heavies to fighters

J

J3Rizzo

Member
Joined
Mar 31, 2019
Messages
51
I know that it is possible to go from fighters to heavies, but is it possible to transition from heavies to fighters? I assume that if you've spent some time in 38s that it would be just like an airframe switch, with the inclusion of fighter school. But, can you go from flying transports to fighters? (no previous t38 training) Also, can you switch airframes relative to your track? I know that this a little simpler with the transports. If any pilots, or soon to be pilots can answer this, it would be greatly appreciated.
 
Sounds like you might be thinking waaaaaay too far out into the future, man.

Despite that, you might be able to get an answer to your question from the "Life After the Academy" forum or Baseops forums.

Life After the Academy

Base Ops
 
I'm no pilot, but I bet if you go T6, T1, then you going to fighter is going to require going thru the t38. But why would the air force want to spend the extra money, I mean they got you in the heavy, why spend more money sending thru t38. Just thinking out loud......good question though.
 
Get a Masters degree and become a test pilot. Alternatively, I've seen heavy pilots get out after their commitment and go to a fighter guard unit (not common, but I've seen it happen). Helps to know somebody in high places if going this route.
 
I doubt it ever happens (heavy to fighter). Honestly they didnt think you had it in you when you originally went through UPT, so I highly doubt that they will allow you to swtich later on. Thats assuming you even flew T-38 while at UPT. If you did fly T-38, they already said no to fighters. If you didnt fly the T-38, there is no reason they would say yes to a change. Not sure if there is anything stopping you from going AD Heavy to National Guard Fighter outside of those in charge of NG not choosing from Heavy Pilots. For all i know,that isnt possible either
 
My data might be outdated, but for active duty, I think you need to have done T-38s to be assignable to fighters.
...Guard and Reserve options might exist...not really sure about them.
 
Who would ever want to switch out of heavies??
 
Humey said:
I doubt it ever happens (heavy to fighter). Honestly they didnt think you had it in you when you originally went through UPT, so I highly doubt that they will allow you to swtich later on. Thats assuming you even flew T-38 while at UPT. If you did fly T-38, they already said no to fighters. If you didnt fly the T-38, there is no reason they would say yes to a change. Not sure if there is anything stopping you from going AD Heavy to National Guard Fighter outside of those in charge of NG not choosing from Heavy Pilots. For all i know,that isnt possible either
Click to expand...
Uh, not precisely.

"If you did fly T-38, they already said no to fighters." Not necessarily. There are MANY occasions where the "needs of the USAF" drop of assignments come down and there's not enough fighters or bombers.

My experience is VERY dated: we used to have an exchange program "once upon a time" that was very competitive. Of course, back then, everyone flew the T-38. Now?? If you track T-1 I think the opportunity to "switch" is going to be virtually non-existent.

As for going to a Guard fighter unit...I suppose there's a waiver for everything but I'm looking at it from my former "commander" eyes: why would I want to pick someone that's not flown the T-38, didn't go to LIFT, etc...etc...etc...it's a waste of valuable resources.

Just my opinion...and that with $1.09 gets you a XL soda at Circle K!

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top