Becoming a Military Pilot
Military pilots fly a wide variety of aircraft in five branches of service. They are responsible for transporting equipment and troops, executing combat missions and performing search and rescue operations.
Take a Free Young Eagles Flight
EAA’s Young Eagles Flight Program
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For youth ages 8-17
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FREE introductory flight given by a local EAA chapter or individual EAA member in your area
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Young Eagles are given a pre and post flight review of the interior and exterior of the airplane, safety instructions, and an overview of airplane controls and operations
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A 15-20 minute flight
Find a Young Eagles Flight
YoungEaglesDay.org
Register for a Young Eagles flight using EAA's online registration tool.
AeroEducate Calendar of Events ›
Find a Young Eagles rally or other youth events in your area.
Set Yourself Up For Success
You can start preparing to become a military pilot now:
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Talk to your high school guidance counselor and parents as early as your freshman year and let them know that your dream is to become a military pilot and/or attend a military academy. They can help you identify courses you can take to set yourself up for success in your future military career, as well as helping to find the proper resources to guide you through applying to a military academy, finding scholarships and talking with recruiters.
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You can start working toward your sport or private pilot certificate at any age, although you must be 16 years old to solo and 17 before you can be issued a pilot certificate.
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Join or get involved in your local EAA chapter.
-
Volunteer in your local EAA chapter, or with local civic or school organizations.
-
Being physically fit now can help set you up for success when you join the military and start basic training.
-
Keep working on AeroEducate badging and new activities to learn more about aviation.
Options for Flight Training
Depending on your path, your commitment to service can vary. We encourage understanding all details by talking with your high school guidance counselor, advisor or military recruiter.
Graduate High School and Enlist in the Army
If you decide to fly for the U.S. Army, you can fly both helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft by enlisting right after high school.
Contact your local recruiter for more information.
Graduate College and Then Join
After graduating from college, work with a recruiter and discover how you can enlist as an officer.
Obtaining a private pilot certificate and majoring in an aviation field is highly recommended.
Contact your local recruiter for more information.
Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC)
Apply for an ROTC Scholarship. Once accepted you will attend college and start your military training. Not all colleges have an ROTC program, so make sure the university you are applying to does.
Work with your recruiter and continue your flight training while in college.
Military Academy
Flying in the military is not only a great way to serve your country, it’s also a great way to get most, if not all of your flight training paid for.
Explore an appointment to one of the four elite U.S. military academies. Selection is very competitive. You should start preparing as early as your freshman year in high school to apply for one of these academies.
Explore the Options:
Military Career
Enjoy flying for one of the many branches in the U.S. military. Serving your country can be one of the greatest and most rewarding jobs you can have.
Fly After the Military
After your military career ends, you don’t have to stop flying. You can continue flying as a commercial airline pilot, corporate pilot or as a pilot in a number of other areas within the aviation industry. The skills and leadership you gain in the military are highly sought after in the private sector.
Give Back
After your military career, continue to inspire youth to get involved in aviation by giving back to your aviation community.
Take a Free Young Eagles Flight
EAA’s Young Eagles Flight Program
-
For youth ages 8-17
-
FREE introductory flight given by a local EAA chapter or individual EAA member in your area
-
Young Eagles are given a pre and post flight review of the interior and exterior of the airplane, safety instructions, and an overview of airplane controls and operations
-
A 15-20 minute flight
Find a Young Eagles Flight
YoungEaglesDay.org
Register for a Young Eagles flight using EAA's online registration tool.
AeroEducate Calendar of Events ›
Find a Young Eagles rally or other youth events in your area.
Set Yourself Up For Success
You can start preparing to become a military pilot now:
-
Talk to your high school guidance counselor and parents as early as your freshman year and let them know that your dream is to become a military pilot and/or attend a military academy. They can help you identify courses you can take to set yourself up for success in your future military career, as well as helping to find the proper resources to guide you through applying to a military academy, finding scholarships and talking with recruiters.
-
You can start working toward your sport or private pilot certificate at any age, although you must be 16 years old to solo and 17 before you can be issued a pilot certificate.
-
Join or get involved in your local EAA chapter.
-
Volunteer in your local EAA chapter, or with local civic or school organizations.
-
Being physically fit now can help set you up for success when you join the military and start basic training.
-
Keep working on AeroEducate badging and new activities to learn more about aviation.
Options for Flight Training
Depending on your path, your commitment to service can vary. We encourage understanding all details by talking with your high school guidance counselor, advisor or military recruiter.
Graduate High School and Enlist in the Army
If you decide to fly for the U.S. Army, you can fly both helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft by enlisting right after high school.
Contact your local recruiter for more information.
Graduate College and Then Join
After graduating from college, work with a recruiter and discover how you can enlist as an officer.
Obtaining a private pilot certificate and majoring in an aviation field is highly recommended.
Contact your local recruiter for more information.
Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC)
Apply for an ROTC Scholarship. Once accepted you will attend college and start your military training. Not all colleges have an ROTC program, so make sure the university you are applying to does.
Work with your recruiter and continue your flight training while in college.
Find available college scholarships
Military Academy
Flying in the military is not only a great way to serve your country, it’s also a great way to get most, if not all of your flight training paid for.
Explore an appointment to one of the four elite U.S. military academies. Selection is very competitive. You should start preparing as early as your freshman year in high school to apply for one of these academies.
Explore the Options:
U.S. Military Academy West Point
Military Career
Enjoy flying for one of the many branches in the U.S. military. Serving your country can be one of the greatest and most rewarding jobs you can have.
Fly After the Military
After your military career ends, you don’t have to stop flying. You can continue flying as a commercial airline pilot, corporate pilot or as a pilot in a number of other areas within the aviation industry. The skills and leadership you gain in the military are highly sought after in the private sector.
Give Back
After your military career, continue to inspire youth to get involved in aviation by giving back to your aviation community.
