How hard is it to become a Blue Angels pilot?

To be a Blue Angels applicant, you must:

• Be an active-duty Navy or Marine Corps pilot

• Be carrier-qualified with at least 1,250 tactical jet flight hours or 1,2000 flight hours as a commander.

• Put together an application package that includes:

  • A "Request for Consideration" letter

  • A "Commanding Officer's Endorsement" document

  • Fill out the "CNATRA Form 1331/1"

  • Provide an official full-length photo

  • Provide a list of professional experience and qualifications

  • Provide a biography

  • Provide contact information for a medical record review

• Submit your application package to the Blue Angels team

• Attend at least two to three Airshows

Finalists are selected mid-season and will sit through an interview at the Blue Angels' squadron in Pensacola, Florida.

Pilots will be chosen through a unanimous vote. The only exception to this is the Flight Leader (also referred to as the Commanding Officer), who is chosen by the Chief of Naval Air Training.

Those who pass the interview are then put through a grueling week-long physical assessment that includes hours of strenuous activity each day, followed by a thorough medical evaluation. Only the top candidates are offered positions as members of the Blue Angels.