Age Limit

[Colin]

Impossible to say what your odds are specifically with the information provided. Age is a poor determinant alone but typically, the closer to early to mid 20s, the better. I’d say unless you’re famous, have effusive charisma, or have close ties with a fighter unit, your odds of a fighter are close to zero. However, heavies are very much in play! Obviously put in your app with fighters if your heart is set on them, or even try for Active Duty and crush UPT and fly fighters “the hard way”.

All this to say, it’s not “too late” realistically or technically. I am 32 and was recently picked up by a unit with a private pilot background. I’m nothing special, but studied like a psycho for the AFOQT, and tried to make a genuine connection with everyone I met. Rushing units is somewhat a skill and artform in itself.

Before any further consideration or rumination on your part, knock out your AFOQT and TBAS if you haven’t already. Without your test scores, units won’t spend a lot of time on you or your application because there are too many unknowns. Most everyone else will have this accomplished. The total process can take months. No harm in making connections with folks in units you’re interested in, but, you just realistically can’t apply until all requirements are met. Another good thing to knock out will be your MEPS physical. AFR or AD recruiters are a good resource for this. Wouldn’t overly stress this but, the Active Duty and Unsponsored Boards require this as part of the process.

BD is a great resource for putting together your general application. Since time is not entirely on your side, you need to consider where on the spectrum of “fly for the military at any cost” and “I’d to fly for my hometown unit, but if that doesn’t work out I’ll stay local, get my commercial, and instruct” you lie. I realized all too late I fell into the former and got very lucky by getting picked up by a good unit. They weren’t local to me and by sheer chance their posting came up and I decided to visit and made a personal connection with the POC. Was falling everywhere else, including my “local” unit.

Tl;dr, if you really want to fly for the AF, apply everywhere, rush as much your wallet can tolerate, and put yourself in for the AFR unsponsored board and the Active Duty boards. This will bring the math in your favor. If you overly focus on one unit, you may be disappointed. Be sure to read the room! If there’s 100 people at a rush event and you’ve had several empty elevator pitch conversations, they likely aren’t the one! Keep an open mind and absolutely kill the interview when you reach that point. It’s hyper competitive right now which makes it tough to stand out. Probably a lot of info I’ve thrown at you, but I’m bored on my lunch break. And feel free to hit me up with any questions. Also, just my two cents, so I’m sure some of the much more experienced folks on here will have different opinions. Good luck!

[CAGE]

Cody,

As far as age goes, it’s just a number. You can get hired at a unit at 24 or you can get hired at 31. I’ve seen and been a part of boards hiring people. Most important thing is to be all in because you have such a shorter window than most. You’ll have to sell yourself to units why your age isn’t a factor they need to think about. As I tell most, don’t expect age waivers in the guard/reserve. It’s not impossible but when you have 200+ applicants it’s hard for a unit to try to push one through. Again nothing is impossible but if you really want it go for it! Good luck!

[hunter-shaw]

Cage,

I was wondering if i’d find anyone on here that has direct experience on a hiring board, or sponsoring an age waiver – so your comment stood out! I’m 32, just started my PPL and study prep for exams. Seems there are a handful of others pressed on time in similar “late bloomer” situations. After rushing my 1st unit, I have a better understanding of the general advice given to maximize your applicant package and hope you’re the “right” fit somewhere (some schmoozing expected).

Could you please expand on 1) the circumstances associated with pushing a waiver and 2) what makes the age factor specifically so difficult? Let’s assume hypothetical candidate is physically very fit with AFOQT/TABS scores 95+.

Thank you so much for the support. Hope it helps others too.

Hunter

[CAGE]

Hunter,

Thanks for reaching out and hopefully I can help answer some of your questions. Age is a very difficult item when it comes to military aviation. I’ll answer your questions then try to expand as well.

