My childhood dream was to become a fighter pilot. I was obsessed with aviation from the time I could talk. I lived and breathed facts on fighters and devoured any books on them I came across. I played sims, etc. I was convinced it was my calling in life. Then in grade 5, I had a bad teacher who told me I would never be good enough to fly because I wasn't very good at math (I was great at geometry but struggled in other areas he was teaching). I gave up on my dream as a result because I let that criticism get to me, and it is one of the greatest regrets I have to this very day at the age of 41. Do not make the same mistake I did. Never let anyone tell you that you can't do it. A video like this when I was young would have changed the whole course of my life. Believe in yourself, don't take no for an answer, work hard, and you can achieve what I chose not to. At the end of the day, it was a choice on my end to believe that teacher instead of working even harder to prove him wrong. I hope all of you who share the same dream that I did manage to reach your goals. God bless.
Did same mistake in grade 8th. Had bad maths teachers through out my life. Got specs at age 13. Almost everyone told me to leave the dream. At age 23 I regret not pursing for my dream job. Now as software engineer hate sitting in front of computer 8 hrs a day.
@@neelpatel097 late reply, but you should apply for air national guard pilot slots or try to go through OTS. Its not too late to see your dream come true! Im a junior in high school and i plan on doing rotc while taking either astrophysics or aeronautical engineering, then competing for a pilot slot. I am going to fly for the air force no matter what, and its gonna be fighters.
6:25 That's great to hear for aspiring fighter pilots. 20 years ago, I didn't have 20/20 and that ruled me out. Flying with contacts, glasses, surgery?? That is refreshing to hear. I ended up getting LASIK 10 years later. By then I was already established flying in the civilian industry. Great channel you have going.
Have a family member who flew C130s. The recruiter said he was ineligible for some reason. He switched recruiters after taking to one of our cousins who’s also in the USAF and made it in. Moral: If you really want in, don’t give up, persevere!
I heard it helps to have a basic pilots license. I wish I would have followed my dreams. I wanted to be a fighter pilot. I obsessed over the F14 tomcat. If the tomcat was a girl id have stalked her lol. Good luck with your pilot aspirations
At 25 years old, I'm just now enlisting in the Navy. It was my dream since childhood to become a fighter pilot, but of course life has taken me on different paths. While serving, I plan to complete a STEM degree and work towards achieving my goal of becoming a fighter pilot. Don't ever give up on your dreams!
I want to fly the F-35 for the Air National Guard. I'm first signing up for the Oregon Air National Guard and am going to try my best to score high and become an aircraft maintainer. Then as time goes on, I'll use the money I earn to pay for both a bachelor's degree and a private pilot license so that I could at least TRY to get an F-35 slot. If I fail (which is likely), I can at least say I tried! :)
Becoming a fighter pilot was my child dream and still is (I’m 34 so my hopes are gone) but if I had all this info back then I would have definitely had my dream come true.
It's one positive thing about the internet, all these teens get all the information they need to succeeded in life, a click away. it was not like that 15-20 years ago.
@@rg3or279 I’m not sure honestly. From what I know, the student takes a safety test or something (kind of like how you get a driving permit) then the student gets a summer class somewhere and that’s where they get their pilots license
When he said, "you do not need to have perfect vision to be a fighter pilot" I was SO RELIVED. When I went to the eye doctor and heard I did not have 20/20 vision like I thought I did, NO JOKE I BROKE DOWN IN TEARS thinking my dreams were over. I decided to do more research online and kept on getting mixed answers. Thank you for clearing this up and for redeeming my hope 🙏🙏
It depends if u live in America you can use contact lenses or glasses and even surgery! But i think like here in Portugal u need perfect vision. Its a smaller country and its not that updated compared to america. I think they have like a tolleration limit for the vision but they are still very strict. We also dont have fighter pilots making yt videos to help us 😂, lucky you! My dream is also being a pilot, good luck everybody!
I’m 22, I meet all the requirements. I have had one year of college. Since I was little I just knew I wanted to go fast. I don’t know where to begin but this video helped. I know I can do it.
"You do not need perfect vision to become a fighter pilot" "refractive error plus 2 to minus 3". Ok I can't become a fighter pilot in the US airforce, and still can't become a fighter pilot in Italy, because you need perfect vision here in Italy
Waw Hasard, very clear on the requirements. Always dreamed of becoming a fighter pilot, but unfortunately are unable due to the citizenship. So now I live part of my dream as a bush and airline pilot. You’re doing an awesome job in “recruiting” youngsters. Keep it up & good luck with the remainder of your career!
Huge relief hearing about flying with glasses and contacts. I knew you didn’t have to have 2020 vision but I heard that you can’t fly with contacts in. I’ll have to look into it some more to see what my vision is right now, but that was a sigh of relief.
One of my greatest dreams was to become a U.S. fighter pilot. I am about to graduate as a Mechanical Engineer but unfortunately my age range is almost running out, I am 29 now. If that dream of becoming a fighter jet does not come true, at least I wish/hope that as a Mechanical Engineer I get the chance to fix any of those beautiful fighter jets. My most sincere respect to those who protect us.
