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What do fighter pilots do when not deployed?
In the Air Force, most new wingmen are initially sent to the weapons and tactics shop to work for the squadron weapons officer. Here, they’ll be able to study tactics, help with special projects, and focus on flying and getting through their initial qualifications as a combat wingman.
How long do Navy pilots stay at sea?
Generally, aviators are assigned to fleet squadrons for 2 to 3 years and deploy once or twice, for about 6 months, aboard ships or at overseas bases.
And after they return home, those pilots often average less than one sortie a week. Fly three sorties a week, and pilots are just able to sustain their baseline faculties. Fly four sorties a week – at least 200 hours a year—and they get better at everything.
How is Navy pilot training different from Air Force pilot training?
Your placement is determined by the needs of the U.S. Navy as well as your performance during training. The biggest difference between the Air Force and Navy pilot training is that Navy pilots also need to learn the extra skill of landing on aircraft carriers.
What fighter jet do Air Force pilots get assigned?
Air Force fighter pilots get assigned the F-15C Eagle or F-22 Raptor. The F-15C Eagle is a twin-engine jet that originates from the early 1970s and is still used heavily in the Air Force. It is among the most successful modern fighters with over 100 victories and no losses in aerial combat. Meanwhile, the F-22 Raptor looks as cool as its name.
What is the difference between the Navy and the Air Force?
The Air Force also has bases around the world, some in garden spots like Bagram, Afghanistan and Incirlik, Turkey. Once again, the big difference between the two services is Navy fighter pilots spend a lot of time aboard aircraft carriers at sea.
What disqualifies you from becoming an Air Force pilot?
There are other unique disqualifiers like a history with asthma or hay fever. Air Force pilots are officers with at least a rank of Second Lieutenant (O-1). You can attain officer rank through a few different avenues including attending Officer Training School or the Air Force Academy.