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Home Page Version 2 Forums Air Force Air National Guard Test Pilot?

  • Air National Guard Test Pilot?

    Posted by Finesse on December 19, 2023 at 12:35 pm

    Hello All,

    I am new to this application but I did have three questions. Just some background I am a 17 year old Cadet 1st Lt in the Civil Air Patrol and just recently won a scholarship to earn my private pilot’s license. I am very interested in becoming a pilot in the Air National Guard and eventually a Test Pilot. However, I have not fount much information on Guard members getting selected for Test Pilot school. I wanted to know if I’m better off going active duty or if it’s possible to get selected in the Guard.

    My second question is when applying for UPT boards do I have to wait until I completely graduate College? Or, can I apply say Junior year and give them my graduation date?

    My third question is with airlines increasing pay do you all think it would be smarter to start with a regional carrier for say 3 years then go guard. That way I already have turbine time and have a good amount of money in the bank.

    I appreciate any answers you all give me.

    Riley replied 4 months, 3 weeks ago 3 Members · 2 Replies
  • 2 Replies
  • Ashton

    Member
    December 19, 2023 at 1:03 pm
    65 BogiPoints

    One- test pilot is hard to get for guard but I’ve heard it’s possible.

    Two- apply end of junior year or more towards senior year. From what I’ve read they may or may not reserve your spot depending on how close graduation is. I’d stay in contact with units but not apply till senior year of college!

    Three- all the guard units I’ve talked to said hours don’t really matter above 50ish hours for your pcsm score. If anything it’s counter productive as it costs you more money and you have to relearn everything the way the military does it. I plan on going guard and applying for a regional after my seasoning.

    Congrats on the flight scholarship! I was in JROTC and got the same thing two years ago. I’m now a senior in college and taking my afoqt this next month so I can apply for some fighter slots! It’s gonna be like drinking from a firehose depending on where they send you but it’s completely possible! I got my ppl in six weeks down in Lakeland Florida through the Air Force funded program and I’m forever grateful!

    Best of luck and blue skies and tail winds! See you at the top! – Ashton Cox

  • Riley

    Member
    December 19, 2023 at 7:53 pm
    677 BogiPoints

    Hey Finesse,

    We have an interview with an Air National Guard Test Pilot in our member webinar Video Library if you’re a paid BogiDope member and interested in learning more. I’d encourage you to check it out!

    -Cheers,

    Riley

    • This reply was modified 4 months, 3 weeks ago by  Riley.

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