Simviation Forums

Not sure if this is where I should be posting my question, but if it's not the correct place, Feel free to move it  8-)


Yesterday, I was talking to a friend of mine (Ex-USAF Search and Rescue operative). I asked him what sort of requirements would be required (Physical/Medical) to pilot a Fighter Jet Aircraft (F-16/F-15/A-10). Unfortunately, I found out my chances of being a front seat are slim (20/20 uncorrected, although for a WSO in an F-15E it's 20/20 corrected, which means that is still a possibility).

However, he mentioned that due to my size, I probably wouldn't have much trouble trying to get a C-130 piloting position (He suggested AC-130 himself).

How anyone know the requirements for any sort of piloting C-130 position? I know I need to be a College Graduate (Already have an idea of where I plan to go for that), however, I've been unable to find any sort of eyesight/medical/physical requirements. Having a list of the average physical requirements needed would be great, so I have a point to start working towards.

Any information you can give me would be great  8-)

Last Spring when I was talking to the AFROTC guys, the maximum eye correction was +/-5.5 dipoters on each eye for a pilot slot, and +/-8.0 for a nav slot (if you need glasses now, and are within the requirements, you will need to get PRK corrective eye surgery about a year or more before flying), and the maximum heights are 77 in standing, 40 in sitting (from you a$$ to the top of your head).  

There's a lot of other things, and a really nice resource is http://www.wantscheck.com/ .  Check under the "Pilot Slot Resources" drop-down menu and select the route you're planning on trying.  Also remember, you can usually get medical waivers if you don't meet one or two of the minor requirements ( you can't get a waiver if you're 8 feet tall or 500 lbs or something ).  It's tough to get a slot, but if you want it enough, you'll find a way, so don't give up, and good luck. 8-)