How Many Pilot Slots Does OTS Get?

If you’re considering the Air Force as a career path, and you’ve looked into becoming a pilot, you may be wondering just how many pilot slots the Officer Training School (OTS) gets. After all, this is a competitive field and it’s important to know your odds.

First, it’s important to understand what OTS is and how it fits into the Air Force’s training pipeline. Officer Training School is a nine-week program located at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama. It’s one of three commissioning sources for officers in the Air Force, alongside the United States Air Force Academy and Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps.

OTS trains officers from all backgrounds and career fields, including those who want to become pilots. However, it’s not the only route to becoming an Air Force pilot. In fact, many pilots come from other commissioning sources or even enlisted ranks.

So how many pilot slots does OTS actually get? The number varies year to year based on the needs of the Air Force. However, in recent years, OTS has received around 150-200 pilot slots per year.

While this may seem like a small number compared to the total number of applicants who want to become pilots in the Air Force, it’s important to remember that not everyone who applies for a pilot slot will be accepted. The selection process is rigorous and includes multiple phases such as aptitude tests, physical exams, interviews, and board reviews.

In addition to meeting these requirements, applicants must also have a bachelor’s degree and meet age requirements (typically between 18-33 years old). They must also pass a flight physical exam which ensures they meet medical standards necessary for flying.

Once an applicant is accepted for a pilot slot at OTS or another commissioning source, they will go through additional training before earning their wings as an Air Force pilot. This includes Initial Flight Training (IFT), where students learn basic flying skills in single-engine aircraft, and Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training (SUPT), where students learn to fly specific aircraft types.

In conclusion, while the number of pilot slots at OTS varies year to year, it’s important to remember that becoming an Air Force pilot is a competitive process that requires meeting multiple requirements and passing rigorous tests. If you’re interested in becoming an Air Force pilot, it’s important to start preparing early and researching all of your options for commissioning sources.