My nephew is interested in becoming an A-10 pilot in the Air Force. What should he start doing now while he's in high school?

SSG Skylur Britz — Fri, 15 Jul 2016 22:50:18 -0400

Response by SSG Roger Ayscue made Jul 15 at 2016 10:53 PM

SSG Roger Ayscue — Fri, 15 Jul 2016 22:53:51 -0400

JOIN CIVIL AIR PATROL!
It is a top shelf Cadet Program that normally runs about 10% of the entering class at the USAFA. My son is in it and is 14 years old. He has already taken ground school for his private pilots lisc, and is leaving next week for Search and Rescue School.

Message me for more info.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2016 12:10 AM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 16 Jul 2016 00:10:17 -0400

Well the first step is to get into some sort of commissioning source after high school, like the USAFA or AFROTC. He will want to be proficient in math and science. If he does not get into a service academy, that is not a show stopper. Many people like myself got it out of ROTC.

Step 2 is to apply for a pilot slot when he is one year from graduating from college. The requirements that they look at are grades, PT scores, commanders recommendation and what is known as the pilot composite score or PCSM. The PCSM score is generated from the aptitude tests. When I got mine, the commander's recommendation carried the most weight for a single item. It is the make or break. Meaning someone may be weak in one of the other areas but get a good commanders rec and get a slot. Conversely a real strong candidate in the above areas may not get selected if the commander thinks they are a dirt bag. Also when applying for a pilot slot, they ask a question if you would take a Navigator or ABM slot if not selected. My advice is to say no.

Step 3. Once you have a pilot slot and graduate and commission and go to UPT, you have to be in the top 25% of your class and in the top 3 or 4 people to get into the T-38 track for tactical aircraft which are fighters, bombers and the A-10.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2016 12:23 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 16 Jul 2016 00:23:06 -0400

Invent a time machine... the days of the A-10 are numbered. the Air Force has been trying to kill the program every year for a while now. Eventually they will succeed.

Response by SN Greg Wright made Jul 16 at 2016 12:42 AM

SN Greg Wright — Sat, 16 Jul 2016 00:42:53 -0400

Math. Math. Math. More math. Then, when he's done with that...MORE math.

Response by Col Joseph Lenertz made Jul 16 at 2016 9:29 AM

Col Joseph Lenertz — Sat, 16 Jul 2016 09:29:45 -0400

If he wants to maximize his chances of becoming an AF pilot, he needs to do all he can to be competitive to get into USAFA (GPA, honors and AP courses, athletic achievement, leadership roles, SAT/ACT scores, whole person development). Much higher pilot slot rate than ROTC. But if he doesn't get accepted into USAFA, all the prep work will still help him compete for a pilot slot within ROTC. He needs to be reminded that for active duty, aircraft assignments (ie, which airplane you get) is detemined by the needs of the AF first (cockpits they need to fill at the time he graduates UPT), and by his class ranking 2nd. If he graduates in the top 3 of his class, he will very likely get to pick at least the type of aircraft (fighter, bomber, special ops) if not the exact weapon system. It is extremely unlikely, 6 or 7 years from now (4 yrs college plus 1 year UPT), that there will be a need to fill A-10 cockpits. But one of the best ways to assure he gets a fighter (if he still wants one at that point...some people find out they don't enjoy 6 G's every day) is to accept an assignment as a First Assignment Instructor Pilot (FAIP - pronounced "Fape") in the T-6 Texan. He may find that the Texan is the closest thing to the A-10 in terms of flying performance and responsiveness. http://theroadtoafwings.blogspot.com/p/upt-phase-1-and-2.html

The Road to AF Wings: UPT: Phase 1, 2, and 3

For those who want to be pilots in the United States Air Force

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Jul 16 at 2016 11:15 AM

SGM Steve Wettstein — Sat, 16 Jul 2016 11:15:30 -0400

First I would tell him to get interested in a different air frame. It's a shame but the a-10s days are numbered. After that tell him to start researching on how to get into ROTC or the AF Academy and the requirements to become a pilot.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2016 1:27 PM

