Pilot Selection Process

Hello all, I am going to ask for LORs for pilot positions from my previous bosses, volunteer coordinator, co-workers, ect. I will ask for 5 letters and source to 3 as required. I don't know what I should tell them to write about me: personalities, work ethic, etc? and how many months should I ask before the application deadline? and do they need to sign? Please advise. Thank you,

I recently interviewed "Hacker" Haskin about his time as a UPT student, UPT IP and IFF IP (amongst other things!). He shared a range of advice and thoughts across about four hours of chatting. Those looking to go to UPT might find it interesting:

What format should be used in the resume and cover letter for packets being sent to guard and reserve units? Is there a generic example available on the web? Thanks!

So I’m not sure if this has already been posted but this was a very helpful video i came across when looking for study aids. https://youtu.be/pFlkY_dreGo It’s a short video but very helpful. I took a mock test using the method and scored 98%. Again sorry if this has already been posted but i hope it helps someone.

For current Nav's that get a UPT slot... Are the Class I physicals always done at Wright-Patt? Or has that requirement eased up so that you can get them at another base?

Rumor control: I heard that active duty pulled (not sure how long ago) all of the 2020 UPT slots allocated for the ANG. Looking to see if anyone knows if that's true or not.

I'm wondering because more than likely I won't be able to take the AFOQT until April 13th. I've been trying to take this test since last year and I've been on a waiting list since June. (The testing location only allows 6 tests every few months). I was called today and told April 13th was the earliest they could get me in. I'm going to take it for now and keep trying ROTC units. The reason I ask is my top unit choice's application deadline is April 20th. When I took the ASVAB years ago, it took the MEPS center over a week to send my scores to my recruiter. Is the AFOQT the same?

Alright guys, i am currently a civilian pilot and have come to realization that I will be bored doing the same thing till i'm 65. I have been applying to Guard/Reserve squadrons in the mean time. Anyway, I am curious if the AF or Navy has better chances of tracking fighters in the training pipeline? This seems to be a AF heavy forum group so if there are any Navy bros/broettes out there that have some insight that would be great. Calling recruiters to set up the AD process this week. I understand it comes down to luck and the needs of the branch but besides that does the Navy or AF have better chances of tracking fighters in training? Thanks

Is there a time period to wait after taking the AFOQT to take the TBAS? I have heard and read mixed information about it. I'm obviously trying to get an accurate PCSM score but with out my AFOQT scores posted should I wait to test? I took the AFOQT a week ago. Thanks

For your viewing pleasure....the link to the one stop shop to getting a flying (all rated positions included) gig in the Air Force Reserves. Current as of 7 April 2020. https://afreserve.com/downloads/AFRC_UFT_Guidebook.pdf

Hi all, Thought I'd create a separate thread from the AD UFT one. Anyone else reapplying/applying to the active duty civilian boards for active duty Air Force (not Reserve)? Curious if anyone else has had any success getting a UPT slot this route. As a quick lesson learned from the last board don't let your recruiter force you to put any job on your sheet other than pilot. My recruiter(s) made me believe it was required to put alternate jobs beside pilot (put CSO as the 2nd choice just to get pushed through). Turns out that is not true and is absolutely not required. If your recruiter tells you this is required just move on and call a different one don't ma…

I am thinking about applying for the FY21 OTS boards and I just wanted to assess how the acceptance rates will be for upcoming boards. I ask because I have noticed a pattern. ~2012 there was the sequestration and the acceptance rates for anything in the USAF fell to all time lows. A void was created and needed to be filled. 2016-2019, these four years saw acceptance rates rise and peak around the '18-'19. A buddy of mine who was in AFROTC tells me pilots acceptance rates was as high as 90%. The USAF then started having problems with classes being overfilled and candidates having their EADs pushed back creating a ripple effect. 2020, I just a…

My recruiter told me that if I go to the AD OTS board and if I am not selected for a pilot slot. I have to take whatever job I am given or I can never join the military again in any fashion. I would prefer a Guard/Reverse slot but I'm trying for a pilot slot anyway I can. My recruiter said the last several boards have had way more applicants and even people with PPLs aren't getting pilot slots. Some got other rated positions CSO and ABM and others got non-rated positions all together. Is this true or is this just recruiter BS?

I've been using Trivium's online test I paid for AFOQTAcademy's online test and I've been using AFOQTpractice test.com I've done both the Trivium and Baron tests in their books as well as the short AFOQT PDF from the Air Force website. Are all of these tests good? The only sections I still really struggle with are Arithmetic and Math. (I've never taken college Algebra or Geo. I took Stats and Finite Math). Is there any other practice test I should know about? If I take this test at the end of this month, I want to be ready and ace this ing thing.

