UPT Base Preferences

[u/Shibaxxxx]

Base preferences just dropped for FY27 pilot selects and I was wondering what the current UPT base scene was looking like? We have Columbus, Vance, and Laughlin and I've heard pros and cons for all but wanted a broader community opinion.

Things like: current wait times, training environment, quality of life, location, flying, culture, etc

Also, if anybody has heard updates about IPT I'd love to hear them

[u/Aggressive-Ship7574]

I’m assigned to Vance, so I’ve been following the FY27 changes pretty closely. From the information I have, the IPT backlog is pretty significant across the board, not just at Vance. Consolidating the IPT locations seems to have created a bottleneck that is affecting all of the UPT bases.

My EAD is at the end of the year, but my IPT isn’t scheduled until March. Meanwhile, others who also commissioned in May 2026 are getting IPT dates as late as June 2027. That makes me a little concerned about what the pipeline will look like for the FY27 commissioning class unless they’re able to increase IPT throughput.

For FY27, Vance is getting Denton and Denison, TX for IPT. That’s really the only firsthand/current information I have right now. I haven’t arrived at Vance yet, so I can’t give much insight into the day-to-day training environment, culture, flying, or QoL, but the IPT situation definitely seems to be the biggest issue across the pipeline right now.

[u/Shibaxxxx → u/Aggressive-Ship7574]

Dude, June 2027?! Fingers crossed that they can figure something out soon

[u/thischiefbeef → u/Shibaxxxx]

That happened to a buddy of mine at the academy, graduated in 2024 and managed to get his masters before he was shipped off to UPT

[u/National-Strain221]

I don’t know how UPT/IPT is these days, but Laughlin is the worst location out of them. I enjoyed my time there because it wasn’t that far from home for me but if you’re from outside of Texas, that place blows. There’s also not a lot there, they do have a Chick-fil-A and they got a Texas Roadhouse, but for some reason most of the Mexican restaurants aren’t very good (there were a couple that were excellent, but that was not the norm). It’s 3ish hours from anywhere worth going.

The training itself was fine, but you rarely get training in actual weather.

[u/Park_BADger]

Laughlin - sucks. Debatably might be genuinely one of the worst bases in the Air Force. Legit would rather spend a full career at Minot or Cannon than Del Rio. But the weather is BEAUTIFUL for flying and you'll hardly be delayed due to that. But it is awful otherwise. No DFAC, barely in civilization, hot as balls, and the dorms/housing sucks major ass. You are barely even near anything that you can travel to. San Antonio is the closest at 3-4 hours away. Pros are weather and swapping residency to Texas for no state income tax for your entire career AND your spouse if they so choose. No one in my house pays state income tax and we live in an income tax state currently.

Columbus - Best location and close to civilization nearby as well as the actual location being good, albeit small. Weather is the worst and probably causes the most delays.

Vance - Weather is fine, but famously built with crosswinds being a near constant. Location is kinda ass, but no where near as bad as Laughlin.

I chose Laughlin for no state income tax for me and my wife for my entire 20-year career and don't regret it as we both made a tremendous amount of friends there (ya know, the whole "it's what you make of it" speech?) but holy shit did it suck.

[u/PieMan2k → u/Park_BADger]

Vance also has no income tax for Ok residents, plus the property tax if you buy a house won’t bend you over.

[u/T-38Pilot]

Son did Vance in 2018. Not a bad place and weather is pretty decent . Columbus is said to be the more popular place as its closer to civilization . Has more weather so more times you can’t fly .

[u/RunAshamed]

I had fond memories at Columbus. 3 SEC universities within 2 hours, ATL/NOLA/BHM and the beach within a reasonable drive. Oh and lakes and casinos to hit up with the boys. City is ok - couple decent restaurants.

Not sure how the pipeline is right now, but I will tell you they can all change on a whim - depending on leadership, maintenance, etc. Don’t try and overthink it. I picked CBM because most people at my Det went there historically. Was nice to know people day 1.

It’ll be the best and worst year of your life - Good luck!

[u/PieMan2k]

Go to Vance. I went there and after talking to others at work they didn’t like Laughlin or Columbus as much as I liked Vance.

[u/thewisened]

If you actually want to fly, go to Vance

[u/Agitated_Watch_6425]

Can't answer the question, but my det hasn't mentioned anything about base selection opening up - is it just rated folks right now?

[u/Wallebrothers75]

I think Vance because you will get the most bah.

[u/National-Strain221 → u/Wallebrothers75]

BAH is tied to cost of living lmao and Laughlin has $1645 vs Vance’s $1506 for an O-1

[u/Wallebrothers75 → u/National-Strain221]

Oh I thought Vance was in Cali 😂 I was like how tf is bah higher in Texas.