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McConnell tanker unit seeks 'muscle plane' pilots

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Carrie M. Peasinger
  • 931st ARG Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  The 931st Air Refueling Group is looking for experienced military pilots and college graduates with pilot training to drive the backbone of the Air Force Reserve air refueling fleet.

The group is seeking pilots to fly the KC-135 Stratotanker, which performs a variety of missions central to the Air Force's goal of attaining air superiority including aerial refueling, troop mobility and medical transport.

"We are not looking for a specific number of pilots to fill our vacancies. We are looking for quality applicants. We want quality over quantity," said Lt. Col. John Stansfield, chief pilot, 18th Air Refueling Squadron. "Applicants need to have the minimum prerequisites accomplished, but going above and beyond those will really set them apart. We also look at what they have done to prove they are above average. This helps to determine if the applicant will be successful throughout the process. We also want to make sure an applicant's personality is compatible with the unit and that we are both a good fit."

Lt. Col. Mark Wilkinson, chief pilot, the 18th ARS said previous KC-135 pilots and rated pilots from other major weapon systems and military services are encouraged to apply.

"In a perfect world we would like current and qualified KC-135 pilots who are separating from active duty," said Wilkinson.

Membership in the Air Force Reserve offers numerous benefits including healthcare, career enhancement, networking, and a retirement annuity.

"The biggest advantage is that you can continue to serve your country yet still maintain the ability to pursue your civilian endeavors, so you have a lot more flexibility," he said. "You have more control over your schedule in the Air Force Reserve."

Flexibility for Air Force Reserve pilots carries over to deployments as well.

"In our unit you will involuntarily deploy only once, approximately every 15-18 months, as opposed to the active duty deploying two to three times a year," he said.

And, both pilots said flying in the Air Force Reserve has some other benefits as well.

"It's good for those who have aspirations of working for a civilian airline. We have a built in network since we have pilots who fly for almost every airline," said Wilkinson, who is a commercial airline pilot.

"Working in the Air Force Reserve will set you apart in your civilian career. Civilian employers know the quality of person they get from the military is generally higher," said Stansfield.

Of course there is the most rewarding benefit - the pure enjoyment of flying the KC-135 and being a vital part of the Air Force mission.

The aircraft's four turbofan engines produce nearly 90,000 pounds of thrust - the equivalent of three F-16 Fighting Falcons or 10, A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft. The primary role of the aircraft is to refuel joint and coalition aircraft and transport personnel, but it can be outfitted for medical evacuations to move injured troops out of the area of responsibility.

"Each day is different," said Lt. Col. Michael Moeding, Director of Operations, 18th ARS. "The KC-135 mission is so varied. One day you are refueling aircraft and on another mission you are transporting sick or wounded soldiers. That's the most rewarding aspect of the mission for me."

According to Wilkinson, there are several prerequisites to become a Reserve pilot.
Civilian applicants must possess a bachelor's degree, score well on the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test and complete a military physical. Those who have completed previous pilot training or who hold a private license are preferred, as additional ratings such as commercial, instrument, or multiengine certificates make an applicant more competitive.

"An Air Force Reserve recruiter from the applicant's state should be able to assist with the prerequisites," said Wilkinson.

Selected applicants will attend Air Force Officer Training School which leads to a commission in the United States Air Force. From there, the applicant attends initial flight screening and then undergraduate pilot training. After graduating from UPT the applicant attends survival school for both land and water, followed by KC-135 initial qualification training at Altus Air Force Base, Okla., before finally reporting back to the unit to undergo mission qualification training. After MQT the applicant is certified to conduct the unit mission of providing worldwide air refueling support. 

The entire process, from OTS to becoming a  combat mission-ready crew member, takes approximately two and a half years.

Those interested in pursuing a Reserve pilot position must start UPT by age 30. Pipeline applicants need to start the process no later than six months prior to their 28th birthday.
Those interested in pilot opportunities with the 18th ARS can contact an Air Force Reserve Recruiter by calling 800-257-1212.