So You Want to be a Pilot?
This document was written by a cadet who has received a Pilot Slot. If you are serious about getting a pilot slot, this will give you the basics on what you need to know.
Receiving a Pilot Slot through AFROTC
The Basics- Who can apply:
- 4, 3, and 2 years cadets
- When to apply:
- Begin paperwork Fall of AS300 year
- Packages are usually due to HQ 2nd week of February
- When will I know if I was selected:
- March or April of AS 300 year
- As a pilot, am I required to serve longer?:
- Yes, 10 years after earning wings.
- Pilot training is approximately 1 year in duration.
- Will I get paid more than regular officers:
- Yes, you will receive flight pay.
- Flight pay increases as years in service increase.
- The OM score helps determine your successful completion of SUPT (Pilot training). This is what it is all about!
- It is a simple points system. The pilot selection board takes all the OM score and list them 1st through last. Then, they look at how many pilots are needed for that fiscal year. This year is around 513. If your OM is in the top 513, you're a pilot, if not, then you're not.
- You can calculate your ballpark OM by usign this formula. To help you out here is a OM Calculator
- The PCSM score counts for 15% of your OM
- The PCSM is made up of your pilot score of the AFOQT, the T-Bass test, and your number of flight hours in aircraft.
- The board is only concerned with your PCSM score (on a scale of 0-100 points).
- They do not look at the scores that made up your PCSM. HQ has a special formula that calculates your PCSM once you've completed all of the subcategories for the PCSM
- You can check your PCSM here: PCSM Login
- Your performance at Field Training counts for 10%. Here is the breakup of points that you can score at FT:
- Distinguished Graduate = 10 pts
- Superior Performance = 9 pts
- Top Third (not SP or DG) = 7 pts
- Middle Third = 6 pts
- Bottom Third = 5 pts
- Physical Fitness Test (PFT) score counts for 10%
- Your cumulative Grade Point Average(CGPA) counts for 15%
- Finally, your Relative Standing Score (RSS) counts for 50% of your OM
- The RSS is your ranking in your class year.
- It is based on whole person concept
- Your ROTC Commander is responsible for determining your ranking
- If you are ranked #3 and your class size is 22, then you are number 20 in your class. Simply use this formula to figure out this cadet's RSS score. (Example) (20/22)*50=45.45 pts