How long do pilots serve in the Air Force?

Graduates who complete pilot training have a longer service commitment. The Department of the Air Force policy in effect when newly-graduated second lieutenants enter flight training determines the length of their commitment, which is currently 10 years after completion of training.

Does the Air Force still use pilots?

More pilots have opted to stay in the Air Force amid pandemic-era uncertainty, but the service is still struggling to fill jobs in its marquee profession as commercial airlines resume hiring. The service now has around 19,100 pilots, or 1,900 airmen short of the 21,000 or so pilots it wants in its ranks.

Is the Air Force in need of pilots?

The Air Force needs about 21,000 pilots across its total force, which includes the active duty, National Guard and Reserve. That’s an improvement from the roughly 2,100-pilot shortage the Air Force recorded in fiscal 2019, but still represents a 9\% shortfall.

How many pilots does the Air Force produce each year?

“And that’s a pretty big lift.” Air Education and Training Command (AETC) is tasked annually with sending 1,500 pilots into the Air Force, but last year produced just 1,263 pilots. That was actually down from the 1,279 pilots from a year earlier – due in part of the novel coronavirus pandemic, which may have cost the program some 120 pilots.

Is there a shortage of pilots in the US Air Force?

The United States Air Force continues to face a serious shortage of pilots and is now looking at new ways to bolster its number of fliers while also creating a more diverse force in the process.

What is it like to be an Air Force pilot?

We employ some of the most advanced aircraft in the world to complete our missions and defend our country. Utilizing extraordinary skill and precision, Air Force Pilots push each aircraft’s limits with complete control.

Can you be a pilot if you are taller than average?

For pilot and aircrew positions, height specifications vary by aircraft and most applicants can successfully pursue a career in aviation with the U.S. Air Force. Applicants who are significantly taller or shorter than average may require special screening to ensure they can safely perform operational duties.