Have you watched the most recent Top Gun film or any fighter aircraft movie more times than you are willing to admit? Do you dream of soaring through the skies at twice the speed of sound, pulling high G-forces during intense aerial maneuvers, and piloting some of the world’s most advanced military aircraft? If you’re reading this article, chances are you’ve imagined yourself wearing a flight suit, climbing into the cockpit of a fighter jet, and defending the country’s airspace as one of the Philippine Air Force’s finest aviators. The life of a military pilot is exciting, challenging, and filled with opportunities to serve the nation while mastering one of the most demanding professions in the world. However, becoming a fighter pilot is far from easy. It requires exceptional discipline, physical fitness, mental resilience, academic excellence, and years of rigorous military and flight training. Only a select few applicants successfully earn the privilege of wearing the coveted pilot wings. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the qualifications, requirements, and career path needed to become a Philippine Air Force pilot and hopefully inspire you to pursue one of the most respected careers in military service.
The Philippine Air Force Flying School
The Philippine Air Force Flying School is located inside the pine-covered Fernando Air Base in Lipa City, Batangas. It serves as the premier flight training institution of the Philippine Air Force and is responsible for producing military aviators capable of operating a wide variety of aircraft used in national defense, disaster response, humanitarian assistance, and search-and-rescue missions. Throughout its history, the school has trained generations of pilots who have gone on to fly helicopters, transport aircraft, surveillance platforms, and high-performance fighter jets in service of the Filipino people.
Historically, college graduates could directly enter the Philippine Air Force Flying School through the Aviation Cadet Program (ACP), where they would begin Military Pilot Training as aviation cadets. This pathway provided civilians with a direct route toward becoming military pilots. However, after the Aviation Cadet Program was discontinued, the process changed significantly. Today, aspiring military pilots must first become commissioned officers in the Philippine Air Force before they can qualify for Military Pilot Training. This means applicants must first complete officer training through either the Philippine Air Force Officer Candidate School (PAFOCS) or the Philippine Military Academy (PMA). Only after becoming officers and meeting all additional qualifications can they compete for limited slots in the Philippine Air Force Flying School.
PAFFS Requirements
Becoming a pilot in the Philippine Air Force is a long, competitive, and physically demanding journey that requires years of dedication and perseverance. Every stage of the selection process is designed to identify individuals who possess not only intelligence and technical aptitude but also the discipline, leadership, emotional stability, and determination expected from future military aviators. The Air Force invests a tremendous amount of time, money, and resources in training each pilot, which is why the selection process is extremely strict. Those who eventually earn their pilot wings become part of a small and highly respected community entrusted with protecting Philippine airspace and supporting military operations nationwide.
You must be an officer in the Air Force
If you’re between 17 and 21 years old, you can join the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) and become a cadet at the country’s most prestigious military institution. By choosing the Air Force as your branch of service, you’ll graduate and be commissioned as a second lieutenant (2Lt) in the Philippine Air Force. For detailed instructions on how to apply, refer to our guide on the PMA Cadet Application Process.
Another pathway is through the Philippine Air Force Officer Candidate School (PAFOCS). Applicants who are between 20 and 25 years old and possess a bachelor’s degree may qualify for officer training. Although graduates from any recognized four- or five-year degree program may apply, applicants with academic backgrounds in engineering, aviation, computer science, physics, mathematics, electronics, and other technical disciplines often have an advantage because these fields closely relate to aviation and aircraft systems. Individuals who already possess civilian flight experience, such as a Private Pilot License (PPL) or Commercial Pilot License (CPL), may likewise demonstrate greater familiarity with aviation principles, although this does not guarantee selection.
Generally, officers between 22 and 26 years old holding the rank of Second Lieutenant have the highest probability of qualifying for Military Pilot Training, provided they satisfy all medical, psychological, academic, and administrative requirements imposed by the Philippine Air Force.
