What can I do to become a Pilot?

[Dchoi]

So I'm new to all this, So I want to start off with a couple questions.
1) Is joining the Air force very beneficial to becoming a commercial or airline pilot?
2) If so what can I do to guide myself into that path?
3) Does every college provide ROTC?
4) How can I become a commissioned pilot
5) Are there other ways to become an airline or commercial pilot of any sort

 

[sandnnw]

I'll take a stab at this as a few of my best friends are pilots (I am not).

1) Is joining the Air force very beneficial to becoming a commercial or airline pilot?
No, unless you are a pilot in the Air Force or gain a commercial license either before or while in the AF, e.g. AFROTC. None of my pilot friends were in the military. I would imagine that being a "heavy" pilot in the AF/R/ANG would make you a shoe-in for civilian service (C-17/135/10)

2) If so what can I do to guide myself into that path?
Keep on reading and asking questions like here. Try to talk with a few commercial pilots, if that is your goal. I would NOT join any service with the intention of using it as a path for commercial success. The military pilots sacrifice far greater than commercial pilots and your dedication needs to be with one or the other! Have you ever flown before?

3) Does every college provide ROTC?
No, check here http://www.afrotc.com/college-locator/overview/and don't forget the other services that offer pilot slots, I'm kinda partial to one in particular

4) How can I become a commissioned pilot
First, you must become a commissioned officer, graduate college, then apply to flight school. Read on the forums, search for "pilot" and study the advice. Again, ask around to find an AF or other pilot - most are retired and LOVE to talk to anyone about their adventures.

5) Are there other ways to become an airline or commercial pilot of any sort
Several! Start with civilian flight school. Several colleges offer professional pilot programs:

http://mtsu.edu/programs/aerospace/

ROTC gives you a lot of cash instead of borrowing to get your degree + license and I'm sure there are other avenues (e.g. Navy SIP, OCS, NASA). All these usually come with a rather heavy time commitment afterwards which may NOT guarantee a pilot's slot

 

[time2]

If your career goal is 'to become a commercial aviation pilot', I think you have to stop and reassess your priorities. Most who apply to USNA do so because they want 'to become an officer in the military'. You mentioned Air Force, but this is the USNA forum section.

I doubt you will find anyone on here with experience who would suggest going to USNA (and serving the commitments after graduation) if your only goal is to build your resume for things you plan to do AFTER you leave the military.

Even those who DREAM of being a military pilot, find it a tough and challenging road and there is no guaratee you will get your first choice of career preference.

 

[kp2001]

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