Flying for the air force is one of the toughest jobs in the world. Back in the 1980s, nearly two out of every three airline pilots in the United States had started their careers in the military. 

Today, it’s closer to one out of three. Some planes stand out because only a few pilots ever get to fly them. These are the planes that demand years of skill, training, and dedication. 

When people talk about the 7 most prestigious plane to fly air force, they mean the aircraft that combine power, history, and advanced technology. 

Before we explore the list, it helps to understand what “prestigious” means, why pilots chase these cockpits, and how the Air Force decides who gets the honor.

What Does “Prestigious” Mean in the Air Force?

Prestige in the United States Air Force usually comes down to three things: rarity, difficulty, and importance. A plane becomes prestigious when very few pilots are selected to fly it, when it requires special skills, or when its mission is vital for national defense.

Think of the most expensive private jets owned by billionaires. They are rare, and only a handful of people can operate or maintain them. In the same way, the most expensive air force planes are valued not only for cost but for the critical missions they perform.

Here are a few key points that show why some planes stand out:

• Rarity of aircraft: Planes like the B-2 bomber or U-2 reconnaissance jet aircraft have very limited numbers. That means pilot seats are scarce.
   
• Mission importance: Some planes carry nuclear roles, electronic attack packages, or sensitive reconnaissance gear. These missions shape world events.
   
• Advanced technology: The F-22 Raptor was the first fifth-generation fighter. Its stealth technology, avionics, and ability to maintain air superiority make it unmatched.

The USAF also values history. Planes like the McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle and the F-16 have served for decades and earned respect through combat success. The newer Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II builds on that heritage with advanced sensors and systems.

Even cargo aircraft like the C-17 Globemaster can be prestigious, because they perform heavy global missions no other plane can match. Prestige is not limited to fighter jets alone. It spans across strike, transport, and even electronic warfare roles.

In short, prestige in the Air Force combines skill, scarcity, and mission weight. That’s why only the very best earn these cockpits.

Why Do Pilots Want These Planes?

Pilots in the US Air Force dream of flying prestigious planes because of pride, challenge, and career value. When a pilot is chosen to fly a top-tier fighter aircraft or a rare stealth aircraft, it shows trust from the Air Force. It also sets them apart from others in their career path.

Here are the main reasons pilots want these planes:

• Skill recognition: Flying advanced fighter jets like the F-22 or Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II means the Air Force believes the pilot has elite skills.
   
• Unique missions: Some planes handle nuclear strike, global bomber tasks, or sensitive electronic warfare. These missions shape national defense.
   
• History and culture: Many pilots want to be linked to legendary planes. The McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle, for example, has one of the best air combat records.
   
• Technology leadership: Aircraft like the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II offer cutting-edge avionics, stealth systems, and networked sensors. Pilots want to be at the front of change.
   
• Prestige beyond fighters: Even flying a heavy cargo plane like the C-17 gives pride because it supports global missions.

Flying one of these planes also means being part of a tight community. There may be only a few dozen pilots qualified for certain military aircraft. That exclusivity makes it feel like joining a small, trusted family.

In many ways, chasing prestige in the Air Force is about growth. A pilot who starts in a variant of the F-16 might later move to the F-35 Lightning II or even to a secretive stealth program. Each step feels like climbing a ladder to the very top of flying honor.

How Do Pilots Get Chosen for Prestigious Planes?

Not every pilot in the USAF can fly a top-tier fighter or stealth aircraft. The selection process is careful, strict, and designed to place the right person in the right cockpit.

Step 1: Training pipeline

Every pilot begins in jet aircraft trainers. The Air Force uses advanced simulators and smaller training planes to build basic skills. From there, pilots “track” into categories like fighter jets, cargo, or bomber missions.

Step 2: Performance ranking 

Pilots are graded constantly. The highest performers usually get first pick. For example, a top student might get an F-22 Raptor or Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, while others might be placed in different roles.

Step 3: Experience and timing

Some planes only accept experienced pilots. The U-2 reconnaissance program, for instance, often selects pilots who have already flown fighter aircraft. This adds another layer of exclusivity.

Step 4: Community selection

Special programs, like the B-2 bomber or secret electronic warfare squadrons, run their own interviews and check rides. They test how well a pilot fits into the culture and mission.

Step 5: Commitment

The United States Air Force requires a long service commitment. Many pilots serve over 10 years once trained. This shows dedication and ensures the Air Force keeps its best talent in stealth technology and advanced military aircraft.

Selection is also influenced by Air Force needs. If the service requires more fighter aircraft, more pilots will be placed there. If it needs heavy C-17 crews, assignments follow that demand.

Overall, getting chosen to fly a prestigious plane is a mix of skill, timing, and trust. Pilots who succeed often move on to leadership roles later in their careers.

7 Most Prestigious Plane to Fly Air Force

Some planes in the United States Air Force aircraft fleet stand out as the hardest and most rewarding to fly. They require years of pilot training, advanced skills, and careful selection. 

Pilots who fly them carry important missions that help protect the country and support other military branches. 

Let’s look more closely at seven planes that many call the most prestigious.

1. F-22 Raptor

The Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor is one of the most respected air force aircraft ever built. Many call it the best fighter jet because of its speed, agility, and technology.

• The F-22 Raptor was designed to win in any fight. It combines advanced stealth with powerful engines and sensors.
   
• It is an air superiority fighter, meaning its main job is to control the skies and keep enemies away.
   
• The top speed of Mach 2.5 makes it extremely fast, giving pilots a huge advantage in battle.

