How to Become an Air Force Pilot

You must be an officer, commissioned at the rank of second lieutenant. There are a few ways to accomplish this.

• Enroll in a Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program at a civilian college or university.

• Attend Officer Training School, an intensive 12-week leadership program at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Ala. A bachelor’s degree is a prerequisite.

• Apply to the Air Force Academy. Only about 1,400 applicants are accepted every year. Aspiring cadets need to be nominated by a member of Congress and must pass fitness and medical exams. An admissions team evaluates applicants based on academic achievement, character, athletic ability and leadership.