Baby steps
As a kid who barely reached the age of five, I often found myself travelling to and from the airport; a place I grew so fond of and became obsessed with over time. Who knew my future awaited me there? Most of those visits were to pickup my relatives who were returning back home from their jobs in Europe, looking forwards to spend relaxed vacations here. I was always intrigued and absolutely loved this small journey to the airport because it meant that I get to have a glimpse of an aircraft taking off or landing and catch the random chance of seeing a pilot in uniform. My parents knew how much I adored those little trips back and forth to the airport and they made sure that I was always taken with them.
Shift of interest into military aviation
What began as a five year old childs’ curiosity of being surrounded by airplanes soon turned into a passion in aviation, particularly, piloting. As I grew older, I started to become more and more interested in military aviation. I consider myself extremely fortunate for being born in a country that honoured and celebrated its military armed forces for the service they render in order to maintain the sovereignty of the motherland. I started to look forward to military parades, air shows and exhibitions and made sure I took part in all such events.
First idea to fly fighter jets
Like I said earlier, my passion towards aviation and piloting started at a very young age – a time where the exposure to military and their presence was high. By the time I reached about 16 , I found myself thinking that maybe I should become a military pilot. That is when, the real hustle began. I started to look deeply into military recruitment drives, requirements to join military as a pilot and tried to gather as much data and knowledge as possible.
Through the research I did, it didn’t take me long to realize the reason why a country maintains an Air Force – to maintain sovereignty of air through the utilization of fighter jets. Also, I understood that Fighter Jet Pilots are considered to be the cream of any Air Force, the best of the best. It was this, the pride and the responsibility of being among the elite and safeguarding my nations skies, what motivated and drove me to aspire a career as a Fighter Jet Pilot in Air Force.
First real hurdle in my journey into Fighter Jets
The first real hurdle was getting through high-school final exam which is considered to be one of the most toughest exams in my country. The fact that there was a minimum pass requirement to be eligible to apply to the Air Force as a pilot made matters even challenging. However, I strived, hustled and got through the exam which enabled me to get through to military academy at the age of 19.
Ground School
Once in the academy, my target was all about getting through my flying training phase successfully. First, it was the ground school phase, where subjects such as Aerodynamics, Psychology, Metrology, Air Law, Air Frame and Aero Engine were taught. It was a must that I got through all the examinations in ground school to be able to start flying training without any early hiccups. Right after, I had to go through aircraft technical training which comprised of another five subjects specifically related to the propeller aircraft that I was going to start flying soon. The exams conducted from these subjects had a pass mark of 90% and only two attempts were given. For anyone who failed to succeed within those attempts, that was a full-stop to their military flying career. After rigorous hard work and hustle, I got through this and was finally ready to fly the first aircraft of my life.
Basic Flying Training
Basic flying training went on for six months. It was long and hard. First challenge, getting through your first solo flight in a propeller aircraft flying at 200kmh. This clearly wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea, as almost five of my colleagues could not meet the expected standards and had to fall out of training. Every flying training sortie/mission was a test of skill and ability. Handling the aircraft smoothly within its limits, taking it to the edge of its operational envelope when required and reacting to unforeseen emergencies during a mission is all part and parcel of the training that we go through.
I went through hundreds of days of military flying training in the most toughest mental and physical conditions, but what kept me going was knowing that I had to excel in every demanding task if I had to be recommended to fly fighter jets in the future. Even through all these hardships of training, my mind was concentrated on getting airborne in a fighter jet and taking off with afterburners and feeling what it was like (details have been explained in deep on my first blog post). After logging nearly 100 flying hours filled with sweat, focus and relentless determination, I completed my Basic Flying Training and the wait began.
