I want to become an f22 raptor air force pilot when i grow up im 13 what should i begin with?

Question

i want to take training right now because i heard there is a good chance of me becoming a pilot by having a license already, my parents said they would pay for it.

thanks give me as much info as you can

Answer 1

There are a few routes you could take to being a pilot in the Air Force.  Wanting to be active duty, you're going to want to head for the Air Force Academy.  Your chances of being a pilot from there are better than the other commissioning sources.  The Academy gets more pilot slots per student.  Here you can look at what percentages of officers come from the different commissioning sources:

http://www.defenselink.mil/prhome/poprep...

As you can see, there are fewer academy grads than OTS grads, and less than half as many academy grads as ROTC, but the academy gets as many pilot slots as ROTC and many more than OTS.  In 2005, the Academy fell short of even being able to fill all the slots given.  

Next step is getting into the Academy.  They are very big on a 'whole-person' concept.  Good grades are important, but a 3.0 with a bunch of extra-curriculars is better than a 4.0 with no activities other than school.  Figure out whether you do better on the SAT or ACT and then take it a few times.  Get involved in sports/church activities/your community/CAP/a job.  You'll need a nomination, so if at all possible, get involved in an activity or something that allows you to get to know a senator or your representative beforehand.  

Okay, assuming you get in, you'll need to get through the Academy.  Right now, about 75% of the people entering will graduate.  The three biggest reasons that people don't make it:  grades, attitude, and deciding it's not what they want.  Now, if you really want to be a pilot, can assume the last doesn't apply to you.  Keeping a good attitude is all up to you.  Grades is where you'll have to work.  There are a lot of people that get there and discover that it actually is much harder than high school, but they've only been putting forth a high school effort.  The worst single class is chemistry, which you'll take the first year.  It really isn't that difficult, but many people never took any chemistry classes in high school and aren't prepared.  

Okay, assuming you make it to graduation and got a pilot slot, you'll obviously need to make it through pilot training.  This pretty much comes down to hard work.  This is also where previous flying experience would help you out.  The majority of people finishing in the top third of each class have prior flying experience, so it has got to be of some benefit.  To get a chance at a raptor, you'll have to track fighter/bomber.  Generally, there are about 1 fighter/bomber slot per 5 people.  This varies greatly class by class.  My class had 4 fighter/bomber, 3-C-130, and 1 helo slot for a couple dozen people.  The next class had 1-2 C130 slots, 9 or so fighter/bomber, and no helo slots for a class just slightly smaller.  So you could have many slots, but you won't know until the end, so finish as high as possible.  

Assuming that you get into fighters/bombers, you're still going to face very tough competition to get a raptor.  I don't know exactly what percentage will be getting raptors a decade from now, but it won't be high.  Only a small percentage get a chance at F-15s now, and we have far more of those than we'll ever have of F-22s.  There is a good chance that there won't be any F-22s available for your class, so you need to go in and be perfectly willing to fly something else.  

Assuming you get an F-22.....well, I'm not a raptor pilot, so you'll have to take it from there.  Good luck

Answer 2

Thank you for wishing to serve your country.  Also, it's outstanding that you are aggressively seeking advice for your future career.

Here's how it works; then we can discuss your short range targets..."need" in this context will mean you gotta accomplish this, "should' means not a requirement, but it will maximize your chances.

1.  You need to have a Bachelor's degree.  Only commissioned officers are fighter pilots, whether USAF, USN or USMC.  

2.  You need to complete a commissioning program.

3.  You need to be accepted into Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT).

4.  You'll need to excel at UPT, to get in the fighter track, then to get your choice of weapon system.

Sounds like a lot, but heck I did it (F4s); you can too. In detail, then:

1.  The Bachelor's.  You can this at the AF academy, where the AF pays all your expenses and gives you an allowance.  Mom and Dad will like that.  Downside is it's VERY competitive to get into: usually there are 1500-200 applications for about 400 slots a year.  You'll need great (not necessarily perfect) HS grades, a history of participation in sports/Student Gov't/volunteer work.  This shows your leadership and initiative. Most importantly, a recommendation from your Congressman/woman.

You can also get this at a university that has Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC). This is far and away the most common method.  In fact, nearly all the four-star generals currently in the AF were commissioned via this route.  You take this like any other college class.  The advantage is you can pick your school, and have a college life.  ROTC also offers 2/4 year academic scholarships.  Downside is ROTC graduates sometimes wait several months to come on active duty. That can cause some financial hardship.  

2- Complete a commissioning program.  The two ways above also fill this square.  The third way is via Officer Training School (OTS).  This is primarily for enlisted troops looking to get a commission; but there are limited slots for non-prior service applicants.  Upside is you complete your degree; downside is that the AF uses this to control the number of lieutenants that come onto active duty each year.  Which means some years, they take anybody who qualifies; other years they're very picky.

3- Get approval to attend UPT upon commissioning.  You do this by completing the application, physical and achieving the necessary scores on the AF Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT).  For most applicants the physical, specifically vision, is where they crash and burn.  It so happens I was talking with a friend of mine who's now a retired AF Flight Surgeon.  These are the current vision standards:

20/70 correctable to 20/20 or better.  No astigmatism, night blindness or color vision deficiencies.  "Good" or above average depth perception.  At your age, I would not consider surgery, but when you're older and your eyes mature, if you need it, PRK is the preferred method.  

