This page contains information regarding Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training; this page will help prepare pilot trainees by explaining the pilot training process and providing tools for success. Additionally, it provides access to pilots who will share their experience, perspective, and most importantly, support during this critical process. If you are currently in pilot training or will be shortly, please do not hesitate to contact any one on this forum – any question or issue you have is worth our attention.

Pilot training is divided into three phases, each one crucial to the end goal of earning your wings and flying a USAF aircraft.

PHASE I/II – PRIMARY

This phase includes six weeks of ground school preparation and flight training in a basic trainer – either the T-6 Texan II, T-37 Tweet, or the T-34 Mentor if you train with the US Navy. These combined phases take approximately six months and then you will have Track Select. This is where you find out what mission type you will fly during phase three and more than likely, for the rest of your career. Track select assignments are determined on your merit-based performance; your first six months in pilot training affect your entire career.

PHASE III – ADVANCED

There are four separate tracks in phase III and each one trains on a representative aircraft associated with the corresponding mission type.

Nearing completion of phase III, you will have Assignment Night in which you are assigned your specific airframe, again being determined by your merit-based performance. Finally, after these six months, you will earn your wings and join the elite fraternity of Air Force pilots.

Click here for a powerpoint presentation of the detailed description of the entire “Road to Wings” (coming soon) process that was formerly briefed at the USAF Academy.

As cannot be emphasized enough, the networking provided by this website and similar efforts are a major factor in your success or failure in pilot training and beyond. We strongly encourage you to post questions, comments, and list other resources (websites, stories, study guides, etc.) in the forums specific to each phase of pilot training, or pilot training in general.

Click here for a personal “Lessons Learned” guide to succeeding in pilot training created by two USAF Academy 2003 grads.