5ME posted an update
IPT and Squadron Ageism
So we all know that even though the official “ineligibility” age is 33 for UPT, squadrons typically aren’t even giving you a look if you’re anywhere close to that. Some squadrons have explicitly stated that you shouldn’t even apply if you’re over a specific age because they won’t give you an interview (I have seen as young as 27 formally, but informally may be even younger). I am 30 and have been applying for a few months with a strong packet and have seen this first hand. I swear, this old dog is still capable of learning tricks!!!
So here is the question, BD fam – are we expecting this “ageism” to be even worse now that IPT is being implemented? If so, how much worse?
Previously, you could skip the old IFT with a PPL which probably gave some squadrons that warm and fuzzy feeling when extending an offer to an older dog because they didn’t have as much to get out of the way before being UPT eligible, but now it sounds like IPT is a requirement even with a private, multi, and instrument rating. This tacks on a good 4-5 months of training prior to UPT, so where does that leave us older-than-20-somethings???
Here is a bonus question: do we feel that AFRC squadrons are any more willing to accept age than Guard squadrons? If so, why?
caleb-durham-honer, Randy_N and 2 others8 Comments
Man I hope someone has some good news, I’ll be 31 when I finish my degree and apply
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I attached a memo on applicants who were selected in 2024 to fly for the AF Reserves. Not many age waivers were granted. I mean it make sense to chose someone younger, get more years out of them before they start falling apart.
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@CAGE Any thoughts? Would be valuable to hear some perspective from the brain trust of you guys or anyone else you know that has some insight on this.
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@Smack-Meier wanted to tag you here too, but it wouldn’t let me in same comments
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@CHAOS wanted to tag you here too, but it wouldn’t let me in same comments
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@5ME to pile on to what @CHAOS stated I don’t expect IPT to create a drastic shift in the age “mentality”. Like CHAOS pointed out it is dependent on unit on both sides of the Guard/Res circuit. I would still expect that 33 will be a hard cutoff for almost every fighter unit and would not expect them to try and sponsor an age waiver. As I always tell any BogiDoper no matter what submit an app. If you hear through the grape vine that a unit doesn’t look at apps over 28 but it’s not written anywhere, still submit. Part of the reason fighters focus more on age is what they’ll get out of you in return and how long training is. This is no shade to any non-fighter brethren but RTU and follow-on training is vastly different especially in time required. As CHAOS said it’s not impossible but more difficult. As far as the bonus I do not see reserve squadrons being any different. The hiring process and flying are generally the same for both minus the “pot of money” it comes from.
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@CAGE Thanks for the additional detail, and taking the time to respond!
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Thanks for the tag @5ME ! I don’t think this will have a significant effect on what squadrons are looking for. Realize the IPT program is to make pilot production MORE efficient, not lengthen the process. The age topic is really dependent on the squadron. Fighter units typically care about this more than most; however, some units don’t weigh it as heavily. I personally worked with a 30-year-old who recently got hired at a heavily sought-after fighter unit. While I don’t think the age topic is going anywhere for some units, the new training model shouldn’t sway units one way or the other.
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