According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, military fighter pilots typically earn a yearly salary of $90,000 by the time they have flown for nearly a decade. The Navy and Air Force augment fighter pilots' regular military pay with what is known as flight pay. Flight pay generally ranges from $156 to $840 per month depending on a pilot's rank and length of military service.Continue Reading
U.S. fighter pilots must undergo several years of basic military training along with flight training. With each additional year that a pilot remains in service, his or her salary increases. Military officers also receive additional allowances, including a Basic Allowance for Housing if he or she chooses not to live on a military base. This allowance ranges from roughly $800 to more than $3,000 per month in addition to salary and other benefits.
In 1989, the Air Force launched its Aviator Retention Program, which was designed to offer incentives to keep enough fighter pilots actively serving. In 2013, shortly after a shortage of fighter pilots was projected, the Air Force offered a $25,000 sign-on bonus through the program to attract more eligible pilots.
The military must compete with commercial airliners, which pay their pilots, on average, a minimum of $10,000 more per year.Learn more about Careers
Those interested in careers as airline pilots usually need college degrees as well as flight training and accreditation, an instrumentation rating, a multi-engine rating and an airline transport pilot certificate. Each step requires training, flight time and testing. Military pilot training allows candidates to bypass civilian training channels and apply directly to airlines.Full Answer >
The Federal Aviation Administration’s WINGS program is a pilot proficiency program that provides continuing education to licensed pilots in the United States. The FAA requires all pilots to complete WINGS’ basic level program every 12 months, including three knowledge credits and three flight activities credits, as of 2015.Full Answer >
As of 2014, to become a fighter pilot, enroll in a bachelor's degree program and the Air Force ROTC program. Earn a high grade point average and private pilot's license. Score high on the pilot section of the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test, pass a physical, and complete flight school.Full Answer >
Tyndall Air Force Base was named after Lieutenant Francis B. Tyndall, a World War I fighter pilot who died in a plane crash in 1930. The name was suggested by Congressman Robert Sikes, and the War Department officially named the newly built Tyndall Field in 1941.Full Answer >