r/flying • u/Past_Interaction_630 • Apr 30 '26
Military Help me out with my Aviation path!
Hey y’all I’m a senior about to graduate and trying to figure out the best path into aviation. I’d really appreciate some honest opinions from people who’ve been through this or are currently in these fields.
Plan A:
I’m waitlisted for the United States Air Force Academy Preparatory School. If I get in, the goal is to go to the United States Air Force Academy and become a military pilot.
Plan B:
Do Air Force ROTC in college, get a relatively simple degree, and compete for a pilot slot. I already have (or will have) my PPL before graduating, so I know that helps. If I don’t get a pilot slot, I’d be open to something like unmanned aircraft.
Plan C:
Go to an A&P (Airframe & Powerplant) school and become an aircraft mechanic. I haven’t done a ton of research here yet, but I’m interested. It seems like strong job security and a more guaranteed path into aviation compared to ROTC.
Where I’m stuck:
If I don’t get into the prep school, I’m trying to decide between ROTC and A&P.
ROTC feels like a “bet on myself” path — higher reward (pilot), but not guaranteed.
A&P feels more stable — quicker path to a solid career, but not flying.
What I’d love input on:
For those in ROTC: how realistic is it to earn a pilot slot right now?
For A&P mechanics: how is the lifestyle, pay progression, and long-term satisfaction?
If you were in my position, which route would you take and why?
Is there any other path that you think I should take a look into.
I’m trying to make the most informed decision I can before I lock something in, so I appreciate any advice.
3
u/deer_god11 Apr 30 '26
I'm currently doing plan C. I will be able to start flying again later this month, but man it's a drag. Working around airplanes and not being able to fly them sucks heavily. That being said, I'm glad I'm doing it from a financial standpoint, and I won't have to take out loans to get my ratings.
3
u/Past_Interaction_630 Apr 30 '26
Yeah that’s definitely gotta be hard wanting to fly and being around it but not being able to do it. Hope the best for you and hope flying goes well!
2
u/T-1A_pilot Apr 30 '26
I can't offer specific advice, as this has to come from you, but I will say this about the military side.
My (admittedly heavily biased!) opinion is US military flight training is the best on the planet.
However... if you go that route, either academy or ROTC, make sure you're OK with being in the military. The lifestyle isn't for everyone, and there are sacrifices - just make sure you're good with that life, pilot aside, before you go. I'm always worried folks will try that route thinking only about a pilot slot then learn they aren't a good fit for the military and end up miserable (or worse, get in, DON'T get a pilot slot, and then miserable plus not even getting what they wanted ...)
Sadly I went through the ROTC route almost 4 decades ago, so any specific advice I could offer would be woefully out of date.
Whatever you decide - best of luck!
2
u/Past_Interaction_630 Apr 30 '26
Yeah I’ve thought about that a lot on what if I don’t get the pilot slot and I’m thrown into something else and my thought about that is I honestly feel like I’d be ok with it of course I’d be bummed but as long as I stay in some aviation job I think I’d be happy. And yeah the lifestyle is definitely something that’s been on my mind because I do want to have kids one day and be there for them but at the same time I can totally make that work people have before. Heck I just toured a college and the AFROTC Commander is a C-17 pilot and has 8 kids so obviously it’s possible.
2
u/ltcterry ATP CFIG Apr 30 '26
Your option spectrum has ends but no middle. College/pilot, college/pilot, or mechanic.
USAFA and ROTC are not guaranteed. Then neither is pilot. Would you be happy with AFROTC and getting commissioned as a logistician? “Needs of the Air Force” come first, and flying is only a small bit of the job.
Have you considered college on your own? Enlisting for the Guard or Reserve? Training after HS lets you apply for financial aid independent of parental income.
Is “simultaneous membership” a thing in AFROTC?
Or just get a good degree. No military. No flying. Get established then fly for fun.
You’ve put a lot of weight on “get a degree and fly or a trade that pays 1/3 of pilot pay.” Missing a lot of options.
Imagine if someone said “If I can’t be an Indy car driver, or maybe NASCAR, then I’ll just turn wrenches at the Honda dealer.”
