Unit Pilot Training SLOTS

Pilot training slots in the U.S. Air Force are extremely competitive and getting harder to come by. 

A civilian can apply for a pilot slot with the Active Duty Air Force, the Air Force Reserves, or the Air National Guard. Please follow the process below to apply for an Air National Guard pilot slot at the 144th Fighter Wing.

If selected, civilian and enlisted candidates will need to attend USAF Officer Training School before beginning pilot training.
144th Fighter Wing images

UPT Board Info

*The 144th Fighter Wing's 194th Fighter Squadron will be holding the next UPT board in the Summer of 2024.

*UPT Application Packages will be accepted until April 30, 2024.

*Interviews will be via zoom or in person, notifications will occur approximately two weeks prior. 

*The squadron is hosting visits April and June Drill of 2024. The dates are: April 6-7 and June 8-9, 2024.  Please email 144.fw.upt.applicant.org@us.af.mil if you would like to request a visit.

UPT Selection Requirements: 
Applications will consist of (at a minimum) a formal letter addressed to the 194th Fighter Squadron/CC, Lt. Col. Benjamin Leestma. This letter must specify the position desired and outline the individual's qualifications for the position. It will include (in the order listed below) the following attachments:

1. AF Form 24, Application for Appointment as a Reserve of the Air Force, or USAF Without Component.

2. Must have a Bachelor's degree from a 4-year accredited college. Provide copies of consolidated college transcripts and diploma(s). A certified copy of transcripts mailed directly to us will be required if selected.

3. AFOQT scores showing you meet the minimum qualifications set by this unit. Minimum scores are:

Verb: 15 Quant: 10 Pilot: 25 Nav: 10 Total: 50*

*The Total is the sum of the Pilot and Nav scores.

4. PCSM scores if available.

5. Resume. Include civilian and military experience. Applicants are cautioned to make this as comprehensive as possible. The resume is heavily weighed by the appointing authority and is used to assist in determining overall eligibility. Any "padding" of resume, if discovered, will be grounds for immediate disqualification.

6. Letters of recommendation from professional or personal associates attesting to the character, integrity and aptitude of the applicant. A minimum of three letters is required and should be addressed to the 194th Fighter Squadron/CC, Lt Col Ben Leestma.

7. If prior service or currently in service, service documents are required, i.e. DD 214, last two EPRs or OPRs, AF Form 1288 or
DD Form 368 

8. Current Photo

UPT info (cont.)

The primary and preferred method for submitting an application will be via Email, which must be in a single consolidated PDF file less than 8 mb in size and sent to the following UPT board Email address: 144.fw.upt.applicant.org@us.af.mil

All applications must be received by the posted deadline in order to be considered.  If you are unable to submit your application electronically, it may be mailed (with prior coordination) to: 194 FS/Pilot Board Manager, 5323 E. McKinley Ave., Fresno, CA 93727-2199 no later than the posted deadline. Applicants selected for an interview will be scheduled to appear before a board and selection will be made after all interviews have been completed.

The selected candidate may be scheduled for a flight physical at the 144th Fighter Wing Medical Clinic the first drill after selection is made.

Candidates 29 years of age or older at the time of the board cannot be considered.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to the volume of applications we receive, we will not be able to return all or part of any packages. Please keep your original documents and send in copies.

THE ABOVE REQUIREMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT THE DISCRETION OF THE WING COMMANDER. IF CHANGED, YOU WILL BE NOTIFIED BY E-MAIL. 

UPT related links