I wish I was just dealing with ADHD, I got hit with bipolar disorder, depression, and a few other things growing up. Pills and everything. It's been 10+ years since I got off the pills and got out of treatment. But as much as I would love to fly and join the Air Force, I'm not sure what my chances would be of even getting in. But thank you to all who serve. As an American I am happy to honor our military personnel.
Thank you for these videos, its been a lifelong dream of mine to be a fighter pilot. I'm applying to join ROTC this fall, hopefully I'll be a pilot in a few years.
The base that im joining for the Air NG flys F-15s. I hope to be able to fly those one day once i graduate college. I'll be doing civilian pilot training in the meantime, and my goal is to get a job in the guard that has me working on the aircraft, so hopefully those two things will help out my case when the time comes to apply
My Asthma got me really nervous for becoming a pilot but it was diagnosed when I was still playing biddy league soccer so I’m good on the asthma front, thanks for the video, af website was very confusing for me
Thank you for making this! I am not old enough to be a pilot yet but I thought I would never be able to because of my vision. I got sad thinking I couldn’t because I wear glasses but since you don’t need to have perfect vision I still have a chance!
Thank you for this video My youngest son wants to be an Air Force pilot and turns 18 in 2 days. We will be going to visit the local usaf recruiter ❤❤🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🕊🕊🕊🕊
Love that your starting to get into creating RUclips content. Loved for your podcast but prefer this above all. Currently waiting for a waiver for some knee surgeries I had a while back. My cousin is Rhett “hero” Hierlmeier. He has been guiding me throughout this process!
@@HasardLee I am turned 33 in December of 2020. Today I spoke with an officer recruiter and she told me there is no such a thing as an age waiver for pilots. I am really surprised and disappointed I really thought there is such a concept for pilots. She mentioned herself as an example that she was refused due to age and no waiver. Do you have any advice?
I've been in the Navy for seven years. I gave up my childhood dream of being a pilot when I got glasses (20/20 corrected). Only thing missing is a college degree and I'm halfway done with that. Maybe there's a chance I could fly after all.
The astigmatism clause is probably because you may have a difficult time reading your hud. I know as a shooter that people with astigmatisms will sometimes experience a “blooming effect “ when using a red dot type weapons system, that is the dot will actually appear larger and fuzzy. It’s almost like seeing a rose image instead of just a single dot . Astigmatisms however have no effect when using a holographic type weapons systems, ie an EOtech or the Vortex Huey.
You are a bundle of knowledge, wisdom, and mentor for a far brighter generation. Unfortunately, I did not attain your level of education during my years in the Navy but I was grateful to experience life in the Persian gulf war. Thank you for your expertise my friend. You sure are super smart.😊😊
Regarding pilot training age limits (4:34). Hasard Lee: "I've never heard of anybody going through pilot training at age 18." Here's your example. I'm a retired Air Force and commercial airline pilot. My first assignment following USAF pilot training (1979) was to serve as an instructor pilot (FAIP) at Sheppard AFB, TX. At that time, our squadron trained student pilots from the German and Dutch air forces. I was given one of each as my first two students. Lt Sander Panis (Dutch) was 18 and Lt Haider Klaus (German) was 22. At that time, Dutch candidates ascended into pilot training directly out of high school after first attending a three month officer training program. Both were talented and hard working and were assigned to fly the F-5A and F-4E respectively following graduation. Two years later, I was privileged to serve as an initial cadre PIT instructor for the Euro NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training (ENJJPT) program at Sheppard, whereby Americans and all of our NATO pilot candidates were trained for a future in fighter aircraft. ENJJPT continues in that mission to this day. So, yes, you can attend Undergraduate Pilot Training at the tender age of 18, and here is your example.
Amazing. I meet at these requirements except for the age. I hold a Bachelors degree in Astrophysics with a minor in Mathematics. While in college I got my private pilot cert, then knocked out my IFR, multi, & commercial. I’ve been flying freight since I was 24 in E120’s, Lear 35’s, DC9’s with A LOT of hours in various weather conditions. I’m 35 now and I was told that I was too old. Biologically, I look and feel 25. I’ve always taken care of my health. Maybe I should travel and see if anyone other recruiters will take me, I feel cheated
I was in ROTC at Samford University (Birmingham Alabama) back in the mid to late 1980s. I had a navigators slot. Just before I was supposed to go off to McClellan AFB in California for training between my Sophomore and Junior year, we received word that the AFROTC program was being permanent closed at Samford. I was so disappointed. I ended up joining the Air Guard that summer with hopes of eventually getting a nav slot in an RF-4C Phantom. My dad and uncle flew F-4s. Well, the Air Force retired the F-4s in 1996, before I could gain a nav slot. I left the Air Guard when the base became an air refueling wing. Becoming a Air Force aviator takes a little luck too! I’m retired now and am working on obtaining my private pilots license. The dream to fly never left me!
Thank you for clarifying the vision requirements, I use glasses and I was worried that it would prevent me from being able to fly in the air force but this information is assuring.