Pilots who fly the F-22 go through years of preparation. Only a few squadrons use it, which makes the community very small and exclusive. Flying this plane shows a pilot has reached the very top of skill and trust in the US Air Force's system.

2. F-35 Lightning II

The F-35 Lightning II is the newest stealth combat aircraft in the Air Force. Built by Lockheed, it is a multirole aircraft, which means it can do many jobs: air combat, ground attack, and even electronic missions.

• It carries some of the most technologically advanced systems ever placed in a jet.
   
• Pilots use helmet displays to see information directly in front of their eyes.
   
• Its stealth design lets it slip past enemy radars and strike before being detected.

The F-35 is also part of a larger family. Variants fly with the Navy and Marines too. Some even operate from aircraft carriers. Being selected for the F-35 means a pilot is trusted to handle the future of air combat.

3. B-2 Spirit

The B-2 is the only long-range stealth bomber currently in service. This aircraft can fly halfway around the world and deliver both nuclear and conventional weapons.

• Its unique flying wing design helps it stay hidden on radar.
   
• The B-2 usually takes off from the U.S., hits its target across the globe, and then comes home in a single flight.
   
• There are very few B-2s, and all are based at one location: Whiteman Air Force Base.

Because the B-2 is rare, its pilot community is tiny. Only the very best and most experienced are allowed to apply. It is considered one of the hardest planes to earn a seat in.

4. U-2 Dragon Lady

The U-2 is a high-altitude reconnaissance plane. It flies above 70,000 feet, higher than almost any other jet aircraft in the world. Pilots wear pressure suits similar to those used by astronauts.

• Its main job is to collect intelligence using cameras and sensors.
   
• Landing the U-2 is famous for being tricky, because of its long wings and poor forward visibility.
   
• A chase car often follows it down the runway to help guide the pilot during landing.

Becoming a U-2 pilot requires a special application process. Many say it is one of the most difficult flying jobs in the Air Force.

5. C-17 Globemaster III

The C-17 Globemaster III may not be a fighter jet, but it holds major prestige. This heavy transport plane carries troops, vehicles, and supplies around the world.

• It can land on short or rough runways where other large planes cannot.
   
• Pilots train to handle the aircraft in many conditions, including combat zones.
   
• The C-17 has been vital in humanitarian missions, disaster relief, and large-scale military moves.

Flying a C-17 shows that prestige is not limited to combat. Moving people and equipment across continents is just as important to national defense as winning in the air.

6. F-15 Eagle / F-15E Strike Eagle

The McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle is one of the most successful fighters ever. It has never lost a battle in air-to-air combat. The F-15E Strike Eagle, its two-seat variant, carries advanced weapons and sensors for ground attack.

• The F-15 community is known for being highly skilled and respected.
   
• Its record in wars shows why it remains one of the top fighter aircraft even decades after its first flight.
   
• Pilots enjoy the mix of air dominance and deep-strike missions.

Being part of the F-15 family connects pilots to a long and proud tradition in the United States Air Force.

7. F-16 Fighting Falcon

The F-16 Fighting Falcon is one of the most widely used jets in the world. It has served the Air Force for decades and remains popular because of its balance of performance and cost.

• Known as the “Viper,” the F-16 is agile, fast, and reliable.
   
• Many allies also fly the F-16, making it one of the most recognized fighter jet in the world.
   
• It has trained generations of fighter pilot talent, many of whom later move on to the F-22 or F-35.

Even though it is older, the F-16 remains a key part of the Air Force. It connects history to the future of aviation.

Why These Planes Matter

Each of these aircraft carries a unique role. Some deliver stealth attacks, others haul supplies, and others keep the skies safe. Together, they make up the backbone of American air power.

Flying one of these planes shows a pilot has mastered some of the hardest skills in aviation. It also shows the Air Force’s trust in that pilot’s ability to carry out missions that can affect the entire world.

The Challenge and Reward

Flying these planes is not easy. It takes years of pilot training, discipline, and teamwork. But the reward is great. Pilots who sit in these cockpits join a community known for excellence. They carry missions that protect the nation and shape history.

Many of these planes are also some of the most expensive fighter jet programs in history. But cost alone does not make them prestigious. Their value lies in what they can do—how they combine speed, stealth, and power to complete missions no other planes can handle.

Closing Thoughts on Prestige

Prestige in aviation is about more than appearance or price. It is about skill, challenge, and trust. The F-22, F-35, B-2, U-2, C-17, F-15, and F-16 each show why the Air Force holds some of the most respected jobs in the world. 

These are the planes that define the edge of modern power and remind us of the dedication of those who fly them.

Conclusion

Prestigious planes in the air force represent the highest levels of skill, trust, and responsibility.

From the F-22 Raptor to the F-35 Lightning II and beyond, these fighter aircraft and special mission planes shape the future of the United States Air Force. For many pilots, flying one of them is the highlight of a lifetime of service. 

If you want to keep learning about aviation and the world of elite planes, stay connected with Flying411 for more insights.

FAQs

What is the hardest plane to fly in the Air Force?

Many say the U-2 is hardest due to its altitude, pressure suit, and difficult landings.

Can new pilots go straight to prestigious planes?

Rarely. Most start with other aircraft before moving to top-tier fighters or bombers.

Do cargo planes count as prestigious?

Yes, planes like the C-17 are prestigious because of their global mission and size.

What makes the F-22 special?

It was the first fifth-generation fighter with stealth, supercruise, and advanced avionics.

How long do pilots serve after training?

Pilots usually serve at least 10 years after earning their wings.