Having a USAF (or any branch) Pilot write you a LoR is going to be a big help, but having a boss or CFI write about how you handle extreme pressure while maintaining composure also brings a lot of power. I was told that it helps to have a current or retired Pilot recommend a prospective future aviator because they know what it takes to hack it, but Coaches/Bosses/other senior leaders can write letters just as powerful about your character and work ethic.

Ryan also consider what you want the recs to say. For example: I’d like one to highlight my leadership in sports and school. I’d like the second to talk about how hard I worked at my PPL. And the third about how I saved that cat from a tree.

Then approach your writers with that plan. You’ll be helping them. It’s much easier to write a focused rec with guidance than to wander about a blank page looking for inspiration.

That strategy will help you paint a richer picture of the strengths you want to highlight.