@Avreus There are a lot of books out there like Barron’s and Trivium... I feel like those are the most popular. But to be honest they aren’t the best... I recommend making an account on air warriors and look up the ASTB, that exam consists of math, reading comprehension and mechanical. The study guides people made relate to the actual exam. But if I were to get a book I recommend the Barron’s Flight Aptitude Tests
@@ChickentNug ASVAB is a lot easier than the ASTBE. I actually just took it a few months ago and got decent scores, waiting for the pilot boards in May I’ll find out in June. But honestly really depends on how hard you want to study. You can pass anything it’s just are you willing to put in the work
@@TrollerzTV I actually took the ASTBE for the navy I got a 53 6/7/5 and the SNA boards were about 3 weeks ago so I should know this week if I got in or not. If not I’ll just reapply. Idk if I’m taking the AFOQT over again
@@fuerte2014 I got medically disqualified for an unknown reason (recruiter didn't know either and MEPS would not tell him). Waiver was denied by the surgeon general so there is nothing I can do after that point. It sucks but I tried!
Excellent videos, Mr. Lee ... I've always been sort of a "pilot groupie" .... when I was a little kid, my best friend of the time and I were GOING to be B-58 pilots! I think between us, we knew back then almost every unclassified detail of the Hustler ... (both dads were AF - my dad was a B58 crew chief) ... tells you how old I am ... but even long after 20 years as a navy enlisted, I'm still very enthusiastic about USAF and navy aircraft and pilots !!! Thanks again. Now I gotta find more of your vids! :)
I’m 13, but I still fill most of the requirements. I’ll have to wait a while, but that’s okay, I’ll try some rotc and cadet programs in my town. Thank you so much for the video, helped me a lot.
I’m a 17 year old who always wanted to be A pilot and I’m not a genius or anything but I had ALC and meniscus surgery last year I’m am athlete with great endurance. And also have ADD and maybe ADHD.
Please consider joining civil air patrol, it is the usaf auxiliary. You can get your pilot license through it. Also if you get a certain rank you automatically get into the Air Force Academy. They do search and rescue mission. You get free orientation flights. And if you want to get your pilots license it is really cheap. If you have any questions ask me.
Can you make a video about Commisioning programs that enlisted members can take advantage of to start a path on becoming a pilot? For example ASCP and SOAR.
I plan to go into the AF and I would like to be a pilot. It seems way easier than I thought. I have perfect vision, I can go to school while in to get a simple 4 year degree & train and become an officer. Whatever it takes. I’ve always wanted to fly one. Seems amazing to be able to go that fast
If you already have a degree then go enlist; it adds a military experience before becoming an officer (pilot), but it is a waste of time if you don’t have a degree because an enlisted cannot be an officer without degree
He didn't mention the accident rate. Most of us did just fine, but of all the guys I flew with about six or eight were victims of the ground rising up and smiting them at 250Kts+. More than six or eight really, but those are the ones I can still picture in my mind fifty years later.
Great piece. Almost all kids at one time....if they could make it....would do what it takes. It's such a life changing event to realize how advanced our avionics has come. I'm raising an eyebrow at refurbishing 15's or 16's...i can't remember...maybe because our Airforce is so advanced that we are taking some weight out of our gloves so we can make it fair. Just kidding. I know the military will take 20 to 1 odds any day in life or death struggles. Thanks for being a badass. My grandfather was a navigator on B-17's. Did whatever the requirement was then got asked to do 3 more sorties. He's a hero in my mind. Like you.
@@williamclark1827 yea but it is what it is. I was too focused on one Dre that ended up having no job security and never got my degree to fly. Maybe in another life it could have been. But still just once I'd love to go for a ride in one.
When I was eight years old, I wanted to be a pilot, top gun hat came out and it was and still is my favorite movie. Well I needed glass and my older brother told me that I couldn’t be a pilot because I were glasses. My father, a B-52 crew chief, confirm that. I was heartbroken.
This helps so much the only downside is that my vision goes left to right eye -4.75 and -4.00 and man I hope this isn’t a deal breaker. With contacts I got perfect vision and even with my bad eyesight I managed really well and got 20/20 vision without contacts in which surprised my eye doctor. But if that isn’t a deal breaker, I’m stuck between deciding the Acadamy in Colorado or ROTC at a college in my state.
Don't forget the importance of having a competitive pilot score on the AFOQT and TBAS. I got an ANG slot, went through OTS, and was in SUPT for five months at Vance, but ultimately couldn't keep up with the tempo and washed out. It was a great learning experience though. If you don't have an AFOQT pilot score that's at least in the upper 80's/90's, you probably won't get an interview (for you folks going the AFRES/ANG route). Take a ton of timed AFOQT practice tests before taking the actual test.
Pretty much. 12 hour days, studying instrument academics while practicing contact maneuvers and going to the simulator all at the same time. Min passing score of 85 on all written tests, and every flight is pass/fail, not just the check rides. If you hook a ride, you can’t go to the sim until you pass your next flight, so you get behind on sim time. It’s a high stress environment, and time management is critical for the entire year of training. It produces some of the world’s best pilots though.
No prb. The ANG is still part of the Air Force, it’s just state funded and directed. It seems to have more regular UPT slot allocations than AFRES, so there are more opportunities to apply and interview with various units. The work schedule, commitment, and federal benefits are pretty much the same between the two though.
If you’re talking Active Duty vs ANG/RES though, the benefit of the latter is that you know exactly where you’ll be stationed and what you will fly, because that unit is hiring you, so no competing with classmates in SUPT for what aircraft you want or any risk of getting FAIP’d.
