Fighter jet taking off at sunrise
Earn Your Wings

Rise Above

FLY WITH US

Aviation is one of the more-visible and well-known careers in the U.S. Air Force, but not many people can see themselves in it. We want to change that. We’re dedicated to inspiring more people to consider aviation careers by increasing awareness and outreach in more communities. No matter where you come from or who you identify as, the Air Force will provide all the support and training you need to earn your wings.

Touch the Sky

Watch what it takes to earn your wings.

Increasing Diversity in Aviation

Detachment 1 (also known as Det 1) is a group within the Air Force dedicated to increasing diversity in aviation by making more people aware of all the possibilities and opportunities available to them. Their mission is to inspire, influence and inform the future generation of aviators.

  • The first challenge in earning your wings is believing it’s possible. We’re here to tell you it is and want to help you reach your goals.
  • Meet some of our aviators and learn how they earned their wings by watching the videos in the gallery below.
  • We’ll teach you about all the different ways you can become an aviator in the Air Force and what it takes to succeed.
TSgt Christina RenFrew – Pilot in Training

“With the right instruction and the right support, anyone can be become an aviator.”

Meet Our Aviators

There are many ways to fly

FIND YOUR PATH

If you’re interested in earning your wings as an aviator in the Air Force, there are several paths you can take. You can start your journey in high school, college or even after college. The Air Force will provide financial aid and training to support you wherever you are in your journey. Explore the options below to navigate your own flight path.

HIGH SCHOOL
  • aim high flight academy

    Learn to fly in this three-week, fully covered scholarship program. In addition to classroom learning, students have the opportunity to gain flight hours while flying in aircraft alongside Air Force Pilots and instructors.

COLLEGE
  • u.s. air force academy

    Many graduates of the Air Force Academy become pilots and astronauts. The Academy has some of the best aerospace and astronautical engineering programs in the country. Every student’s tuition is covered in return for a commitment to serve in the Air Force or Space Force upon graduation.

  • air force
    ROTC

    Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) is offered at thousands of universities. This program provides scholarships to help pay for tuition and opportunities to explore aviation. Upon graduating, members secure a career as an officer in the Air Force or Space Force.

postgrad
  • OFFICER TRAINING SCHOOL

    If you have a bachelor’s degree, you can apply for Officer Training School (OTS) to join the Air Force as an officer. In this school, you’ll learn Air Force traditions as well as how to lead and succeed as a team. Once you graduate as an officer, you can explore aviation careers.

There are four distinct aviator careers

If you want to fly as an officer, there are four different career paths to explore.

  • Air Battle Manager reviewing a document

    AIR BATTLE MANAGER

    In the same way coaches make decisions to determine victories, Air Battle Managers integrate different pieces of information to coordinate effective and efficient battle plans from the sky. 

  • pilot wearing headgear looking towards the camera

    Pilot

    These Airmen fly a variety of aircraft from fighters to cargo planes to carry out missions. Different skills and strengths are needed depending on the type of aircraft they operate. 

  • rpa pilot pointing at the screen

    Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) Pilot

    These Airmen operate their aircraft from a grounded location thousands of miles away. It requires a lot of technical expertise, focus and visualization to carry out their missions. 

  • officer wearing headgear looking down

    Combat Systems Officer

    These Airmen operate weapons systems while also providing leadership on navigation and environmental information to support pilots and the mission at hand. 

Let's Fly

Find your sky

FAQs