The F-22 Raptor is a fifth-generation stealth fighter known for its advanced capabilities in the sky. Piloting this aircraft means joining a select group of the U.S. Air Force’s aviators. The path to the Raptor cockpit is exceptionally demanding, a journey requiring years of dedication that begins long before a candidate enters the military and culminates in mastering a complex weapon system.
Meet the Basic Eligibility Requirements
Before a candidate can begin the process, they must meet a strict set of foundational criteria established by the U.S. Air Force. These are non-negotiable prerequisites that serve as the initial gate for all aspiring aviators. The primary requirements include:
- United States citizenship.
- Beginning pilot training after the age of 18 but before their 33rd birthday.
- A four-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution; degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are advantageous.
- A standing height between 64 and 77 inches and a sitting height of 34 to 40 inches.
- Vision that is or is correctable to 20/20, with specific limits on refraction and astigmatism.
Candidates must also meet physical fitness standards. A history of allergies or asthma after the age of 12 can be a disqualifying factor, though waivers are sometimes possible.
Choose Your Commissioning Path
Becoming a pilot requires becoming a commissioned officer in the U.S. Air Force, and there are three distinct paths to achieve this status. Each route is tailored to individuals at different stages of their life and educational career.
The U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) in Colorado Springs offers a four-year immersive military and academic experience. Cadets receive a full scholarship and a bachelor’s degree combined with continuous military training. This path is a direct route for those committed to a military career out of high school, and it requires a service commitment upon graduation.
For students seeking a more traditional college experience, the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) is an option. ROTC programs are hosted at universities nationwide, allowing students to take military science courses alongside their regular academic curriculum. This path integrates officer training into the college years, culminating in a commission upon graduation.
The third option is Officer Training School (OTS), a nine-and-a-half-week program at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. This path is designed for individuals who have already earned their college degree and later decide to join the Air Force. OTS provides accelerated military and leadership training, making it the quickest commissioning source.
Pass the Pilot Selection Process
Securing a commission is only the first part; candidates must also prove they have the specific aptitudes for military aviation. This is done through a series of tests designed to identify those with the highest potential by measuring cognitive ability, psychomotor skills, and situational awareness.
The first major hurdle is the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT). This standardized exam assesses a wide range of skills, but aspiring pilots must achieve a minimum score on the pilot-specific portions covering aviation and navigation aptitude.
Next, candidates take the Test of Basic Aviation Skills (TBAS). This computer-based test requires no prior flying experience and instead measures innate abilities like hand-eye coordination, multitasking, and spatial awareness. It uses a series of joystick, rudder pedal, and cognitive tasks to gauge a candidate’s natural aptitude for flying a high-performance aircraft.
The scores from the AFOQT and TBAS are combined with any logged flight hours to produce a Pilot Candidate Selection Method (PCSM) score. A higher PCSM score significantly increases the chances of being awarded a pilot training slot. Finally, a specialized flight physical ensures candidates meet the strict medical standards for aviation.
Complete Undergraduate Pilot Training
After being selected, candidates begin the 52-week Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training (SUPT) program. This training is divided into distinct phases, each building upon the last to transform officer candidates into military aviators.
The journey starts with academics, where students are immersed in the fundamentals of flight theory, weather, navigation, and aircraft systems. This classroom-based instruction lays the essential groundwork before they step into a cockpit.
Next, all students enter the primary training phase, where they learn to fly the T-6 Texan II. In this single-engine turboprop aircraft, they master skills such as takeoffs, landings, aerobatics, and instrument flying. Performance in the T-6 is a key indicator of a student pilot’s potential.
Based on their T-6 performance, preferences, and the needs of the Air Force, students are “tracked” into advanced training pipelines. Those selected for the fighter/bomber track advance to flying the T-38 Talon, a supersonic jet trainer. Here, they learn advanced skills like formation flying and the basics of tactical maneuvering.
Specialize in Fighter Aircraft and Earn an F-22 Slot
Graduating from pilot training is a major achievement, but the final step to the F-22 cockpit requires even greater performance. The competition for fighter assignments is fierce, and only the top-performing students from the T-38 track will have a chance to fly the Raptor.
The assignment process culminates on “drop night,” where graduating students receive their operational aircraft assignments. These are determined by class rank, a composite of flight performance, academic scores, and instructor rankings. F-22 slots are among the rarest, reserved for the top graduates.
After being selected for a fighter, pilots attend Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals (IFF). This course serves as a bridge between the T-38 and a combat aircraft, teaching the core principles of air-to-air combat and basic fighter maneuvers.
The final stage is the F-22 Basic Course, or “B-Course,” a demanding, multi-month program at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. This training covers everything from advanced handling to complex air combat tactics. Successful completion of the B-Course officially makes a pilot a qualified F-22 Raptor pilot.
Understand the Service Commitment
Earning the silver wings of an Air Force pilot comes with a significant service obligation. Upon completion of flight training, every new pilot incurs a 10-year active duty service commitment. This lengthy period reflects the immense investment the Air Force makes in training its aviators and ensures the service retains its highly trained pilots.
This commitment extends far beyond just flying. An operational F-22 pilot’s responsibilities include continuous training to maintain proficiency, participating in large-scale military exercises, and being ready to deploy worldwide on short notice. They are expected to be experts in mission planning, threat analysis, and the tactical execution of the F-22’s advanced capabilities.