If I wanted to fly heavies would that be pretty much the same process I enlisted into the guard and hope to fly C-130s, and would getting any flight hours help me get into a C-130 seat.
I’m a 30 year old who recently graduated college with a 3.69 gpa. I served 4 years enlisted in the Marines from 2008-2012, but got a misdemeanor DUI in 2013 after getting out. Even though it’s a misdemeanor, does the DUI significantly reduce my chances of being accepted to pilot training?
Ofc the USAF official website doesn’t disclose requirements - they find it hard enough to get bodies. They use the “fighter pilot” thing to get bodies in the recruitment process.
I feel so lucky I fill all the requirements, I don’t care what my chances are I am going to become a usaf pilot no matter what
you can do it man!!!
@@sharkfn2678 thanks man! I hope so cause Ill have to sacrifice a lot of things just to get into rotc but it'll be worth it
@@hectorlupio4599 it will! best of luck bud
Well you go get them brother you got this and I know I’m going to get there too
@@kasendiaz896 same mate! not easy to be selected for pilot training but this has been my dream for years so I will do anything to get there
My childhood dream was to become a fighter pilot. I was obsessed with aviation from the time I could talk. I lived and breathed facts on fighters and devoured any books on them I came across. I played sims, etc. I was convinced it was my calling in life.
Then in grade 5, I had a bad teacher who told me I would never be good enough to fly because I wasn't very good at math (I was great at geometry but struggled in other areas he was teaching). I gave up on my dream as a result because I let that criticism get to me, and it is one of the greatest regrets I have to this very day at the age of 41.
Do not make the same mistake I did. Never let anyone tell you that you can't do it. A video like this when I was young would have changed the whole course of my life. Believe in yourself, don't take no for an answer, work hard, and you can achieve what I chose not to. At the end of the day, it was a choice on my end to believe that teacher instead of working even harder to prove him wrong. I hope all of you who share the same dream that I did manage to reach your goals.
God bless.
WOW... thankyou for spending the time to make this. appreciate it
Did same mistake in grade 8th. Had bad maths teachers through out my life. Got specs at age 13. Almost everyone told me to leave the dream. At age 23 I regret not pursing for my dream job. Now as software engineer hate sitting in front of computer 8 hrs a day.
@@neelpatel097 If you still want to become a fighter pilot, you still technically can since the age limit is 33
This is really helpful
@@neelpatel097 late reply, but you should apply for air national guard pilot slots or try to go through OTS. Its not too late to see your dream come true! Im a junior in high school and i plan on doing rotc while taking either astrophysics or aeronautical engineering, then competing for a pilot slot. I am going to fly for the air force no matter what, and its gonna be fighters.
Just passed the ASTB for the Marines today, I’m really exited one more step closer to my goal!
I had no ideas marines could read!!! Congratulations to you and good luck.
Well done!
Congrats
Congrats man!
Outstanding!
6:25 That's great to hear for aspiring fighter pilots. 20 years ago, I didn't have 20/20 and that ruled me out. Flying with contacts, glasses, surgery?? That is refreshing to hear. I ended up getting LASIK 10 years later. By then I was already established flying in the civilian industry. Great channel you have going.
Sadly i need perfect vision in the RDAF so i still dont have a chance :(
@@antonwestergaard5211 Move to the U.S then. :)
Have a family member who flew C130s. The recruiter said he was ineligible for some reason. He switched recruiters after taking to one of our cousins who’s also in the USAF and made it in. Moral: If you really want in, don’t give up, persevere!
Did he go to the air force academy?
It's such a relief hearing that I don't need really good vision. I'm hopeful gonna try to apply next spring, thx for this video Hasard.
I heard it helps to have a basic pilots license. I wish I would have followed my dreams. I wanted to be a fighter pilot. I obsessed over the F14 tomcat. If the tomcat was a girl id have stalked her lol. Good luck with your pilot aspirations
Yo, your not gonna “try” to apply your going to do it I believe in you. Never give up no matter what you fase 💪👌
To become a fighter pilot is my biggest dream, I’m currently 13 but when I’m able to apply for the Air Force I’m going to be a f-35 pilot.
Good Luck!
I hope to apply as soon as I’m able
@@CcCc-mq2vk thank you so much, and merry Christmas guys 🤟😎
At 25 years old, I'm just now enlisting in the Navy. It was my dream since childhood to become a fighter pilot, but of course life has taken me on different paths. While serving, I plan to complete a STEM degree and work towards achieving my goal of becoming a fighter pilot. Don't ever give up on your dreams!
I want to fly the F-35 for the Air National Guard. I'm first signing up for the Oregon Air National Guard and am going to try my best to score high and become an aircraft maintainer. Then as time goes on, I'll use the money I earn to pay for both a bachelor's degree and a private pilot license so that I could at least TRY to get an F-35 slot. If I fail (which is likely), I can at least say I tried! :)
Becoming a fighter pilot was my child dream and still is (I’m 34 so my hopes are gone) but if I had all this info back then I would have definitely had my dream come true.
It's one positive thing about the internet, all these teens get all the information they need to succeeded in life, a click away. it was not like that 15-20 years ago.
@Giovanni Merced There is a waiver for everything in the Air Force. If it’s your dream then go for it!
@Drankus Go for it!