No history of:  asthma, diabetes (in you, a family history's ok), cardiac problems, no periods of unconsciousness >5-10 minutes since age 12 (other than medically induced).  Sitting height <= 50" (ejection seat limitation-this is usually not a problem BTW).  No history of high/low blood pressure (though low pressure might be waiverable).The application should have;

  Your flying history:  ideally a Private Pilot's License, but a student license or copies of your logbook will suffice.  This shows your aptitude and interest in aviation.

  Participation in JROTC/ROTC/Civil Air Patrol.  Shows interest in the military, and that you understand elements of the Air Force and the military culture. Very positive.

  Recommendations by retired/active duty officers.  Ideally aircrews since that's what you want to do.  Optional, but again, VERY positive.

So, after you've completed the physical, your application,and the AFOQT, your package will go in front of flying selection board.  This is made of senior aviators, heck I sat on one, who will review your package for "rated potential".  This is a subjective analysis of your ability to complete UPT/UNT and have a successful flying career.  Once you are accepted, you are off to UPT.

4- UPT is about a year.  The program's changing frequently.  You will first be selected for a "track" sort of a subprogram of UPT that specializes either in Tankers/Transports/Bombers or Fighters (including B1s BTW).  To get the track you want, three areas are considered, in this order:

  "Needs of the Air Force".  This means that you may well be the top of your class, choose fighter track, and be tracked to TTB.  For the reason that those weapon systems need top performers as well.  Also, there may not be any fighters coming down for your class (conversely you may get a lot).

  Instructor recommendations.  These go a long way.  Their assessments of your "hands" i.e., your airmanship, ability to keep situational awareness etc.  Your performance in class will also be a big factor, as your classroom instructors are also flying instructors.  

  Your preferences.  Yes, your preferences are taken into consideration.  HOWEVER, they are laid against the other two criteria.  What will help your chances is your class ranking:  top guys/gals get their choice-95% of the time.

You can't just meet the standard:  you've got to excel-every time.  (This applies to your application:  you want to water the eyes of the selection board.  Also, to have a shot at ENJPPT see below, you'll need to excel at JROTC/ROTC etc.)

There's also another way to shortcircuit this career path. It's called "EuroNATO Joint Jet Pilot Training" ENJPPT for short.  The highest performing OTS/ROTC/Academy Lieutenants slotted for UPT can be selected to go here.  It's a brutal program:  the washout (failure) rate's about 50-60% but if you pass you are GUARANTEED a fighter.  

OK, short range targets:

1- Grades.  If you aren't that great a student, work on improving your study habits/grades.  This will help you excel in HS.  Especially important if you want a shot at the Academy.

2- Extracurricular activities.  Ideally sports, debate, student government.  Not so much band, drama-those are better than nothing.  Even stuff like language clubs.  Anything that shows your ability to organize, lead, and persevere.

3- JROTC.  If your HS has it.  Doesn't matter what branch.  Shows interest in the military.

4- Civil Air Patrol.  This is an official auxiliary of the USAF.  Great place to learn basic aeronautics and get some free flying.  Again, very positive on an flying package.

5- Your personal behavior.  If you are involved with alcohol/drugs. STOP NOW.  You can have zero serious run ins with the law.  Shows irresponsibility:  would you want someone who can't follow the rules flying a $140M fighter?  Didn't think so.

When you're 14 you can start flying lessons.  That will help, definitely.  Also read up on military history, military and civil aviation.  Anything to give you perspective and an edge on the other guys trying for a Raptor.

GOOD LUCK.  Hope to see you on the ramp someday.  I'm the old guy critiquing your pattern work...

Answer 3

get good grades in school, do the private pilot thing. get into the USAF acadmey. but there is no garuntee to fly a f22 you test and train and they will put you in what plane is right for you to fly. some ppl cant fly fighters b/c of G forces and what not. not saying you cant but that is almost the only garunteed way to be a pilot.

Answer 4

Here's a link to become FAA certified:

http://www.faa.gov/pilots/become/

And here is how to become an Air Force pilot:

http://usmilitary.about.com/od/airforcej...

Answer 5

Study lots of math and science.  You'll need it.

Some people take pilot training early to get a jump.  Even if you never end up becoming a AF pilot, it is nice to learn to fly.

Good Luck...

Answer 6

all the answers are great so i wont give you any misleading advice but, if your parents are going to pay for everything your vry lucky use it well, get good grades!

Answer 7

You should first try flight simulators. I have six of them and they work well. Once you get good at those try to take classes on flying. You will need to keep your grades up in school especially in science and math. If you get your pilot license go to an Air Force Academy. If you want to work on a carrier you must be a college graduate. Hope the info helps you.

Answer 8

4.0 grade average in high school, and admittance to the Air Force Academy.

That's your best chance.

Answer 9

um by the time you get into the real world they will not have the F-22 anymore.i am in the force and the plane is extinct.it was exticnt before it came out.turn your dreams to the F-35.the worlds fastest aircraft.

Answer 10

You'd be much better off concentrating on you grades. At the same time you can start sending letters to your congressman and senators. bug them  enough, once or twice a year each, and get good grades and you'll end up with an appointment to the air force academy.  then you re set and costs you nothing. i really think its a mistake to spend time effort and money on flying lessons at this point

Answer 11

The training would mean little but if you wnt to learn to fly go for it. The way to an Air Force pilots position is attending The Air Force academy. Get in touch with your Congressman and you can get more info. Your parents should be able to help you with that. It will be several years, as you must graduate high school with good grades for a start.

good luck