Thank you for your interest in becoming a fighter pilot in the Vermont Air National Guard (VTANG)! Applications for our Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT) with the Vermont Air National Guard closed on 31 December 2022. Stay tuned to this web page, and as soon as we are accepting new UPT applications we will post with updated details.
Application Packages
Pilot application package must be submitted in full, the VTANG will not accept partial packages -- all contents must be accounted for upon delivery to the 134th Fighter Squadron (FS). Candidates will be notified if they are selected for an interview based on the candidate's ability to meet the outlined prerequisites and the competitiveness of their application. All interviews will be held in person at the 134th FS located in South Burlington, VT.
Prerequisites for Pilot Training Applicants
- Must be in good overall health
- Must be a U.S. Citizen capable of obtaining a Top Secret clearance
- Age: Air Force regulation mandates that any student attending UPT must start flight training prior to their 33rd birthday
- Must possess a 4 year college degree (or have at least 90 credit hours completed)
- Degree must be obtained before being sent to Officer Training School (OTS) for officer commissioning
- Must have taken, and received the results from the following tests:
- Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT)
- Test of Basic Aviation Skills (TBAS)
To schedule the AFOQT and TBAS tests, contact any Air Force or Air National Guard Recruiter. Military members may contact the local base training office to schedule the AFOQT and TBAS tests. Flying experience is NOT required, though any civilian time should be submitted for consideration.
Required Application Items
- Info Sheet (Click here to open attachment)
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- AFOQT Scores
- TBAS/PCSM Scores
- Letters of Recommendation (Three Maximum)
- Most recent 2 OPR/EPRs if current serving in the Armed Forces
- College Transcripts
- Copy of pilots license and most recent logbook page (if applicable)
- Current Photograph (within last 6 months)
Mail completed application package to:
158th Operations Group Administration
ATTN: Pilot Selection Board
108 NCO Drive
So Burlington VT 05403-5870
Summary of Selection Process and Pilot Training:
This hiring board will select an undetermined number of applicants for pilot training and follow on F-35 training. Once selected, applicants will be scheduled for a USAF Class I Flight Physical at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. A current FAA physical does not meet USAF standards. When the physical is complete packages are sent to higher headquarters for approval and assignment of dates for Officer Training School (OTS), Introductory Flight Screening (IFS), and Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training (SUPT). Typical timeline to begin training is 6-12 months and OTS, IFS, and SUPT will take approximately 18 months.
After completion of SUPT, new pilots will attend Land and Water Survival at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. These two courses take approximately three weeks to complete. Pilots will then attend Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals (IFF) lasting about 3 months. Finally, pilots will attend the F-35 Basic Course (B-Course) lasting approximately 9 months at either Luke AFB or Eglin Air Force Base.
Upon completion of the B-Course, pilots will return to the Vermont ANG, where they will complete their initial Mission Qualification Training (MQT). During MQT pilots will continue to further their skills to become combat ready fighter pilots. Officers will remain on continuous active duty from the time they begin SUPT until they complete MQT.
After completion of all MQT requirements, the now combat-ready F-35A pilot has the opportunity to revert to a Drill Status Guardsman (DSG, part-time status) or compete for a full time position if one is available. Pilots are required to perform monthly ground and flying duties as required for flying currency and minimum training standards, or as directed by the unit Commander. This entire process will take approximately 3-4 years.
Contact Information:
Capt. Frederick Hughes
VTANGapps@gmail.com