Participants Receive Ground Training, And Instruction In CAP C-182 Skylanes

The Air Force has extended the deadline for Airmen applying for the Rated Prep Program until Dec. 31.

Active duty Air Force officers and enlisted personnel interested in becoming rated officers have until Dec. 31 to apply for the Spring 2022 Air Force Rated Preparatory Program, scheduled for March 20-25, 2022, and March 27-April 1, 2022, in Denton, Texas.

U.S. Air Force rated career fields consist of pilots, combat systems officers, air battle managers and remotely piloted aircraft pilots.

RPP provides qualified Airmen interested in cross-training to an Air Force rated career field the opportunity to gain and strengthen basic aviation skills.

“The Rated Preparatory Program provides a unique opportunity for officers and enlisted personnel to become rated officers,” said Brig. Gen. Brenda P. Cartier, AETC director of operations and communications. “Through RPP, qualified Airmen gain skills they may have not had the opportunity or resources to gain before entering the Air Force. We want to provide our Airmen the tools to pursue their lifelong dream of flying in the Air Force — a dream they may have never thought possible.”

Program participants will receive self-paced ground training, about eight flight hours in a Civil Air Patrol Cessna 182 Skylane, and additional training in FAA-certified simulators — helping them become more competitive for rated selection boards.

"RPP has proven successful in improving students' Air Force Officer Qualifying Test and Test of Basic Aviation Skills scores, which are considered at rated selection boards, by about 40 percent," said Kathryn Gifford, AETC rated diversity improvement program analyst. "Of the 93 RPP students trained in fiscal years 19 and 20, 70 applied to the undergraduate flying training board, with 55 (78%) of applicants selected for a rated position."

FMI: www.af.mil