How can an air force enlisted person become a US Air Force Pilot?

Answer 1

Currently it is necessary to be an officer to pilot a military aircraft in the U.S. Air Force. Consequently, it would first be necessary to qualify for Officer Candidate School and complete that program. Another alternative would be to apply to the United States Air Force Academy and complete the four-year program. The U.S. Army accepts enlisted men into warrant officer helicopter pilot programs. The U.S. Marine Corps had a similar program during the Vietnam War. Warrant officer pilot programs are normally implemented only as an emergency measure to satisfy a need for pilots. Warrant officers pilots perform only their special duties in a specific type of aircraft. In the U.S. Air Force, officers are expected to perform command and administrative duties. Flying proficiency is one of a number of skills for which an officer may be rated. A U.S. Air Force officer may be rated to fly more than one type of aircraft. The general philosophy is that a modern jet aircraft is an extremely expensive, dangerous and sophisticated piece of equipment, which requires interaction with a large number of people in the course of its operation in a theater of combat. This level of responsibility is therefore only assigned to an officer who has had extensive education and training beyond the mere operation of the aircraft.