Must be recommended by your Commander
Obtaining your unit commander’s recommendation is more than just a routine administrative requirement. It serves as an official endorsement of your professionalism, military bearing, discipline, work ethic, leadership potential, and overall suitability for specialized flight training. Your commander evaluates your performance records, attitude, commitment to duty, and ability to handle additional responsibilities before recommending you for one of the most competitive training programs in the Armed Forces. Maintaining an excellent service record, demonstrating integrity, and consistently performing well in your assigned duties greatly improve your chances of receiving this important recommendation.
You must be physically and mentally fit
Admission to the Philippine Air Force Flying School requires candidates to successfully pass the Military Pilot Aptitude Test (MPAT), one of the most important screening examinations for aspiring military aviators. The MPAT evaluates spatial awareness, logical reasoning, coordination, mathematical ability, aviation aptitude, and the mental skills necessary for operating military aircraft safely and effectively. In addition to the aptitude examination, applicants must undergo comprehensive interviews, background investigations, psychological evaluations, neuropsychiatric examinations, and extensive medical and dental assessments to ensure they can withstand the demanding physical and mental requirements of military flight operations.
Medical standards are particularly strict because pilots operate under conditions that place extraordinary stress on the human body. Applicants must generally stand at least 5 feet 4 inches tall but not exceed 6 feet 5 inches in height, with a seated height between 34 and 40 inches to ensure proper cockpit fit. Candidates should maintain a healthy body weight appropriate for their height and age and must possess normal 20/20 vision without color blindness. Conditions affecting depth perception, previous laser eye surgery, certain respiratory illnesses such as asthma or chronic allergies after age 12, as well as various medical conditions that could impair flight performance, may result in disqualification. These stringent requirements exist not to discourage applicants but to ensure the safety of both the pilot and the aircraft during flight operations.
Applicants who successfully pass every stage of the selection process become Student Officers and begin one of the most demanding phases of military training. Since only a limited number of training slots are available each year, final selection depends on an applicant’s overall ranking, examination results, medical fitness, leadership potential, and performance throughout the entire screening process.
Conclusion
Becoming a pilot in the Philippine Air Force is among the most prestigious and fulfilling careers available to young Filipinos who dream of serving the nation through aviation. Beyond the excitement of flying sophisticated aircraft, military pilots participate in humanitarian assistance, disaster response, troop transport, maritime patrol, medical evacuation, search-and-rescue operations, territorial defense, and numerous missions that directly contribute to national security. The profession demands courage, sacrifice, discipline, and lifelong learning, but it also offers unmatched opportunities for professional growth and personal fulfillment.
After earning your pilot wings, you may eventually qualify to fly helicopters, transport aircraft, turboprops, surveillance platforms, or even high-performance fighter aircraft depending on your aptitude, training, and operational requirements. Many retired military pilots later transition into the civilian aviation industry as commercial airline pilots, corporate pilots, flight instructors, or aviation consultants, making military aviation an excellent long-term career foundation. Although the journey is undoubtedly longer and more challenging than civilian flight training, it provides world-class experience, leadership development, and the honor of serving the country while pursuing your passion for flying. If aviation has always been your dream, prepare yourself, remain disciplined, work hard, and take the challenge. The skies await those who are willing to earn their wings.
good day po, makakapasok po ba sa paffs ang below 5’4?
I am already 29 years of age graduate of Mechanical Engineering course under licensed, asking a question is there a chance that i can join to PAF, qualify to become officer and to become military pilot soon? Thank you.
Good Evening maam/sir, is there a chance po na mapili na makapasok sa PAFOCS if Criminology po ang aking Course?
Good day po paano po mag apply for pilot cadet training pangarap ko po talaga maging isang piloto sa airfoce since I was an elementary student po I’m 23 associate in aircraft maintenance and technology po na tapos ko please help me step by step po thank you
san pwedeng makakuha ng reviewer
Mga ilang years po ang gugugulin mo sa Paf bago maging commercial pilot?
You mean, ilang years bago ka allowed na magresign and joins the commercial aviation? If I am not mistaken, after 12 years of military service.
So many questions here, yet the answers are on the article… Basa-basa po tayo guys.