1) For the age specifically the USAF for pilots is 33. I believe it was you must be “foot in the door at UPT” by 33 but believe there has been some slight change in that. Biggest piece with this issue right now is the pipeline itself. We’re seeing delays of 1-2+ years from selection to going to UPT. If that is still the case that could put you at 35 or worse. Depending on when you turn 33 you might be already in the realm where pretty much you’ll need to have a unit already accepting the fact you’ll need an age waiver. It is up to the unit if they will support that however just because a unit does support a waiver doesn’t mean it will go through at state. Bad news is I’ve not heard of a lot of age waivers being used for quite some time just due to demand. That being said as above there is opportunity to still make it happen and even in the active duty.

2)With the age it’s really not the fact of your physical fitness now or your scores, you incur a 10 year commitment when you put on your wings so the USAF and DOD is looking at it of useful out put longevity. Some folks bodies and handle flying at 47 some can’t, but also the leadership aspect. 10 years would put you roughly around a Maj or possibly right on edge of LT Col. They are also looking at capacity after the 10 years and what they could possibly get out of you.

All in all it’s a very tough spot and best practice is to be upfront with a unit and ask them or the POC directly what their policy is on age waivers. Does that help answer your questions?

STK!

CAGE

[Kristin]

I’m 29 and starting to send out application packets now, I can let you now how it goes and what feedback I get re: age limits if you’d like.

[Allgood]

Please let me know too! Just turned 30, I take the TBAS in 2 weeks and then I’ll be sending out packages as well. 🇺🇸

[Kristin]

Will do!

[Randy_N]

I am in the same boat for being an older applicant (I’m 31). Speaking for myself and only myself, what are the alternatives if I can’t get hired on by a unit to fly due to age? <font face=”inherit”>Is it even possible to get an age wavier to fly for the Army if you are not </font>prior-service with low flight time<font face=”inherit”>?</font>

<font face=”inherit” style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>I know applying for a RPA is an option, but </font>I<font face=”inherit” style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”> feel it </font>isn’t<font face=”inherit” style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”> a one-to-one </font>opportunity in terms of prestige, benefit, and fulfillment. I filled out an interest card for the 144th Fighter Wing, but they stated they did not want me as an applicant. I suspect it was due my age

[Randy_N]

I am in the same boat for being an older applicant (I’m 31). Speaking for myself and only myself, what are the alternatives if I can’t get hired on by a unit to fly due to age? Is it even possible to get an age wavier to fly for the Army if you are not prior-service with low flight time?

I know applying for a RPA is an option, but feel it’s not a one-to-one opportunity in terms of prestige, benefit, and fulfillment. I filled out an interest card for the 144th Fighter Wing, but they stated they did not want me as an applicant. I suspect it was due my age

[CAGE]

Hi Randy!

The unfortunate truth is 33 is the age cutoff for pilots and I see more and more units not even interviewing anyone over the age of 30. This is a unit by unit decision and by no means the entirety of Guard/Reserve. In your situation I would continue to pursue all units that have boards and try to apply. There is an additional option if you desire, you can apply active duty as well. I have heard of individuals getting selected close to the 33 cut off. With the state of hiring and the amount of applicants I would say unfortunately almost 0% of getting an age waiver with units. As far as I’m aware the army’s fixed wing is going through a big transition period right now and will be almost non-existent for several years until the new platform comes online, word on the street is greater than 5 but that can always change. Lastly you already talked about it but RPA has raised the age there. Yes it is not a one-for-one swap but from knowing individuals who have done it, it is still rewarding. At the end of the day continue to push and apply to any and all units you can. Hope this helps, cheers!!

STK!

CAGE

[Randy_N]

Thank you CAGE for the response, but I think I might have to just bite the bullet and accept the fact I might not make it as a military aviator.

[CAGE]

Randy, I wouldn’t count yourself out. The above is just discussing the hurdles you have to overcome and the reality of age waivers. There are several boards open right now and you still have an opportunity to get selected by units. I would go in 112% on applying and have a good gameplan of how you can essentially explain to a unit why you being older doesn’t matter and they should select you. It will be a more difficult road but I know of several individuals getting hired above 30, don’t give up!

[Emily]

I’ll be 32 in October and I was just hired and I’ll make the cut off before an age waiver is required. If you want it bad enough, “no” is never an answer. If not, there’s thousands others waiting to take the golden ticket. If it’s what you want, go for it and don’t look back 🙂