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Actively pursuing an RPA pilot slot in the Guard
Hi all,
I’m wanting to become a Reaper Pilot. I got into aviation later in life and fell in love with it. Honestly, I didn’t think becoming a pilot in the Air Force was an option for me, especially at my age. I am 36 and currently in an Air Guard SF unit. As far as meeting the requirements, I have a BS degree with a 3.56 GPA, have a 95 PCSM score, 95 Pilot score on AFOQT, apprx. 60 flight hours and I’m about to finish up my PPL here soon. I was wondering if I’d have a decent shot at a slot? Anything I can work on to improve? Another question, what class flight physical is required, and would being arrested for a DUI but not charged keep me from getting top-secret clearance, ultimately DQing me? Any help or advice is much appreciated and I thank you in advance!
Best,
Jason
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7 Replies
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Hi Jason, I want to respond to your questions on here as well. First, you check all the boxes that we recommend for aspiring pilots (good scores, flight hours, etc.). Also, you are within the age limit for RPA pilots (40 is when you age out of URT vice 33 for UPT). As for the DUI, there are a lot of extenuating circumstances that may or may not grant you a security clearance (e.g. can you get a waiver, how long ago did it happen, where there other factors involved etc.). As with any job you want, that should not stop you from trying. Getting a unit to know who you are is always key.
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Hi Sir,
This is helps out a lot. I’ll keep rolling with it and see what happens.
Best,
Jason
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Jason,
Piling on here, if you have any questions regarding legal history and its effect on the medical side, I recommend jumping on a chat with any of our resident Flight Doc coaches. They should provide good insight into what to expect.
Good luck, and keep grinding!
-CHAOS
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Thank you, Sir! I will schedule a session with a flight doc. Thanks for the recommendation and advice!
Best,
Jason
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Hey man,
I was recently hired for an RPA slot as a 31 year old with scores way below yours. I was also previously SF with a 4 year break in service. While I can’t speak to the contingencies of the security clearance, I’d say shotgun apps. There are several units hiring right now. Interview, be you, and you shouldn’t have any issues. Ultimately, make them tell you no.
if you have any other questions just shoot me a message. I’ll help the best I can.
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I’m late to the party… but I was also Security Forces (~9.5yrs), hired at 38yrs old, and just finished MQT. I had an Art 15 when I was enlisted that I had to explain and some units didn’t want to bother. You just need 1 unit to take a chance and say yes. Everyone has a past – just be up front and honest with each unit you apply for and cast a wide net. Let them know what exactly happened and what you have done since then (things that you have done to improve your unit, education, volunteer, etc). You want to show that you are a worthy investment that will deliver not just a pilot but an impactful officer. Also – if this is something you really want, don’t give up. Some units need to see proof that you really want it (by coming back one, two, or three times) before they give you a shot.
Good luck man!
Clinton
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Awesome, contributions to this thread! Bottom line, don’t give up. Most, if not all, units will look at you holistically, and a lone blemish in the past (especially far removed/and with a track record of success since) should not stop you from being considered. Own your mistakes, take accountability, show that you’ve learned from them, and exude passion!
-CHAOS
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