F-22 Raptor Pilots: What It Takes To Fly America’s Top Stealth Fighter

Becoming an F-22 Raptor pilot is a rigorous, multi-stage process demanding exceptional physical and mental capabilities. Initial selection begins with Air Force officer candidates school, lasting approximately six months at Maxwell AFB in Alabama. Successful graduates then proceed through initial flight training at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, enduring over 90 hours of flight time within T-38 Talon aircraft. Candidates must complete survival schools, typically held at Survival School located at Tyndall AFB in Florida, focusing on wilderness and maritime environments. Finally, prospective pilots undergo specialized F-22 Raptor training which includes approximately 160 hours of simulator time before transitioning to live aerial operations.