Magandang araw po . Dreams ko po talagang maging pilot Ng Philippine air force at maglingkod SA bayan gusto ko sanang malaman kung Anu po ba ang pwedi Kong gawin hindi pa po ako nagkakapagcollege at I am 24 years old nw palano ko po mag college nw Anu po ba course na mas Ganda. para maka take Ng exam at maging pilot Ng Philippine air force? Samalamat po SA sagot.
Gusto ko talaga is mag serve sa country as fighter plane pilot. so i should join in pma first ?
GOOD DAY SIR! I’m a graduating student with degree of bachelor of industrial technology major in INSTRUMENTATION. I want to be a pilot. what is the best recommendations you can give to me?
Pwede ba kahit naka lasik surgery
pwede pa bang maging piloto sa PAF kung kasal ka na pero wala ka pa namang anak? and kung hindi man, may mga open job pa ba sa mga kagaya ko na kasal na? salamat sa sasagot.
Pano kung 100/100, wala na ba talaga chance na makapag flying school.
Hi po. How long is the military service? Thanks po
If I’m not mistaken, 12 years of military service.
Hi po. Gusto ko Lang po itanong Kung ano po Ang napapalipad ng mga PAF pilots at Kung paano po magiging fighter aircraft pilot. Salamat po sa sagot
10 years, as what i’ve heard
Paano po kung criminolgy graduate? di ba pwede kasi di naman gaanong scientific course ang criminology eh. thanks po ss sagot
Good day!
Ang tanong ko po ay kung hanggang 26 years old lang po ba ang requirement para sa pagiging piloto da PAF? Kapag po ba lumagpas na sa ganyang edad wala ng chance para maging piloto?
Hanggang 29 but mas mataas ang chance mo kung between 22 and 26 years old ka.
Kung graduate po ba sir ng aviation school may advantage po ba yun sir?
Yes. Lalo na kung meron ka na PPL/CPL.
pano po malalaman iyong rating ng afpsat exam sa pafoc.. thank you sir
Hi Sir. My question is, am I still qualified to become an Air Force Pilot if by the time I finish/graduate from the PAFOCS I will be 28 years old?
Yes. Hanggang 29 years old naman.
Hi Sir. My question is, am I still qualified if by the time I finish/graduate from the PAFOCS I will be 28 years old?
Good day, I’m a graduating SHS student and I am planning to join the Philippine Air Force for it is my lifetime dream to serve my country. May I ask what are the necessary steps to join the PAF like do I have to join the PMA if I don’t intend to take Aviation college courses?
Good day po! Ask ko lng po kung my mild scoliosis pwed pa pong mag apply sa Phil. Airforce? Ilang degree mo ung allowed pag my scoliosis? Hope you will answer my question thank you po
Good day po sir, graduate po ako ng 4 yrs course ng BS Aviation Information System sa Philsca, and i want my dreams come true as part in your company to become a military pilot. Posible po b n qualified ako at kung paano ako maka pasok sa military pilot at anu ang mga kailangan kung gawin at ihanda to become a military pilot.? Hopely i recieve a answer.
i did take the AFPSAT exam and passed the exam but i did not reached the 98 percent to become an officer. So, Can i take an exam in PAFOCS to become an officer in your military company/Agency? I am a college Graduate and got the degree in Community Health Management as well as Registered Emergency Medical Technician.
what about yung nearsightness di naba pwedeng maging piloto?
Hi Good day! I already take and passed the PAFOC Qualifying exam last 2018. But I was unable to attend the Physical Fitness Test due to my graduation activities last year. What necessary action I need to be done in order to continue and pursue the program? Reapply and take the examination again or Am I already disqualified for the program? Thank you so much.
Magandang umaga po. Graduating po ako this June at magiging 21 po ako ngayong October. Pwede na po ba akong mag take ng exam for PAF?
Good day ser,Meron po bang scholar sa AFAP??
Good day Sir. I’m a senior high school female student. I want to become a pilot in the near future. Is it necessary to join Philippine Air Force to have a license for commercial pilot?. Since my uncle wants me to join Philippine Air Force because PAF does have best licensed pilots.