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 16 Jul 2016 13:27:12 -0400

I'm command an AFROTC det and am career pilot - very familiar with this area. All gouge up to know pretty accurate. Agree A-10 days are numbered but lots of other opportunities. If he wants to pursue, some additions from ROTC persoective: 1) PCSM biggest factor in pilot slot selection (40%). Increase PCSM by getting private flight hours, even earning license. 2) study and work and don't suck! ACT/SAT, CGPA, phys fitness

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2016 7:41 AM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 07:41:35 -0400

Private pilots license can help. When in college studying for the AFOQT specifically the pilot sections.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2016 7:43 AM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 07:43:17 -0400

Private pilots license can help but not required as well as just any flight experience. When taking the AFOQT studying the pilot section books available just like SAT study guides.

Response by Capt Bill Wilkey made Jul 19 at 2016 8:27 AM

Capt Bill Wilkey — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 08:27:26 -0400

Lots of good comments about commissioning sources but that's at the very best only 50%. And I agree with the CAP recommendation. His first big post-commissioning milestone is just to be selected to pilot school so here's the rest:
1. Work out at least every other day and get in top physical condition - aerobic and upper body and core - lots of pushups and pullups and lateral exercises, lots. And if he can't run 5 miles, depending on commissioning source he may wish he could. Especially if the Academy or something similar is the target.
2. Protect his eyesight like it's gold, always wearing sunglasses outdoors. Always.
3. Keep grades high. Impossible to overstate this.
4. Become an expert with Microsoft Flight Simulator but again, protect your eyes. Check out Gunnar computer glasses. MS FS has developed astounding proficiency.
5. Again agree with flying lessons such as with the CAP.
6. If you wish to pursue USAFA, don't view it as a single point of entry such as through a Congressman. Many ways to get there. Myself I had no chance at the Congressional route so I went enlisted. Spent 6 months and then applied and got accepted to USAFA.

Hope that helps.
Bill

Response by SSgt Kevin Hopkins made Jul 19 at 2016 9:14 AM

SSgt Kevin Hopkins — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 09:14:09 -0400

He first needs a college degree. He can go through ROTC or apply to the academy or just go to college on his own Then apply to flight school after he gets his commission

Response by TSgt Alan Richard "Rick" Thomas made Jul 19 at 2016 9:24 AM

TSgt Alan Richard "Rick" Thomas — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 09:24:45 -0400

He'll need a Bachelor's degree to be commissioned and become a pilot. Plus he'll need at least 20/20 vision uncorrected to be a pilot. Tell him to stay in school and go to college.

Response by Capt Kyle Smaagard made Jul 19 at 2016 9:54 AM

Capt Kyle Smaagard — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 09:54:16 -0400

His best bet is to get a pilots license now, get a bachelor's degree and join a guard/reserve unit that has the A-10 already.
Second best bet is to get into USAFA, the chances of getting a pilot slot are super high there. Then, do well in pilot training to track to fighters. Then do well in the fighter track to get an A-10 (if one drops). Unfortunately, it is rare that you will see an A-10 drop in a pilot training class, in mine (2008) not a single A-10 dropped, the only A-10 pilot was a reserve guy who was already guaranteed his slot.
Source: Academy grad who wanted to fly A-10s, got a pilot slot, tracked to fighters :)

Response by SMSgt Roy Dowdy made Jul 19 at 2016 10:33 AM

SMSgt Roy Dowdy — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 10:33:42 -0400

Okay assuming the A-10 is still in service by the time he graduates UPT, he should enroll in Junior ROTC at his high school of they have a detachment. He might also look into joining the Civil Air Patrol because they have programs to help earn his Private Pilots License. Additionally have him focus on math and science courses to ensure he can earn a degree that's relevant to a STEM field.

Response by A1C Cesar Baquerizo made Jul 19 at 2016 10:49 AM

A1C Cesar Baquerizo — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 10:49:02 -0400

I would say a science/math degree, ROTC program, etc. He needs a commission first of all, and secondly, the AF will assign him where he is needed, not where he wants to go. Lastly, the A10 may not be around much longer if the AF gets its way. I think it is schedule to be replaced by 2021. He should be thinking pilot not specific aircraft.

