What is a day in the life of an Air Force Pilot like?

Question

Basically, I want to know everything I possibly can - from transport through to fighter pilots. I've applied for the ADFA hoping to enter the RAAF, but I wouldn't mind hearing from any service pilot. I want to know what you're doing when you're not flying, and what other duties you perform.

I've had it drilled into me that a pilot is an officer first and pilot second, but I want to know what this means on a day to day basis.

There's still a couple of weeks until Flight Screening and Officer Selection Board, so I would like some decent discussion before then. Sincere thanks.

Answer 1

Without going into great detail, I can tell you that during peacetime as a USAF B52H pilot, our time was generally divided between:

1. Flight planning for training missions.

2. Flying training missions - a long day.

3. Operational training and briefing in preparation for whatever our operational mission might be.

4. Secondary duties including squadron maintenance activities, command post duty, helping to make the base run smoothly, and helping with community relations.

5. Standing alert duty - prepared to launch as necessary.

6. Advanced officer's training, work on advanced degrees, and training on aircraft systems.

7. Occasional participation in full-base operational readiness inspections, including no-notice check flights and briefings to visitors from the office of the inspector general.

8. Conducting oneself as an officer and a gentleman at all times.

I cannot comment on combat duty since I never really experienced it. My time spent as a USAF pilot was worthwhile and rewarding (ADDED: and painful) in ways that are difficult to explain to someone who has not experienced it.

ADDED: CM - I have been unsuccessful in contacting you via email per your request. I suspect that the problem is on your end, although I am not certain of this.

Answer 2

Larry pretty well answered the question.  Depending on what degree you will be doing at ADFA will also determine what secondary duties you will undertake.

Being a pilot is not all the "beer and skittles" that some might have you believe.

Actual flying makes up a very small component of your daily life.

If you become a transport/maritime pilot, you will be a co-pilot for many years, till you prove that you can be an aircraft captain.

To run by the whole gammit of what will be/might be could take hours, and this is not the forum to do it.

Answer 3

90% sheer bordom and 10% pure terror

Answer 4

My cousin on the other side of the family used to be a helicopter pilot for the apache in the Gulf.  It was pretty much all boredom and tons of learning about the chopper.  He still doesnt know every single nut and bolt on the apache to this day even though hes retired now.  Thats how much learning it is.  I just want to say Godspeed and take care of us!  If you get to fly the B-2 or the F-22 send me some pics :) I LOVE fast and heavy cargo jets.