EMA FAQ

We hold three combined Pilot and EMA boards each year: February, June, and October. Each board considers both Pilot and EMA applicants. Applications are generally due in December, April, and September, respectively. Once a board's deadline passes, applications for that board are closed to both groups. EMA submissions remain open but are held for the next combined Pilot and EMA board; the next Pilot application window opens at a later date. Always use the current hiring message for the exact deadline. FCC applications are accepted year-round and are not tied to these boards.

No. Wing selection and final AFPC retraining approval are separate decisions. The wing selects applicants for EMA positions; AFPC determines retraining eligibility and processes retraining and assignment actions. Submit your initial AFPC retraining application through myFSS before continuing the EMA application process or traveling for an interview. Final AFPC retraining approval is not required to continue the EMA application process or travel for an interview.

Double-check that you meet all AFPC retraining requirements. Submit your initial AFPC retraining application through myFSS before continuing the EMA application process or traveling for an interview. The initial application lets AFPC check basic retraining eligibility, usually within 7–10 business days. Final AFPC retraining approval is not required to continue the EMA application process or travel for an interview.

No. Final AFPC retraining approval is not required to continue the EMA application process or travel for an interview. You need to submit the initial application, not wait for a fully processed retraining package. Submit your initial AFPC retraining application through myFSS before continuing the EMA application process or traveling for an interview. The initial application lets AFPC check basic retraining eligibility, usually within 7–10 business days.

If myFSS submissions are unavailable, contact AFPC for guidance on submitting your initial retraining application. Submit your initial AFPC retraining application through myFSS before continuing the EMA application process or traveling for an interview. Final AFPC retraining approval is not required to continue the EMA application process or travel for an interview.

AFPC has released an AI agent that can answer this directly — ask it “Can I retrain into Executive Mission Aviator?” Open the AFPC retraining agent ↗ (CAC required, opens in a new tab). If your situation is not resolved there, contact your local Development Advisor. Members outside their normal retraining window may also be eligible to request an Exception to Policy (ETP) through their Development Advisor and chain of command. Approval of ETPs is determined by AFPC.

Time-on-station (TOS) requirements are set by AFPC. You may request an Exception to Policy (ETP) through your leadership chain. If released by your Career Field Manager and approved by AFPC, you may apply to the 89th Airlift Wing.

AFPC determines retraining eligibility and any applicable exceptions to your retraining window. Double-check that you meet all AFPC retraining requirements. Submit your initial AFPC retraining application through myFSS before continuing the EMA application process or traveling for an interview. Final AFPC retraining approval is not required to continue the EMA application process or travel for an interview.

This is a complete AFSC change once accepted and all requirements are met. Executive Mission Aviator will be your permanent career field. You will not be pulled back to any other job without applying for retraining.

It means you must be a SrA and have been in the military for at least 2 years total.

Yes. You are only required to submit the number of performance reports you have (up to the required number for your package). If you are a SrA with 2 years of total military experience, you are eligible.

The Commander's Presidential Support Program Questionnaire supports the additional background checks required for PSP duties. It is not used to determine who receives an interview; it supports a preliminary security review of selected interviewees. A one- or two-line comment stating that the applicant is capable of PSP duties is sufficient.

This hiring process is for active-duty Airmen. Reserve units use separate hiring and application processes.

Yes. The minimum ASVAB scores are 60 Mechanical and 50 Administrative. If you do not meet these minimums, you may request an ASVAB waiver. If you do not meet the 60 Mechanical requirement, you may request an ASVAB waiver, but you will not be eligible to apply for the Flight Engineer crew position. With an approved Mechanical waiver, you may still be considered for Flight Attendant or Communication Systems Operator.

There are three crew positions within the EMA career field: Flight Attendant, Communication Systems Operator, and Flight Engineer.

Members possessing current AF Form 8 evaluations in specific aircrew specialties will be assessed for selection to EMA positions aligned with their evaluated qualifications, should they elect to remain within that specialty. If hired, they will be guaranteed placement into the appropriate shred.

You can apply to transition after completing 2–3 years in your originally selected crew position. For example, after 3 years as a Flight Attendant, you may be given the opportunity to cross-shred to a Communication Systems Operator.

Most EMA positions are at JB Andrews. Flight Attendant positions also exist at Hickam AFB, Ramstein AB, Scott AFB, and Offutt AFB; Flight Engineer and Communication Systems Operator positions also exist at Hickam AFB and Ramstein AB. Instructor positions are available at Lackland AFB/Kelly AFB. Most assignments outside Offutt require applying and interviewing at JB Andrews; Offutt operates under Air Force Global Strike Command and uses a separate process.

Our flying ops tempo varies based on current world events. You should plan to be TDY at least 100 days a year.

Just like other units, we are required to fill a variety of individual non-flying deployments. We are coded as "Employed in Place" and currently do not have any unit deployments operating DV aircraft overseas.

Promotion outcomes vary by cycle and are not guaranteed. The EMA career field is selectively manned and competitive.

The Presidential Airlift Group maintains its own separate hiring process, but specific circumstances may allow them to select applicants from the 89th Airlift Wing.

All applicants are required to attend Survival Training at Fairchild AFB, WA. If you are a flyer who has previously completed this training, requirements may differ.

At home station, wear the designated uniform of the day. Depending on your crew position, this may be Air Force service dress combinations or business attire.

The operational tempo can make work-life balance challenging at times. Members should discuss concerns early with leadership and scheduling and use available Air Force support resources.

No.