"Drop Day"
I still remember the “Drop Night”, it was rather a “Drop Day”. All of my colleagues gathered together in our Commanding Officers’ room to get to know our fate. I sat there with my heart racing, wondering if all these long days and sleepless nights had been enough. After a few minutes of advice and thoughtful insights from our CO, our course reports were finally handed over. All of us skipped to the last page, “Commanding Officers Recommendation”. There. On that page. I read the magical words. “Recommended to the Fighter Jet Stream”. I was so content and proud of myself but in turn it made me realize that the hard work and hustling is far from over.
Advanced Flying Training
Though I was recommended to fly fighter jets it wasn’t exactly straightforward. It required me to fly a small trainer jet which would prepare me to fly the supersonic fighter jets in the future. I had to complete a rigorous flying training period in that specific aircraft and accumulate at least another 120 flying hours before being able to fly the real fighters. In this intermediate flying training phase, all aspects related to fighter jet flying like formation training, air to air combat (dog fights), night flying, low level navigation, air to ground attacks and advanced aerobatic manoeuvres.
Each of these sub-phases ends with a flying test examined by a veteran instructor fighter pilot and meeting their level of expectations in air is completely out of this world. The slightest of mistake could end your journey of flying fighter jets and will be sent to fly either helicopters or transport aircraft. I guess that level of scrutiny is necessary when it comes to fighter jet flying as it deals with multi-million-dollar aircraft and you fly solo at all times.
However, through all these adversities I got through the Final test of the jet trainer with flying colours and was recommended to continue in fighter jet stream and be posted to the Mig-21 fighter squadron.
Peaks and troughs
This journey was not a bed of roses. It had its ups and downs, twists and turns, but I kept motoring on. There were moments when I doubted myself – when I felt I wasn’t good enough, that I might not be doing justice to the investment made in me, and that perhaps I did not deserve to stand among the few fortunate pilots entrusted with flying fighter jets for their country. Yet, through self determination and above all, the unwavering support of everyone around me, I was able to overcome such thoughts.
Grateful
It is because of that reassurance I am who I am today and I wish to make this the perfect opportunity to sincerely convey my gratitude to all such individuals who were involved in making this journey a splendid one for me. First and foremost, I thank God Almighty, for guiding me and giving me the strength to do whatever it takes, my ever so loving parents and my sister for their unwavering support and encouragement, all my teachers who taught me everything I know, my flying instructors for the knowledge they instilled in me and still keeps doing it up until this day and all my friends and batchmates who shared this long and tough journey with me together.
And now here I am, flying my dream in style.
FAQs
1. How long does it take to become a fighter pilot?
To be honest, the timeline depends on each specific Air Force, but when considering the international norms, a tough outline can be given as below.
- Basic Military training – 06 months
- A degree program – 12 to 18 months (This completely depends on the program each Air Force follows)
- Basic ground school and aircraft technical training – 06 months
- Basic flying training – 06 months
- Advanced Ground school – 06 months
- Advanced flying training – 06 months
- Fighter ground school – 03 to 06 months (Depends on the aircraft platform and complexity)
- Fighter jet flying training – 06 to 12 months
So basically, it will take anywhere between 04 to 05 years of dedication and hard work to reach your end goal of flying a fighter jet.
2. Which aircraft does fighter jet pilots train on first?
Any fighter jet pilot was once a rookie, just starting off as a cadet pilot who struggled to taxi the aircraft on a straight line. the experience required to operate a fighter jet safely is a long and a systematic path and the foundation needs to be strong. Hence, initially, fighter jet pilots, similar to all other pilots, start off their flying career in a small propeller powered aircraft (C-152, PT-6, Pilatus PC-7, etc.). Upon completing their initial training in a basic aircraft, pilots progress to more advanced platforms. Ideally to more powerful propeller aircraft or turbo fan engine powered aircraft (BAe Hawk, K-8, T-38, etc.). After completing the stipulated flying hours and training requirements in an advanced aircraft, pilots who are recommended to continue in the fighter jet stream will be promoted to fly a trainer version of a fighter (twin-seat variant) and will proceed to fly a single-seat variant with time and experience.