USAFA - United States Air Force Academy

Helicopter Pilot
Air Force helicopter pilots are an important and integral part of the Air Force’s world-class flying team. As a helicopter pilot,
you’ll operate rotary wing aircraft and command crews to accomplish combat and training missions. Mission planning— reviewing
mission tasking, intelligence/weather information, and supervising mission preparations are your responsibility. During missions
you’ll operate aircraft controls and equipment and supervise or direct navigation activities. You’ll also oversee in-flight refueling
and weapon delivery. You are responsible for overall operational readiness by conducting or supervising mission-specific
crewmember training.
Reconnaissance/surveillance/electronic Warfare Pilot
This is a high security assignment requiring quick thinking, cool nerves, and a lot of highly specialized training. As a select
member of the Air Force team you might perform reconnaissance, surveillance, search and rescue, or electronic combat missions.
Mission preparations include reviewing mission tasking, intelligence/weather information, mission and flight planning, and crew
briefings. You’ll navigate aircraft using available navigation systems, and conduct and supervise crewmember training.
Special Operations Pilot
In this career you’ll receive specialized training as you learn to fly special operations aircraft (either fixed-wing or helicopter).
You’ll be in command of aircraft and crew while completing special operations and training missions. Reviewing mission
tasking, intelligence/weather information, supervising preparations and planning and conducting crew briefings are additional
responsibilities. During flights you’ll operate aircraft controls and direct/ supervise navigation, oversee in-flight refueling
operations, reconnaissance, weapons delivery, and conduct specialized crewmember training.
Tanker Pilot
Readiness and effectiveness of every Air Force squadron rely on the talents and expertise of tanker pilots. As a tanker pilot you’ll
review mission tasking, intelligence/weather information, supervise preparations and planning as well as conduct crew briefings.
During flights you’ll operate aircraft controls, direct or supervise navigation, ensure proper weapons delivery and supervise
crewmember training.
Astronaut
Astronauts command space shuttle missions, pilot space shuttles, perform on-orbit duties, and provide manned space
flight consultation. Commanding space shuttle missions requires operation of all shuttle vehicle systems and supervision of
crewmembers. You’ll be an integral part of onboard flight operations. As an astronaut you’ll operate and reconfigure orbiter
systems, monitor payload/shuttle interface, and perform extra-vehicular activities to make repairs, refurbish/inspect satellites in
orbit or in the payload bay.
Officers who serve as doctors and legal officers are not included here because their assignment depends on academic qualifications
completed after graduation from the Academy. But, some graduates do serve in these specialties. Other Air Force members may
serve in one of four non-flying categories.
Air Weapons Controller
Officers in air weapons control handle the interception of hostile aircraft and missiles. As an air weapons control officer you
may fly as a crewmember on an Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft. You’ll use the sophisticated AWACS
equipment to see and identify airborne objects. Or, you may work with ground mobile and fixed radar. You’ll also electronically
jam hostile radar and communications.
Operations Management
As an operations management officer, you’ll plan and coordinate weapons and other combat resources for use. You’ll oversee
installation of communications equipment required to keep an air base operational while it is under attack and plan tactical
deceptions to confuse the enemy.
You’ll get excellent leadership and administrative experience working with U.S. and foreign forces. You’ll operate command posts,
implement higher headquarters policy, plan and analyze training programs to ensure people are prepared to do their jobs safely
and correctly.
Air Traffic Controller
Officers in air traffic control oversee aircraft takeoffs and landings by supervising centers covering radar approach, air route
traffic, ground control approach, and air base towers. You’ll oversee air traffic flying operations and systems; you’ll serve as a staff
officer on matters concerning air traffic control; and you’ll advise flying units on air traffic control support.
43 United States Air Force Academy Catalog