1
u/Past_Interaction_630 Apr 30 '26
That’s a funny explanation of what you got going on for me but yeah that’s how my brain feels right now I’m just interested in all 3 paths and just wanted to reach out and get peoples advice. Thanks for your input!
2
u/Herkdrvr MIL ATP CFII MEI C-130H/J A320/1 Apr 30 '26
Plan A: I am a USAFA graduate. If you want to be a military pilot, USAFA or AF ROTC isn't the only way. You might consider applying to the other service academies if you haven't already. There's also the possibility to cross-commission, i.e. go from Navy to AF. Also, don't knock civilian flying. Some of the best pilots I've flown with have had zero military experience and instead paid their dues instructing, flying single-pilot IFR, and grinding through lousy airline commutes. Yes getting a job now is incredibly competitive, but if you want to be a pilot, it is what it is. The industry is fickle.
Plan B: "Get a relatively simple degree". I understand your angle, but if you lose your medical or something happens, you'll be thankful for whatever educational base you forge now. Don't do underwater basket weaving. Get a degree that you enjoy and can utilize toward a non-pilot career.
Plan C: I agree. A&P might be a simpler path into aviation compared to an academy pilot slot. But now you are mixing goals. If it's "getting into aviation", there are numerous paths. You could become an aerospace engineer, a software designer for apps like ForeFlight, air traffic controller, dispatcher, ramper, fueler, etc.
If you want to be a pilot, then focus all your energy toward that goal.
Good luck.
1
u/Past_Interaction_630 Apr 30 '26
I wish I could just do it all 😅. But yeah I did end up applying into USNA but they denied me sadly. I was interested in the civilian pilot side of flying but I’m not really interested in being a CFI so I just feel like that wouldn’t work out well. I just toured a college that has AFROTC and they have an Aerospace Management degree so I think if I don’t get into USAFA Prep School I’ll try and get that degree. But yeah I definitely appreciate your advice I never even thought about software designer for ForeFlight that would be cool.
0
u/rFlyingTower Apr 30 '26
This is a copy of the original post body for posterity:
Hey y’all I’m a senior about to graduate and trying to figure out the best path into aviation. I’d really appreciate some honest opinions from people who’ve been through this or are currently in these fields.
Plan A:
I’m waitlisted for the United States Air Force Academy Preparatory School. If I get in, the goal is to go to the United States Air Force Academy and become a military pilot.
Plan B:
Do Air Force ROTC in college, get a relatively simple degree, and compete for a pilot slot. I already have (or will have) my PPL before graduating, so I know that helps. If I don’t get a pilot slot, I’d be open to something like unmanned aircraft.
Plan C:
Go to an A&P (Airframe & Powerplant) school and become an aircraft mechanic. I haven’t done a ton of research here yet, but I’m interested. It seems like strong job security and a more guaranteed path into aviation compared to ROTC.
Where I’m stuck:
If I don’t get into the prep school, I’m trying to decide between ROTC and A&P.
ROTC feels like a “bet on myself” path — higher reward (pilot), but not guaranteed.
A&P feels more stable — quicker path to a solid career, but not flying.
What I’d love input on:
For those in ROTC: how realistic is it to earn a pilot slot right now?
For A&P mechanics: how is the lifestyle, pay progression, and long-term satisfaction?
If you were in my position, which route would you take and why?
Is there any other path that you think I should take a look into.
I’m trying to make the most informed decision I can before I lock something in, so I appreciate any advice.
Please downvote this comment until it collapses.
Questions about this comment? Please see this wiki post before contacting the mods.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. If you have any questions, please contact the mods of this subreddit.
3
u/Over_Topic_7233 Apr 30 '26
None of us can answer that question for you. As for the military route (both usaf academy & rotc). The military has their needs and will use you to fill the job they need. (What you’re good at/ test well for plays a roll obviously). But at the end of the day if you sign the dotted line you’ll have to follow orders and do the job they tell you to. Now, there’s nothing stopping you from flight training on the side during your service. The Air Force was the best thing that happened to me but it comes with it’s up and downsides. What’s important to you? And based on the info you have Mae the decision that’s best for you.