@@jvo8068 💯
Can't hurt to look into being a pilot with Air National Guard or Reserves!
If Hasard is not the most fighter pilot name I have ever seen, I don’t know what is.
That's his callsign.
There is someone in my high school that got their pilot’s license in high school. I’m not sure if many schools do it but mine does.
That’s so awesome I wish my school had that
Try looking into programs like the Civil Air Patrol which helps teens get their pilots license and stuff.
Third party or through the school because that is very different
@@rg3or279 I’m not sure honestly. From what I know, the student takes a safety test or something (kind of like how you get a driving permit) then the student gets a summer class somewhere and that’s where they get their pilots license
Multiple young people doing first solo on the RUclips. If kids can do it, adult should be able.
I’m currently enlisted in the AF and on my 6th year and just re-enlisted!! This gives me huge hope. I going to be a pilot no matter what. Believe it!!
I was working at BTV when our first two f-35's came in. Such talented pilots in the 158th.
When he said, "you do not need to have perfect vision to be a fighter pilot" I was SO RELIVED. When I went to the eye doctor and heard I did not have 20/20 vision like I thought I did, NO JOKE I BROKE DOWN IN TEARS thinking my dreams were over. I decided to do more research online and kept on getting mixed answers. Thank you for clearing this up and for redeeming my hope 🙏🙏
It depends if u live in America you can use contact lenses or glasses and even surgery! But i think like here in Portugal u need perfect vision. Its a smaller country and its not that updated compared to america. I think they have like a tolleration limit for the vision but they are still very strict. We also dont have fighter pilots making yt videos to help us 😂, lucky you! My dream is also being a pilot, good luck everybody!
So glad I qualify in all the above. This dream is looking more achievable every day.
I’m 22, I meet all the requirements. I have had one year of college. Since I was little I just knew I wanted to go fast. I don’t know where to begin but this video helped. I know I can do it.
If you can try online college
Hey Hasard! You were the main inspiration to me joining the AFROTC this year and I can’t wait to maybe meet you as a fellow officer one day!
Is that a thing in school? Or how do you join it
That's crazy, we have the same last name.
Hey Nathan can you help me with some of my questions?
Update?
@nathanwells4809 did you make it in?
"You do not need perfect vision to become a fighter pilot" "refractive error plus 2 to minus 3". Ok I can't become a fighter pilot in the US airforce, and still can't become a fighter pilot in Italy, because you need perfect vision here in Italy
Speriamo cambi nei prossimi 5 anni
Oof u can be a a pilot here xause u need to be a citizen
Waw Hasard, very clear on the requirements. Always dreamed of becoming a fighter pilot, but unfortunately are unable due to the citizenship. So now I live part of my dream as a bush and airline pilot. You’re doing an awesome job in “recruiting” youngsters. Keep it up & good luck with the remainder of your career!
Huge relief hearing about flying with glasses and contacts. I knew you didn’t have to have 2020 vision but I heard that you can’t fly with contacts in. I’ll have to look into it some more to see what my vision is right now, but that was a sigh of relief.
I’ll find out in a month or so if I get a pilot slot! I’m excited!
It’s been a month did u get it?
@@creedgai7753 no i think he died
That’s sad
@@creedgai7753 I had my dates wrong! I find out between end feb and early mar!
@@fergie8957 Did you get it?
One of my greatest dreams was to become a U.S. fighter pilot. I am about to graduate as a Mechanical Engineer but unfortunately my age range is almost running out, I am 29 now. If that dream of becoming a fighter jet does not come true, at least I wish/hope that as a Mechanical Engineer I get the chance to fix any of those beautiful fighter jets. My most sincere respect to those who protect us.
Gotta go for it now my dude!
thanks a lot for uploading these requirements, especially the portion on vision. I had no idea it was that lenient.
I will try my best! Good luck to everyone!
I wish I was just dealing with ADHD, I got hit with bipolar disorder, depression, and a few other things growing up. Pills and everything. It's been 10+ years since I got off the pills and got out of treatment. But as much as I would love to fly and join the Air Force, I'm not sure what my chances would be of even getting in. But thank you to all who serve. As an American I am happy to honor our military personnel.
Thank you so much! It’s my dream to fly but I previously thought that you couldn’t be over 6ft 3in to fly!
Well don't go to fighters you will not be comfortable!! If you're that tall better shoot for a C17 or C5 something with more legroom and headroom!
Thank you for these videos, its been a lifelong dream of mine to be a fighter pilot. I'm applying to join ROTC this fall, hopefully I'll be a pilot in a few years.
where are you now
Hopefully you're getting close to your goal!
How’s it going
The base that im joining for the Air NG flys F-15s. I hope to be able to fly those one day once i graduate college. I'll be doing civilian pilot training in the meantime, and my goal is to get a job in the guard that has me working on the aircraft, so hopefully those two things will help out my case when the time comes to apply
Thanks for these videos. You are helping me achieve my goal every time you upload. Thank you.
My Asthma got me really nervous for becoming a pilot but it was diagnosed when I was still playing biddy league soccer so I’m good on the asthma front, thanks for the video, af website was very confusing for me
Thank you for making this! I am not old enough to be a pilot yet but I thought I would never be able to because of my vision. I got sad thinking I couldn’t because I wear glasses but since you don’t need to have perfect vision I still have a chance!
