CT Luke wants to be a pilot? Yes but for whom?

In ANH he says to his uncle that he wants to transfer to the academy. his uncle tells him...well you know the story...

what academy does he speak of?
the empire was in total control at this point, right?
was it to fight with the empire? was that his only ticket off the planet?
if so, why was he so stoked on Obi-wans knowledge of the Rebellion?

Where was it that luke intended to go before being denied by his uncle?

 

Luke wanted to go to the Academy because it was the best place in the galaxy to become trained as a star pilot. He then planned to jump ship and leave the Empire, and join the Rebellion as a fighter pilot, just as his friend Biggs had done.

 

I always assumed it was the Imperial Academy since Uncle Owen didn't want him to go. He could have been uncovered by Vader. Uncle Owen might have let him go to the Academy if it wasn't Imperial controlled but I highly doubt it. Palpatine wanted to control everything so I think it was the former.

 

Uncle Owen needed the extra help on the farm, and couldn't afford to lose his best farmhand.

 

That's what they want you to think.

 

To me, the exchange between Beru and Owen about Luke having too much of his father shows Owen wants to make sure Luke does not follow his father's path. The best way to do that is to keep him on the farm.

 

Naturally. Anakin put himself in danger daily. No parent or guardian would ever want their child in harm's way. Owen could protect Luke by keeping him on Tatooine

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My understanding is the Academy is a private college, not tied directly to the Empire. But the Empire probably recruits/drafts from the Academy graduates.