Flyingforce

Good Morning,

Im currently a USAF 2d Lt in North Dakota (Space guy) applying for a pilot slot on active duty, what I'm currently wondering is if I should get my PPL. I currently have a 77PCSM with 62 flight hours. My leadership is completely on board with me switching over and I completed the FC1 medical without any waivers. The reason I ask, is the closest flight school is 2.5 hours away and with the hassle of driving in the snow, the expenses, and my schedule would it be worth it to get my PPL. I understand having a PPL will definitely not hurt, but in my current situation do you think it should be a necessity. Just looking for a discussion, not really sure who else to ask, thanks. I also, received those 62 hours of flight time three years back, so i'm aware it would take a little bit of time to receive my PPL. I ran out of money in college.

Adlerdriver

No clue what a 77PCSM is. I don't think a PPL is necessary. I assume you soloed somewhere in those 62 hours? If so, then I'd knock out ~10 hours to refresh somewhere close to start of training. Knock out a solo if you haven't already and call it good.

I got about 10 hours, soloed and got 10 more for a little extra familiarity. That was plenty.

HuggyU2

If your leadership "is onboard", does that mean you expect to get their full support for the UPT slot? If so, no need for the certificate.

Flyingforce

Yes, My leadership is fully aware of my application to UPT and is in full support. My Commander and Supervisors are helping me put my package together. Im currently stationed in Cavalier at the radar. but, I'm just applying for a rated slot,hoping to get pilot, haven't been picked up yet.

bedrock

Do you have your vacation coming up? You can go to some schools and get your PPL or nearly so in a month-long intensive program.

PRS Guitars

Does a PPC (sorry I'm old school) increase your PCSM? IIRC, when I was applying to OTS/UPT it was just the number of hours (capped at 200) that increased your PCSM, not your certificates and ratings. That was 14 years ago though. I would only do something that increases your PCSM, not worry about the flying. I don't know how competitive that PCSM is for an active duty UPT board.

trafly

I just looked up Cavalier, ND on Google Earth and now I feel cold and lonely. Is that normal?

USMCFLYR

You've seen what flight is like.
Did you do any instrument traning in those 62 hours?
Some basic flying currency, familiarzation with instrument procedures, and some aerobatics for the fun of it would be fine. No need to spend all that money on a PPL.

Flyingforce

I never got into instrument rated flight stuff, just VFR. I really just want to fly for the Air Force and I think seeing that FC1 medical, with no waivers, I shouldn't give up on that dream. If I fly maybe 20 more hours my PCSM might go up to a 83 or so, so it wouldn't be impacted much more with more flight time. I'm just not sure how weighted your PPL is on the board. But, I think from your responses with the 62 hour of flight time, they may negate that. Now you all know what i'm going through here in ND. Good thing it's only a year long assignment, could be much worse. You make of it, what you can. I do miss Chipotle though.

Planephlyer

My thoughts are that if you really want it, why not put the legwork into it? Any increase in your PCSM is better, am I wrong? Having a ppl might indicate to the board that you really mean business. Go big or go home!