Join civil air patrol
You absolutely can so long as your vision can be corrected to 20-20
@@justalpha9138 and how can it be corrected ?
@@itheprofessional Glasses and contact lenses
@@justalpha9138 it's kind of weird, 3/4 say you can't Wear them, i guess it depends on the country 🤷
Thank you for this video My youngest son wants to be an Air Force pilot and turns 18 in 2 days. We will be going to visit the local usaf recruiter ❤❤🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🕊🕊🕊🕊
How's he doing now
He is doing great he is so motivated and excited to be working towards his goals. We are going to see the recruiter this week
how is he doing???
Love that your starting to get into creating RUclips content. Loved for your podcast but prefer this above all. Currently waiting for a waiver for some knee surgeries I had a while back. My cousin is Rhett “hero” Hierlmeier. He has been guiding me throughout this process!
Thanks and good luck! Hero and I crossed paths briefly at Luke-you’re in good hands.
@@HasardLee I am turned 33 in December of 2020. Today I spoke with an officer recruiter and she told me there is no such a thing as an age waiver for pilots. I am really surprised and disappointed I really thought there is such a concept for pilots. She mentioned herself as an example that she was refused due to age and no waiver. Do you have any advice?
I've been in the Navy for seven years. I gave up my childhood dream of being a pilot when I got glasses (20/20 corrected). Only thing missing is a college degree and I'm halfway done with that. Maybe there's a chance I could fly after all.
The astigmatism clause is probably because you may have a difficult time reading your hud. I know as a shooter that people with astigmatisms will sometimes experience a “blooming effect “ when using a red dot type weapons system, that is the dot will actually appear larger and fuzzy. It’s almost like seeing a rose image instead of just a single dot . Astigmatisms however have no effect when using a holographic type weapons systems, ie an EOtech or the Vortex Huey.
You are a bundle of knowledge, wisdom, and mentor for a far brighter generation. Unfortunately, I did not attain your level of education during my years in the Navy but I was grateful to experience life in the Persian gulf war. Thank you for your expertise my friend. You sure are super smart.😊😊
Even as a Canadian this video has relived me of some stress as I do have glasses.
Regarding pilot training age limits (4:34). Hasard Lee: "I've never heard of anybody going through pilot training at age 18." Here's your example. I'm a retired Air Force and commercial airline pilot. My first assignment following USAF pilot training (1979) was to serve as an instructor pilot (FAIP) at Sheppard AFB, TX. At that time, our squadron trained student pilots from the German and Dutch air forces. I was given one of each as my first two students. Lt Sander Panis (Dutch) was 18 and Lt Haider Klaus (German) was 22. At that time, Dutch candidates ascended into pilot training directly out of high school after first attending a three month officer training program. Both were talented and hard working and were assigned to fly the F-5A and F-4E respectively following graduation. Two years later, I was privileged to serve as an initial cadre PIT instructor for the Euro NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training (ENJJPT) program at Sheppard, whereby Americans and all of our NATO pilot candidates were trained for a future in fighter aircraft. ENJJPT continues in that mission to this day. So, yes, you can attend Undergraduate Pilot Training at the tender age of 18, and here is your example.
Retired AF Bufff RN 1988. Love your channel. Very informative session. Keep up the great work!
Just saw a f-35 demo at the great Colorado air show on October 17 and it was bad ass
I watched the first F 35s to land at The Air Guards in BTV. Nice stuff.
I'm not even 18 yet but I already fit all the requirements. Just need to get into college and I'll be golden.
Amazing. I meet at these requirements except for the age. I hold a Bachelors degree in Astrophysics with a minor in Mathematics. While in college I got my private pilot cert, then knocked out my IFR, multi, & commercial. I’ve been flying freight since I was 24 in E120’s, Lear 35’s, DC9’s with A LOT of hours in various weather conditions. I’m 35 now and I was told that I was too old. Biologically, I look and feel 25. I’ve always taken care of my health. Maybe I should travel and see if anyone other recruiters will take me, I feel cheated
You might be able to fly for another countries AF, just saying
This is my dream job I have always wanted to be a Air Force pilot
I was in ROTC at Samford University (Birmingham Alabama) back in the mid to late 1980s. I had a navigators slot. Just before I was supposed to go off to McClellan AFB in California for training between my Sophomore and Junior year, we received word that the AFROTC program was being permanent closed at Samford. I was so disappointed. I ended up joining the Air Guard that summer with hopes of eventually getting a nav slot in an RF-4C Phantom. My dad and uncle flew F-4s. Well, the Air Force retired the F-4s in 1996, before I could gain a nav slot. I left the Air Guard when the base became an air refueling wing. Becoming a Air Force aviator takes a little luck too! I’m retired now and am working on obtaining my private pilots license. The dream to fly never left me!
Hasard, can you elaborate on why you would NOT got enlisted --> OTC --> Pilot?
To the point information and very useful presentation .
Thank you Sir🇺🇸
This is absolutely great video. Thank you.
Thank you for clarifying the vision requirements, I use glasses and I was worried that it would prevent me from being able to fly in the air force but this information is assuring.
