Government Pilot Careers

After earning a commission, Air Force pilot candidates enter Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT), a rigorous 1.5-2 year long program that determines their airframe assignment.

UPT Phase I: Pre-Flight Phase

Conducted at one of several Air Force bases (e.g., Laughlin, Vance, Columbus), this phase teaches aviation theory, flight rules, and aircraft systems, accompanied by simulator work.

UPT Phase II: Primary Phase

Pilots learn fundamental flying skills in the T-6 Texan II, including aerobatics, instruments, formation, and low-level navigation.

UPT Phase III: Track Selection

Based on performance, students are assigned to one of several tracks:

Fighter/Bomber Track (T-38C Talon)

Tanker/Transport Track (T-1A Jayhawk)

Formal Training Unit (FTU)

Pilots move to a Formal Training Unit specific to their assigned aircraft (e.g., F-16 at Luke AFB, C-17 at Altus AFB). Here, they complete mission-specific training and prepare for their first operational assignment.