No. You don’t have to join the Air Force to become a commercial pilot. If you have money to spend, finish a baccalaureate degree in engineering or any aviation-related course then enroll in a private aviation school for your pilot training. Flight training in aviation schools in the Philippines typically cost between 3-5 million pesos.
good day sir!
i would like to take the exam in PAAFFOC pero bakit po coincide yung data ng qualification dito sa site na to. kasi po may nakit din po akong qualification na sure ako na qualified ako.
ang hieght ko lang po is 5’2 at yung nakita ko pong qualification ay ito po
“You must be at least 5’4″ but no more than 6 feet 5 inches tall and not overweight. Your seated height must be between 34 and 40 inches. ”
ito yung site na kinunan ko nag info:
“https://topnotcher.ph/philippine-air-force-exam-schedule-venue/”
paki sagot naman po kung alin po ba yung tamang qualification sa PAFOCC.
Salamat sir!
For Military Pilot Training po ang 5’4″ but no more than 6 feet 5 inches tall and not overweight.
good day sir!.
gusto ko po sanang mag apply. pero 5’2 lang po yung hieght ko. pero bakit iba po yung qualification for PAFFOC gaya ng nkasaad sa itaas. ito po ung binasihan ko na qualification. 5.0 yung hieght na minimum sir.
You may also read this: How to Become a Pilot in the Philippine Air Force
Requirements and Qualifications
The steps to becoming a part of the Philippine Air Force is: submit your application, take the pre-entry exam for the PAFOCC/BMT and pass it, then you’ll undergo training. But before you do it even the first step, you must first meet all these requirements and qualifications:
“You must be a natural born citizen of the Republic of the Philippines.
of good moral character
Must be single, never been married and never borne nor sired a child.
Must have a barefoot height of not less than 152.4 centimeters or 5.0′ for both male and female*
Physically and mentally fit for military training”
ito po yung site na kinunan ko po ng information “https://topnotcher.ph/philippine-air-force-exam-schedule-venue/”
paki sagot naman po yung query ko.
salamat sir.
For PAFOCC, 5 feet for male and female ok na. But if you want to take the Military Pilot Training, you have to be at least 5’4″ but no more than 6 feet 5 inches tall and not overweight.
sir magandang umaga , sir wala po ako natanggap na email galing sa airforce noong nagpa online registration ako hanggang ngayon na para po sa PAFOCC, ano po dapat gawin ko?medyo matagaltagal na yung duration, di ko po alam kung nagkamali ako sa pag register
How much would joining cost?
It’s free.
Hi, I’m 5’0″, is there any possible way that I can make it in Military Pilot Training? A reply would be greatly appreciated, thank you!
No. You must be at least 5’4″ as stated above.
How about Im graduate of 3 years associate in marine transportation. Can I join in PAF?
how about if you are criminology grad and pass board exam i can join in phillipine air force and apply as a pilot to ?
Yes. Join the PAFOCS and become an officer.
Im studying Aeronautical Engineering and probably be finished by 2021, I’ll be 24 by then. I would like to join in PAFOCS. How could I get that 2LT rank?
A reply would be much appreciated. Thanks 🙂
Follow this guide: https://topnotcher.ph/philippine-air-force-exam-schedule-venue/
Good day po! Pwed pa pong mag apply sa PAF ang my mild scoliosis? Ilan po ung degree na allowed para maka pass sa medical? Hope you will answer my question thank you po
Hi, I am 22 yrs old. I have a degree in Electronics Engineering and wanted to join the PAF. I am about to take the AFPSAT exam. I just want to ask if there would be another exam that I have to take in joining the PAF and if so, do you have the schedule for next yr? Since, the year is about to end. Thank You.
Wait for the PAF QUalifying exam next year, probably on the months of March and April.
Hello! I am a woman, 24 years old, currently a third year law student (though I still feel to this day that it isn’t my calling) But I really want to become a pilot. I know that this career would make me genuinely happy. May I ask if it is still possible for me to apply? A friend of mine told me that there is an age limit which is 23 years, is that true? Thank you!
