CFPA FAQ

Being a female fighter pilot really is quite entertaining. We've been asked some seriously funny questions. Here, we've summarized some that are more commonly asked as well as some that are either 1) only asked by other drunk fighter pilots or 2) only asked by really dirty old men. Oh wait, aren't those the same?

Good Pilot Philosophies

A check ride ought to be like a skirt--short enough to be interesting, but long enough to cover everything.

Speed is life. Altitude is life insurance.

It only takes two things to fly: airspeed, and money.

Q. Ma'am, are you the new squadron flight doc? (Betty, a Lt Col, was asked this by a Lt in her new squadron on the first day she showed up).

Q. So, what do you fly?
A. F-16s.
Q. No, really, what do you fly?

Q. How do you go to the bathroom in the jet?
A. I don't. My bladder is certified for 10.8 hr flights (proven from PSAB to Singapore), however, I fully expect to be wearing DEPENDS diapers at age 34.

Q. What's it like to pull G's as a girl?
A. I don't know, I usually take a quick nap whenever I pull back on the stick.

Q. What does your callsign stand for?
A. Click HERE to read about some funny chick (and a few dude) callsigns

Seriously though, here are some real questions with real answers:

Q. Are you glad you chose a fighters over heavies & why?
A. Yes! This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Fighter pilots can always go fly in the airlines, but you don't see many heavy drivers flying fighters when they're done with the AF.

Q. Do the guys sometimes give you a hard time or are there guys who don't appreciate the women flying?
A. Of course they give us a hard time. That's what fighter pilots do. If they didn't, then we wouldn't be treated the same. Everyone in the fighter world needs to have a thick skin. Dudes who aren't proponents of women are harder to find these days. Either that, or they're doing a better job of hiding it. 99.9% of us love our job and everything about it and we've never had any issues. The guys are awesome to work with. What's not to like? They're fighter pilots too!

Q. The bathroom?
A. Ok, there are piddle packs designed for women and some girls get pretty good at using them. Piddle packs are funny: they allow guys to pee sitting down while letting the girls pee standing up. Hmmm, were they designed by an Eagle driver? Just kidding!

Q. How can I become a fighter pilot?
A. Get a college degree, get a commission, don't suck in pilot training. (Kick butt.)

Q. How many girls fly fighters in the military?
A. According to the AF Personnel Center, there are 49 Active Duty Female fighter pilots and 16 WSOs. There are 17 Air Nat'l Guard Fighter chicks.