HOW TO BECOME A FIGHTER PILOT AT THE 177TH FIGHTER WING

A profile of today's typical pilot candidate

  • You are a man or woman typically between the ages of 18 and 25.
  • You possess at least a Bachelor's Degree or are in your final semester.
  • You had a GPA of 3.0 or better in college. 
  • You have at least a private pilot's license. 
  • You've taken and done well on the Air Force Officer's Qualifying Test. There is a study guide available and it is published by ARCO books called "Officer Candidates Tests". The AFOQT is broken down into five parts: PILOT, NAVIGATOR, ACADEMIC, VERBAL, & QUALITATIVE. What is a good score? The grading scale is 1-99. Most candidates score at least an 80 in both pilot and navigator. You can only take the test twice.
  • Your health is excellent.
  • You are a citizen of outstanding integrity and have shown service to your community and country.

FAQ'S

  • Do I need 20/20 vision?
    • No, but your vision must be 20/70 or better and correctable to 20/20
  • Does laser eye-surgery disqualify me from becoming a pilot?
    • Lasik is disqualifying at this point for fighter pilots. The only refractive surgery allowed (with a waiver) is PRK.
  • What is the age limit?
    • The age limit for UPT candidates is 30 years of age. Already commissioned officers need to have less than 5 years of commissioned service. There is a waiver process for candidates who do not meet this requirement.

STEPS INVOLVED

Step 1: 
Download this package, read the instructions and follow the directions.
Step 2:
We review the materials you sent to us. This is the stage where we gather all the data submitted and select the individuals who will meet the upcoming UPT board.
Step 3: 
We contact you. You are anxious and your natural desire will be to call and ask the status of your UPT package. Please be patient! We will contact you via e-mail or in writing.
Step 4: 
(If selected for further screening) Meet the Board. UPT board will be conducted in May 2013. You will be notified by mail if you are selected to meet the board. Out of dozens of applicants, only several are selected to meet the board. Out of those few, only 1 or 2 people are selected to become F-16 pilots with our unit.
Step 5:
(If selected for the UPT slot) The Adventure Begins. If you are not commissioned, we need to make you an officer before we can make you a pilot. If you are an officer, we go to work to get you prepared to attend undergraduate training.
 

Undergraduate Pilot Training

Undergraduate Pilot Candidates: 

Thank you for your interest in becoming a fighter pilot with the 177th Fighter Wing! The next UPT board will be held during UTA 03-05 May of 2024, and application packets will be due 23 Feb 2024 at 1700 EST. At this time, we are unable to accommodate individual pilot candidate visits to the squadron.

Contact 177.FW.177.FW-UPT.Org@us.af.mil​ with questions. If you are interested in other opportunities with the 177th Fighter Wing, contact 177.FW.PA.Org@us.af.mil​.

Best wishes in your endeavor to become a fighter pilot for the New Jersey Air National Guard!

UPT Application Package Contents

  • Cover Letter (you may address it to the 119FS/CC or to the UPT Selection Board)
  • Resume
  • Pilot Applicant Questionnaire (Download here: Questionnaire)
  • College transcripts
  • Letters of Recommendation (3)
  • AFOQT Scores
  • PCSM / TBAS Scores
  • AF Form 24 Application for appointment (Download here:  AF FORM 24)
  • AF IMT 2030 Drug and alcohol abuse certificate (Download here:  AF IMT 2030 )
  • Photocopies of civilian pilot ratings, certificates, and last page of logbook
  • Corrective Eye Surgery (PRK/LASIK/LASEK) Waiver criteria checklist if applicable (Download here: Corrective Eye Surgery)
  • Statement of Intent to Graduate with Bachelor’s Degree if applicable (Download here: Statement of Intent to Graduate)
  • If a member of the military, include copies of last three performance appraisals, RIP (Air component only), current Point Summary (ANG/ARC only)  and current Fitness Test results

Instructions

Click here for a UPT Guide and Factsheet
Applications can be emailed or mailed, but email is preferred.
Ensure ALL the UPT Application Package Contents are included, in the order listed above.
Please don’t prepare a fancy package using expensive folders and bindings.  Save your money – we just need the facts.  The pilot screening board wants to know what will make you a great officer…and a great aviator.
Use the cover letter as a chance for us to help get to know you – what sets you apart from the other candidates, and why you want to be here.
Do not include extra documentation; submit only the items requested.
If submitting via email, a single PDF file is preferred.
If submitting via mail, use standard, letter size paper and do not use staples; use paperclips only.
PLAN AHEAD AND FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS. To receive consideration for an interview, your COMPLETE package must arrive no later than the close of business on the published deadline date.
Email or mail your application to the following (email is preferred, only one or the other is required)
EMAIL:  177.FW.177.FW-UPT.Org@us.af.mil

MAIL:
177 FSS/CC
400 Langley Road
Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234-9500
Attn: UPT Board

Note: We’re unable to accommodate individual pilot candidate visits ahead of the interview board. This ensures a level playing field with all applicants and allows the hiring process to operate without bias.