You can apply as a PAF officer through PAF Officer Candidate School. When you already have that 2Lt rank on your shoulders and not more than 26 years old, you will qualify for the Military Pilot Training in the PAFFS.
how many years will it take to become a military pilot po? graduating po kasi ako ng Bachelor of Arts major in Aviation Logisitcs, okay lang naman po siguro kahit AB at hindi BS yung mismong course diba po? curious lang din po ako kung mga ilang years ang aabutin. thank you po.
Hi Sir,
Is it still possible for me to join despite not having 20/20 vision? Not that severe but It’s my only problem and I’m quite sure qualified for the rest of the requirements. Thank you.
Hello,
Your vision can be no worse than 20/40 and must be corrected to 20/20. Please see updated post.
Sir is it possible to become a Airforce Pilot when you just recieve your 2LT rank but just about to turn 27 years old after? Am I still qualified to partake the Pilot training?
Goodday thankypu for the informatve info.
Question
26 yrs old n po kc ako mech engr by profession may chnce pakaya maging pilot?
Kc may nabnggit po sakin na age limkt sa PAFFS?
OR
1ST BEING OFFCER
2ND RECOMEDATION
3RD PASS THE EXAMS???
Hello, Good Day! Any course po ba, basta 4 years ay pwede mag apply as a military air force
Sir im college graduate of 5yrs course Bachelor of Science Major in computer engineer , 26 yrs old … work as instrumentation and control process engineering tech… may chance po ba ako makapag pilot sa airforce .. dream ko po talaga maging piloto…
Alam ko may age limit ung PAFFS which is 26 yrs old is this right??? Hnd po kc nkalagay ee
Yes, you are correct. Thanks for pointing out. Please see the updated post.
Hi! Can I have a guarantee of being an airforce pilot if I join? I already have my Private Pilot’s License, Commercial Pilot’s License, and Instrument Rating. I also finished BS in Aeronautical Engineering. Is there a way to get a guarantee as an Airforce Pilot if I already am a licensed pilot before I even start my Officer Course?
There’s no guarantee because you still have to pass the stages of the selection process.
How long should/must one serve the military or PAF before one could apply for commercial aviation/airliners?
If I’m not mistaken, you must serve at least 12 years.
What if I really want to become a pilot but my pinky finger has been cut when I’m on grade 1
Hi any 4 yr course po ba after nun pwede na mag PAF?
Good Day!
How long is the PAFOC Training sir?
Sir, can a graduate of senior high school enter the PAF or a PAFFS?
Sir, does one need to take the AFPSAT and pass the exam before taking the PAFOCS? Thank you!
Yes definitely.
Hi Sir,
how one can become a “commissioned officer” in the PAF? thanks
Hi. I am graduated in a bachelors degree. 25 years old and physically fit, but I do not have a 20/20 vision and I used corrected lenses. It is possible to join in PAF?
Sir, how about if I join the POTC or probitionary officer training course and apply for a pilot?
Yes, basta maging commissioned officer ka sa PAF.
Sir, one of the requirements to be qualified as pilot in the air force is to graduate of 4 years course, and i am a graduate of aviation electronic technology but just 2 years could there be possibilities that they will consider my application for PAFOCS regardless i took an aviation related course???
No, you can’t join the PAFOCS. A Baccalaureate degree is required to become a commissioned officer in the Armed Forces.
I am going to be 21 this november 2018 and i have recently completed my graduation with the degree of Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Becoming a military pilot has always been my lifelong dream since my high school years and watching war movies pushed me through and encouraged me into this dream. Is the PAFFOCS on going? Where can I join since I am from northern mindanao?
You have to become a commissioned officer in the PAF to take the Military Pilot Training.
Hi, Suzzette! I hope you will see my comment as soon as possible. I’m assuming you are a female? If so, please reach me into my social medias instagram: @hazelanngelic fb: Hazel Ann Topacio. I would love to talk to someone with the same goals as me. I’ve been finding someone I can go with to pursue being a military pilot. I would love to be your friend if you will. I really do hope you’ll see this. Xo