I'm leaning towards trying the Guard to get a fighter unit but I was told by an active duty recruiter I have a great shot at getting a pilot slot for OTS. A few years ago, I remember talking to an airline pilot who said he knew a guy that was able to get guarantee a T-38 slot through OTS/Active Duty. I'm assuming this means he got ENJJPT. Is it possible to do this? I really want a fighter slot. If I don't get a guard one, Active Duty is my backup option. But I would consider this.

I was suppose to take it back in March at MEPS but it was cancelled due to COVID-19. I see boards are still happening for AD, Guard Units and Reserve. Is there AFOQT testing still going on? I managed to reach the testing center at an Air Force base, they told me maybe September or October they will have testing again but they aren't sure as of right now. I want to take it, I've been waiting a year at this point. I was on a waiting list from June 2019 until March 2020 to take it at MEPS. I keep seeing Guard Boards pass me by.

Hey everyone, I am looking at options to increase my PCSM. I am flying as much as I can to build hours and am trying to get my score up that way, but the highest I can get it to with 201 hours is 87. Although that’s a decent number, I am striving to get it in the 90’s, as I am dead set on fighters. I recently retook the AFOQT, nearly doubled my my pilot score, and more than tripled my PCSM. While that’s great, my PCSM with my current flight time is sitting at a 67. Aside from continuning to build hours, my best option at this point, I believe, is to retake the TBAS. My question is for those who have retaken the TBAS. How much of an impact did retaking the…

New guy on the forum here, i was recently selected as an alternate by an ANG Viper Unit. 1. Does anybody have any experience they can share about being selected as an alternate? 2. Did you eventually make it as a primary? 3. Did you get picked up on the next board? 4.Did you get hired by another unit? Thank you!

Ok everyone so I am putting the finishing touches on my 215 for the upcoming AD board and had a quick question. I have been told in the past the 215 is not an OPR so it should not include a great deal of OPR type information. That it should be written more towards what’s going to make you a better pilot not just how good you are at your job. As a navigator the majority of the things that I excel at in my current job are things that will help make me a better pilot. Well my question is where does one draw the line on what information to include or exclude. Any help is greatly appreciated...Just trying to give my package that platinum touch needed to achieve the des…

Hey all, I have a question about the tbas scoring structure after reading and hearing about some of the pcsm scores people ended up with. For some disclosure I have a 99 pilot score, 55 flight hours (so in the 41-60 bracket), and currently have a 75 pcsm. My 201+ score is 91 and I am retaking the tbas next week. Using some extrapolation I figure I have 8 points to gain if I max the tbas. However, I've been noticing some scores that have been posted that don't align with this (i.e. someone with an 83 pcsm with less than 20 hours). If I were in the same hour bracket that would put me at a 67 which is a 16 point difference, significantly more than the 8 points I figure I hav…

Hi, I am an active duty army officer, trying to apply for 2021 Active Duty UFT. In the application submission instruction it says an application packet should be submitted through a myPers Questionnaire page. However, I get the error message saying they have a trouble accessing personnel data. I can’t even get to the questionnaire to fill out and submit my packet. I spoke to IT as well, waiting for their response. I know that I don’t have any personnel data in myPers. Does anybody know who has submitted the application via myPers questionnaire from other branches rather than the Air Force? Any suggestions are much appreciated. Good Luck, everyone.

So I was just about to take my BAT test when I came across this from the AETC PCSM site: UPDATE 24 Feb 2006 "PCSM scores generated using the TBAS test will be used for Pilot Selection Boards scheduled after 1 Oct 06. If an applicant is meeting a board before 1 Oct 06 they will need to take the current BAT test to receive a PCSM score. If an applicant is meeting a board after 1 Oct 06 they should wait to take the TBAS test to receive a PCSM score. After 1 Oct 06 PCSM scores computed using the BAT test will no longer be valid and candidates must take the TBAS test to have a PCSM score." -If I am reading this correctly (which I may not) that means any cadet or anyon…

Hi all, thanks for providing such a great place for learning and guidance. I did lots of searching across the boards and still had a few questions on the ANG/Res hiring process coming from the civilian side. Some context: 31, part 121 airline captain w/ 4 yr degree, needs LASIK or PRK. Living local-ish to 3 heavy units. 1. I read that this time of year is normally quiet for UPT board announcements because it's just past the fiscal year end; should we expect to see a number of new FY21 UPT postings over the holiday season? (alt question: are heavy unit boards usually 1/year?) 2. I'd like to knock out the AFOQT+TBAS asap. With COVID, is the quickest way st…

BL: Do RPA selects for the UFT boards have any say for their follow on assignment since the RPA pipeline ceased doing drop nights? I’m applying for this years AD UFT board and was wondering what input the member has to their follow on assignment. I only qualify for RPA and with the new assignment process—if I’m tracking correctly— you get your follow on assignment first and then TDY to your training pipeline courses. It would be nice to have some say to the matter. Thanks for any and all responses!

PSDM just dropped for this year, best of luck to everyone!