Response by CMSgt Colleen Ingram made Jul 19 at 2016 11:25 AM

CMSgt Colleen Ingram — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 11:25:54 -0400

Math, science and Jr ROTC would be my best guess.

Response by Sgt Edward Hanat made Jul 19 at 2016 12:08 PM

Sgt Edward Hanat — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 12:08:14 -0400

get in a time machine the A-10's days are almost over

Response by TSgt Dan Decker made Jul 19 at 2016 1:42 PM

TSgt Dan Decker — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 13:42:59 -0400

Take every math course he can get his hands on in high school. Join Junior ROTC, especially Air Force's version. Physically work out, build up his body strength and stamina. Stay away from girls!!! Just kidding about the last one.

Response by Sgt Jim Weeder made Jul 19 at 2016 2:27 PM

Sgt Jim Weeder — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 14:27:48 -0400

Yes join Civil Air Patrol, strive to get the Mitchel award (lots of hard work and study) GET ALL A's if available join the ROTC this way he has a chance to go to the Academy or a college that has ROTC. Volunteer in the community, keep a CLEAN record. Those are for starters.

Response by Sgt Michael Rogers made Jul 19 at 2016 3:46 PM

Sgt Michael Rogers — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 15:46:54 -0400

Rethink his thinking. The A-10 is been killed off in congress (bad Plan). If he is interested in being an Pilot. Advance classes would be a start. Classes in aviation.

Response by TSgt Gwen Walcott made Jul 19 at 2016 4:18 PM

TSgt Gwen Walcott — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 16:18:23 -0400

No offense, but if he's in high school, odds are extremely strong that that A-10 will be long gone from the inventory when/if he completes UPT.
You need to get him ready for that as well

Response by TSgt Enriquez Robert made Jul 19 at 2016 7:23 PM

TSgt Enriquez Robert — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 19:23:11 -0400

First get your private pilot ground school done get his knowledge level up easy to do in high school .

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2016 8:49 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 20:49:50 -0400

The A-10 was barely saved from the history books last year. Leadership wants it replaced by the F-35. Leadership also wants more drone pilots. I say shoot for being and F-35 pilot and if that doesn't work, the future is in drones!!!

Response by Maj Rob Drury made Jul 20 at 2016 4:24 AM

Maj Rob Drury — Wed, 20 Jul 2016 04:24:50 -0400

Lots of good input here so far. Of course, the best way to assure a pilot allocation is to graduate from the USAFA. SSG Ayscue recommended he join Civil Air Patrol. As a longtime CAP member and SAR pilot myself, I strongly agree. CAP experience does weigh positively on his application and his experience will expose him to the USAF environment. Probably better is to join AFJROTC (of course, he can do both). This will appear even more favorably on his application; plus, a number of JROTC cadets receive AFA appointments resulting from their cadet and academic performance. Finally, and this may be most important; he needs to hit the books and perform well academically and seek recommendation letters from his congressmen and senior officers (minimum O-6, preferably flag).

Response by Sgt Ben Barton made Jul 20 at 2016 7:33 AM

Sgt Ben Barton — Wed, 20 Jul 2016 07:33:04 -0400

Tell him to practice his BRRRRRRRRRRRP-ies every day!

Response by Lt Col Jim McCormack made Jul 20 at 2016 8:07 PM

Lt Col Jim McCormack — Wed, 20 Jul 2016 20:07:14 -0400

Good grades, extra-curricular activities, community involvement show a well rounded young man. 20-20 vision is a must.

Response by MSgt Mike P. made Oct 8 at 2016 1:09 AM

MSgt Mike P. — Sat, 08 Oct 2016 01:09:53 -0400

The Air Force tried to mothball the A-10. I suspect it will be sent to pasture as soon as they can. Strange with it being a premier ground support aircraft, able to take a beating while casting bad guys in all directions, allowing our troops recuperation time. My old boss was an A-10 pilot, went through the US Air Force Academy, retired as a full-bull Col.