Air National Guard or Air Force Reserve?
08-29-2014, 07:36 AM
#21
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Feb 2014
Posts: 211
Originally Posted by PRS Guitars
Yes, it's possible. It's possible that the test was performed wrong, or it might be waiverable. The doctors and techs don't care at all if you pass or fail a test. You're just a number to them. You are your only advocate (and maybe your unit if Guard).
During my first flight physical before going to OTS (not the MEPs physical) I failed an eyesight test. I was devastated but did some research, got ahold of the AFI for the test (thanks to baseops.net and Dr Google).
The tech had performed the test incorrectly. All my recruiter cared about was trying to get me to accept another job. I asked him to set up another test. On the second test I was very prepared, I knew the exact range of acceptable numbers and how the test should be performed.
This time an AF eye Doctor performed the test. He also performed the test wrong. I pointed out his mistake and he read ministered the test. When he got the results he said "you failed". I asked him "what were the numbers?". He said "it doesn't matter there terrible". "What were the numbers" I asked again. He gave me the numbers and they were within limits for my age range. I pointed this out and he said "well I guess you passed, but these numbers are terrible". "Yeah, well I passed and that's what matters".
Bottom line, if I hadn't pushed this myself I wouldn't have gotten in. I've met lots of people who say "I wanted to be an Air Force pilot, but couldn't because of x problem" usually the problem they had wasn't really an issue, but I don't point that out unless they are young and still have a shot. The difference between them an me is that I didn't accept the "no" until I had exhausted all options.
Again, nobody cares about these tests as much as you do, so you have to fight for yourself.
During my first flight physical before going to OTS (not the MEPs physical) I failed an eyesight test. I was devastated but did some research, got ahold of the AFI for the test (thanks to baseops.net and Dr Google).
The tech had performed the test incorrectly. All my recruiter cared about was trying to get me to accept another job. I asked him to set up another test. On the second test I was very prepared, I knew the exact range of acceptable numbers and how the test should be performed.
This time an AF eye Doctor performed the test. He also performed the test wrong. I pointed out his mistake and he read ministered the test. When he got the results he said "you failed". I asked him "what were the numbers?". He said "it doesn't matter there terrible". "What were the numbers" I asked again. He gave me the numbers and they were within limits for my age range. I pointed this out and he said "well I guess you passed, but these numbers are terrible". "Yeah, well I passed and that's what matters".
Bottom line, if I hadn't pushed this myself I wouldn't have gotten in. I've met lots of people who say "I wanted to be an Air Force pilot, but couldn't because of x problem" usually the problem they had wasn't really an issue, but I don't point that out unless they are young and still have a shot. The difference between them an me is that I didn't accept the "no" until I had exhausted all options.
Again, nobody cares about these tests as much as you do, so you have to fight for yourself.
08-29-2014, 10:04 AM
#22
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Dec 2013
Position: A320 CA
Posts: 2,297
Originally Posted by evamodel00
I'm sure this wasn't your intent as your message but I'd also prefer it if my country's pilots flying our most expensive military aircraft aren't ones finding loop holes to get past poor medical condition/eyesight.
I didn't find a "loophole". The test was administered incorrectly...twice. All I did was point that out to the doctor. When I retested, I tested within the correct range (in other words I passed). The whole point is that mistakes happen and it's up to you (the applicant) to catch them and correct them.
The test was for accommodation by the way, which has to do with how close to your eyes you can focus. This is not a test that you'd ever see at an FAA exam. My vision at the time was 20/10 and is now about 20/20 (though I think I will need reading glasses soon).
08-29-2014, 10:49 AM
#23
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: May 2007
Position: A320 CA
Posts: 1,530
I'm convinced 1/3 of the pilots in the Air Force at some point had to challenge the Flight Surgeon kingdom to get/retain their jobs. There are a lot of Junior Varsity players in medical that don't know their own regs and do their jobs with minimal competence. I had a similar story as well...D-Bag flight surgeon told me I can challenge the results but I would never be an Air Force pilot. I think about that moron every day I put on a Flight Suit.
Few of these regs exist to preserve our "expensive" aircraft. The bulk of the regs serve as an arbitrary weeding-out. When short on pilots, the regs suddenly relax. Most of us are flying airliners painted gray with "USAF" slapped on the side. The Astronaut Physical should be for actual astronauts.
Originally Posted by evamodel00
I'm sure this wasn't your intent as your message but I'd also prefer it if my country's pilots flying our most expensive military aircraft aren't ones finding loop holes to get past poor medical condition/eyesight.
08-31-2014, 03:55 AM
#26
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Aug 2009
Position: A320 CA
Posts: 282
Originally Posted by Tweetdrvr
+1
For every Air Force rule there is an equal and opposite Guard waiver.
For every Air Force rule there are at least two more Air Force Reserve rules
For every Air Force rule there is an equal and opposite Guard waiver.
For every Air Force rule there are at least two more Air Force Reserve rules
09-28-2014, 05:19 PM
#28
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Feb 2014
Posts: 133
Originally Posted by ClarenceOver
stop cotemplating the military for 12-14 years of your life. get the cfi and be done with it in 4.
04-14-2015, 09:56 AM
#29
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Aug 2013
Position: BE20/BE02 Left Seat
Posts: 166
Originally Posted by Hank Burley
Yeah, rack up that 150k in debt for s&$@ pay flying crappy routes for many years or fly all over the world, get paid for tons of time off, oh and get better training for pay! And then double dip for 20 years. Really a No brainer, go all ATP's! Republic is within reach!!!
04-14-2015, 10:09 AM
#30
Prime Minister/Moderator
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: Engines Turn Or People Swim
Posts: 39,275
Originally Posted by teamflyer
Double Dip? Could you work for both the airlines and guard the whole time? for 20 years ? how is that possible? what about legacy ? how can you work at the guard and then get hired at a legacy?
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