I want to be a Naval aviator because I like top gun and aircraft carriers. I'm civil Air Patrol so I'm still in good with the airforce
I’m going to join civil air patrol soon, so it’s nice to know that others are doing it too!!
I have to retake my AFOQT, that test way way harder than I thought it was going to be
@Avreus There are a lot of books out there like Barron’s and Trivium... I feel like those are the most popular. But to be honest they aren’t the best... I recommend making an account on air warriors and look up the ASTB, that exam consists of math, reading comprehension and mechanical. The study guides people made relate to the actual exam. But if I were to get a book I recommend the Barron’s Flight Aptitude Tests
how does it compare to the ASVAB? I know it's harder, but how much?
@@ChickentNug ASVAB is a lot easier than the ASTBE. I actually just took it a few months ago and got decent scores, waiting for the pilot boards in May I’ll find out in June. But honestly really depends on how hard you want to study. You can pass anything it’s just are you willing to put in the work
@@captnhutch so did you get the sna slot?? Can I ask your astb scores?
@@TrollerzTV I actually took the ASTBE for the navy I got a 53 6/7/5 and the SNA boards were about 3 weeks ago so I should know this week if I got in or not. If not I’ll just reapply. Idk if I’m taking the AFOQT over again
Becoming a pilot would be so amazing. I’m going for medical in AFROTC though.
7:10 basically the further from zero the worse your eyes are - numbers means you're nearsighted + numbers mean you're farsighted
I’m currently 15 and I would still love to do this I’m taking ROTC for high school and hope everything goes well
If you get top grades, you'll be much more likely to get what you wish for in the military. It's also just good practice.
Love you guys. all you have to be is super smart and in great shape, easy.
This was actually a pretty cool video. The asthma would have disqualified me, but it is cool that height and vision are not hinderances anymore.
Thanks for the info Hasard. Currently waiting to get medically cleared so I can apply for OTS. I hope to fly just like you someday!
@Jonathan Hall Thanks brother!
I want to become a fighter pilot too
Update?
@@fuerte2014 I got medically disqualified for an unknown reason (recruiter didn't know either and MEPS would not tell him). Waiver was denied by the surgeon general so there is nothing I can do after that point. It sucks but I tried!
@@SquirrelLord17 dang man that really sucks but glad to hear you tried
Nice video! Good to learn the vision requirements have evolved and that even surgery is done "in house". Cheers.
Excellent videos, Mr. Lee ... I've always been sort of a "pilot groupie" .... when I was a little kid, my best friend of the time and I were GOING to be B-58 pilots! I think between us, we knew back then almost every unclassified detail of the Hustler ... (both dads were AF - my dad was a B58 crew chief) ... tells you how old I am ... but even long after 20 years as a navy enlisted, I'm still very enthusiastic about USAF and navy aircraft and pilots !!! Thanks again. Now I gotta find more of your vids! :)
I recently passed the CFAST for the RCAF. Hoping I get selected, but it is a quite a long journey before I get to fly. Still need to get that degree
im in 10th grade planing to be a pilot, i must say i am eyeing my opponents in these comments...
Good to hear I meet every meet every requirement but I am enlisted but I'm gonna do AFROTC and do my best to get a pilot slot.
I’m 34, going on 35 end of may.. I’m going to give it a go and try my luck at a waiver
How did it go?
I’m 13, but I still fill most of the requirements. I’ll have to wait a while, but that’s okay, I’ll try some rotc and cadet programs in my town. Thank you so much for the video, helped me a lot.
@Mc TruckerWow! That’s awesome!
@Mc Trucker goofy ahh brain
@Mc Trucker Nevermind.
guess im going back for a masters or applying for a guard base squad
I’m a 17 year old who always wanted to be A pilot and I’m not a genius or anything but I had ALC and meniscus surgery last year I’m am athlete with great endurance. And also have ADD and maybe ADHD.
"wouldn't recommend going enlisted duty"
Me, a SrA with a nervous smile on my face
Please consider joining civil air patrol, it is the usaf auxiliary. You can get your pilot license through it. Also if you get a certain rank you automatically get into the Air Force Academy. They do search and rescue mission. You get free orientation flights. And if you want to get your pilots license it is really cheap. If you have any questions ask me.
And if you consider doing make sure you tell me
You don't automatically get accepted into USAFA....
@@Andromedon777 yeah I know
@@Andromedon777 I misunderstood it
This is a great video. Watch it if you are confused about any of the rules.
Can you make a video about Commisioning programs that enlisted members can take advantage of to start a path on becoming a pilot? For example ASCP and SOAR.
Here in Canada the RCAF currently has troubles with training fighter pilots. The wait time for Phase 2 can take over 2 years.
I spoke to a young guy who flies f-16 for NORAD, and he moved into that jet quite fast with them...
I plan to go into the AF and I would like to be a pilot. It seems way easier than I thought. I have perfect vision, I can go to school while in to get a simple 4 year degree & train and become an officer. Whatever it takes. I’ve always wanted to fly one. Seems amazing to be able to go that fast
So the AF or Navy will send you to school so you can become a pilot??
Why would you not recommend enlisting prior to becoming a pilot?
