Air Force pilot's graduation ceremony
(Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Unit)
The graduation ceremony of the Israeli Air Force Flight Academy stands as one of the most emotional and proud moments an Israeli family can experience. Last week, as the 186th flight course came to a close, family members gathered in the stands with immense pride. Like any ceremony, for some, it marked the completion of a personal circle.
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It could be a younger sibling following in the footsteps of an older sister, or a son proudly carrying on his father's legacy. Many Israelis are familiar with entire families of pilots, with two, three or even more generations having gone through the esteemed program. So, who has a better chance of being accepted into the most prestigious course in the IDF? And is it a closed clique?
According to data revealed this week by Ynet’s military correspondent Yossi Yehoshua, a significant portion of graduates from the IDF's most prestigious course are immediate relatives of pilots or navigators. On average, this figure hovers around 17% in each course, but in recent cycles, it has reached as high as one in four.
These statistics officially confirm what many have long suspected: in every flight course, there is a notable presence of family members. Therefore, the claims suggesting that pilots predominantly hail from the same upbringing indeed hold water.
Former Air Force Flight Academy commander Brigadier General Yuval Harel, explained, "We want the very best. There’s no ‘bring a friend’ policy here. It requires flying skills, a discerning mind and character. From what I have observed, upbringing plays a role."
He argues that certain skills are inherited, much like the child of a musician is more inclined to pursue music themselves due to their exposure to their parent, watching him play and setting similar goals for themselves.
The IDF spokesperson stated, "The selection method for an aircrew fighter position is based on the most advanced sorting tools and assesses the individual's capabilities and suitability for the role. The selection process includes numerous controls throughout, both during the course selection phase and throughout its duration."
For those interested in becoming a pilot in the Israeli Air Force, it's worth considering that having a pilot in the family definitely won't do any harm.
First published: 06:45, 07.02.23