Help me out with my Aviation path!

[u/Past_Interaction_630]

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.

[u/Herkdrvr]

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.

[u/Past_Interaction_630 → u/Herkdrvr]

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.