If you already have a degree then go enlist; it adds a military experience before becoming an officer (pilot), but it is a waste of time if you don’t have a degree because an enlisted cannot be an officer without degree
He didn't mention the accident rate. Most of us did just fine, but of all the guys I flew with about six or eight were victims of the ground rising up and smiting them at 250Kts+. More than six or eight really, but those are the ones I can still picture in my mind fifty years later.
Dang man I’m sorry to hear that. I’m glad that you have stayed airborne yourself😁
This was a amazing video, gave me plenty of information 😊
Great piece. Almost all kids at one time....if they could make it....would do what it takes. It's such a life changing event to realize how advanced our avionics has come. I'm raising an eyebrow at refurbishing 15's or 16's...i can't remember...maybe because our Airforce is so advanced that we are taking some weight out of our gloves so we can make it fair. Just kidding. I know the military will take 20 to 1 odds any day in life or death struggles. Thanks for being a badass. My grandfather was a navigator on B-17's. Did whatever the requirement was then got asked to do 3 more sorties. He's a hero in my mind. Like you.
Unfortunately I'm already 31 without a degree. I wouldn't be able to get into it. But just once I'd love to be able to go up in an F15.
That's sad dude !
@@williamclark1827 yea but it is what it is. I was too focused on one Dre that ended up having no job security and never got my degree to fly. Maybe in another life it could have been. But still just once I'd love to go for a ride in one.
@@tftrainman What do you do for a living right now with no degrees ?
@@williamclark1827 crash fire and rescue on an Air national guard base
@@tftrainman That's still a gret way to earn a living. Have a great day man !
When I was eight years old, I wanted to be a pilot, top gun hat came out and it was and still is my favorite movie. Well I needed glass and my older brother told me that I couldn’t be a pilot because I were glasses. My father, a B-52 crew chief, confirm that. I was heartbroken.
that really sucks man. sorry to hear that
It's cool that the air force is less strict about this than I thought, but what about bladder weaknesses?
This helps so much the only downside is that my vision goes left to right eye -4.75 and -4.00 and man I hope this isn’t a deal breaker. With contacts I got perfect vision and even with my bad eyesight I managed really well and got 20/20 vision without contacts in which surprised my eye doctor. But if that isn’t a deal breaker, I’m stuck between deciding the Acadamy in Colorado or ROTC at a college in my state.
Thank you this was very much helpful
Awesome Vid. Missed the cutoff by over 14 years.
Two most important items for becoming a fighter pilot: 1, big watch 2 cool aviator sun glasses !
Dear, Hazard! There is a die cast F-35 scale behind you. What model is it, who's the manufacturer?
Great video, thanks for all the valuable info
Huge relief of him saying any degree
Can you make a video on switching from Army to Air Force in general ? I want to fly jets 😊
So with the degree do you have to get it before you join the airforce? Also what if you still take meds for ADHD?
4:44 I started when I was 12, 16 now and still going
Thanks for the good info .
Don't forget the importance of having a competitive pilot score on the AFOQT and TBAS. I got an ANG slot, went through OTS, and was in SUPT for five months at Vance, but ultimately couldn't keep up with the tempo and washed out. It was a great learning experience though. If you don't have an AFOQT pilot score that's at least in the upper 80's/90's, you probably won't get an interview (for you folks going the AFRES/ANG route). Take a ton of timed AFOQT practice tests before taking the actual test.
What was the 'tempo'? Information dump on you 24/7?
Pretty much. 12 hour days, studying instrument academics while practicing contact maneuvers and going to the simulator all at the same time. Min passing score of 85 on all written tests, and every flight is pass/fail, not just the check rides. If you hook a ride, you can’t go to the sim until you pass your next flight, so you get behind on sim time. It’s a high stress environment, and time management is critical for the entire year of training. It produces some of the world’s best pilots though.
@@Spyder76137 I see, thanks for the insight. What made you choose ANG over a service branch?
No prb. The ANG is still part of the Air Force, it’s just state funded and directed. It seems to have more regular UPT slot allocations than AFRES, so there are more opportunities to apply and interview with various units. The work schedule, commitment, and federal benefits are pretty much the same between the two though.
If you’re talking Active Duty vs ANG/RES though, the benefit of the latter is that you know exactly where you’ll be stationed and what you will fly, because that unit is hiring you, so no competing with classmates in SUPT for what aircraft you want or any risk of getting FAIP’d.
Damn, wish I had all of this info 10 years ago... Great video for future pilots though. Nice job.
If I wanted to fly heavies would that be pretty much the same process I enlisted into the guard and hope to fly C-130s, and would getting any flight hours help me get into a C-130 seat.
I enjoy watching your videos best wishes from Scotland and Inverness airport from sylvia Stirnimann
I’m a 30 year old who recently graduated college with a 3.69 gpa. I served 4 years enlisted in the Marines from 2008-2012, but got a misdemeanor DUI in 2013 after getting out. Even though it’s a misdemeanor, does the DUI significantly reduce my chances of being accepted to pilot training?
Almost certainly
Thanks for the video!! Very helpful!!
Is it still possible to become a pilot while your enlisted ?
Hasard Lee great man
Ofc the USAF official website doesn’t disclose requirements - they find it hard enough to get bodies. They use the “fighter pilot” thing to get bodies in the recruitment process.
As an airline pilot, i would love to try flying the new trainer Saab-Boeing T-X.. cool small jet .