. Prior to day 1 and basic cadet training, it seems that the overwhelming majority of appointees mention wanting to be a pilot and fly. Once they've been at the academy for a year or two; they understand the commitment the air force requires; they realize that there's a 10 year commitment (5 additional years compared to a non-pilot); and they realize the additional academics required after graduating the academy........ many cadets have an epiphany and decide against applying for a pilot slot.

I would say that on average, over the last 7 years or so, it's been around 50% of the class that applies for pilot slots. The good news is: Most years, the academy has unfilled pilot slots and turns many over to ROTC. Meaning, if you're qualified and you pass academically at the academy, you can pretty much get a pilot slot if you want it.

CAVEAT: Receiving a pilot slot, and passing the numerous stages of pilot training and actually becoming a pilot, are 2 totally different things.
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I couldn't agree more. I'm not even out of high school and I'm already looking at Plan B. I'm leaning towards Intel. But I saw that only about 52 firsties got an Intel slot this year. Pilot training is worth the commitment, in my opinion. If you really want it, it shouldn't matter how long you're required to be there.

The same goes for service academies themselves and their service "obligation."
 
I have to agree with ChristCorp. If you ask any appointee if they want to fly, most will say YES!. Three years later it is a different story and is probably about 50 percent.
In addition to the committment, the cadets often get a chance to go up in some sort of air force plane during deployed operations (a 3 week summer assignment to shadow officers). My DS went up in several planes and decided that it wasn't for him.
 
CannotBeDisplayed said:
Pilot training is worth the commitment, in my opinion. If you really want it, it shouldn't matter how long you're required to be there.

The same goes for service academies themselves and their service "obligation."
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Might want to at least get here before weighing in on obligations and commitments...
 
BlahuKahuna said:
Might want to at least get here before weighing in on obligations and commitments...
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Good point. I would assume based on what I have read, what my ALO told me, and what current cadets and alumni have told me, that it is worth it. I may end up hating it for all I know.
 
One guy I know went for a ride in an F-15. When we picked him up from the squadron he was drenched in sweat, about 3 shades whiter, and had puked for the past hour+. We asked him how it was, and his response was something like "that was the worst thing I've ever done."
(Getting airsick early in training or on fam. rides isn't uncommon, actually.)
 
Same thing happened to a buddy of mine.He came into basic all gung-ho about becoming a fighter pilot and was able to get an incentive ride in a 16 at Luke during our sophomore year. He puked many times thereafter and decided Acquisitions would be the better option.
 
raimius said:
One guy I know went for a ride in an F-15. When we picked him up from the squadron he was drenched in sweat, about 3 shades whiter, and had puked for the past hour+. We asked him how it was, and his response was something like "that was the worst thing I've ever done."
(Getting airsick early in training or on fam. rides isn't uncommon, actually.)
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I got 2 F-15 rides a week apart in 2009. Puked on the first one and slept 16 hours straight after. Still loved it. :) And did fine on the second one. :) Reaffirmed that I wanted something fast.
 
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