aerogrd

I washed out of the F-15C B course, it was for a lot of reasons, it was all my fault. I ended up being a single parent with sole custody. That was in 2007, things have changed. I have a lot of mil IP time, I was a FAIP.

Currently flying now in the reserves, heavies, anyone have recommendations or thoughts? How much of an issue is that?

2loud

I know a few who've washed out of IFF and/or RTU and flew heavies/crew aircraft. Every one of them have very good airline gigs. As most will say, just be prepared to explain yourself to HR and the hiring board if the question comes up. I'd say it's not even an issue!

F15andMD11

Is your F-15 time in your application? If not then don't even mention it. Unless you're applying to Delta. They, I think, will ask for your form 8s and mil history print out, which will show your PCS to Tyndall. UA doesn't nor does AA or UPS. The fact that you were a single parent could make a good interview story. "Tell me about a time you failed." I got that question.
Single parent through F-15C B course?! Yikes, I can't even imagine that.

Jughead135

I submit that this is terrible advice. Every application I completed--and I applied everywhere apps were being accepted--asks for both a complete flying history and specifically about training failures. Omitting either doesn't seem like a smart way to start with a prospective employer....

To the OP: As others have said, this isn't a show-stopper, nor even a big deal. Have a story, be humble, discuss what you learned... next question.

HoursHore

Failures in the distant past are not show stoppers, esp if one has done well since. Work with interview prep guys to develop stories to show how you learned from it and how you've excelled since then and you'll be good.

Sliceback

Jughead x2 -

If you omit it, and it is found, you're DOA. Done. Toast. Mort.

Fess up, be honest, and realize you're not the only guy with a failure. Why did you fail? Be honest. What did you learn? Life can be a struggle. The learning process is valuable. Be better because of the path you had to walk.

aerogrd

Thanks for the replies and recommendations. I can't hide it nor would I do that, I have 51 hours and it's in my arms reports, oprs, etc. Like others said I'll apply, be honest, reveal what I've learned and see what happens.

Grumble

Own it. It's not a bad thing, it's an interview opportunity to warm the HR reps heart with a time you overcame adversity and kept your kids first.

Julio

I had a 2.5 GPA in college an have a DWI and got hired. You're good.

Albief15

As an interview coach and former F-15 FTU IP, I can tell you getting eliminated from a fighter FTU is not going to stop you from getting hired. It is a change in direction in life, but not a permanent failure or mark of shame. It happens...

Plenty of good pilots are not built physiologically for the Gs. Some good pilots simply cannot operate in the high G environment.

Some pilots just don't quite meet the standards required and hit their learning curve limit when they hit FTU.... After 10 years in the schoolhouse I learned that picking who was going to be successful and not successful was difficult. The guy I thought would sail through would struggle, and that other guy I was sure was in the wrong place ended up a DG. You haven't really hit your stride professionally when you show up at RTU, you are still learning and growing, and everyone's learning curve is a little different. Some guys who soared in T-38s flatten out a bit in RTU, while the guy nobody thought had a chance has the light come on and does great. Saw the same thing in the ops world...the RTU shining star does okay, but the guy who squeaked by in RTU later becomes Thunderbird 1. What you always hope is the graph of your learning curve stays within syllabus boundaries you and plug on through. Some guys bounce off the charts on the high or low side, but if you do drop off the bottom it doesn't mean you are a bad pilot or bad officer. It just means that someone has to make an acceptable performance envelope, and sometimes even good guys or gals can't quite stay within those lines.

In most cases, a guy who has good airmanship and attitude will be flowed into a heavy, and while disappointing the setback is not permanent and in no way reflects their potential to serve the nation or later become an airline pilot.

Physical limitations also sometime are an issue. As an IP and rated aerospace physiologist, I had the task of flying with some students who struggled with their performance under Gs, and several ended up being eliminated from the B course. The ultimate call was not mine, it was the squadron commander's, but I never had a CC go against my recommendation when a guy blacked out with me repeatedly. Then again--most guys who blacked out more than once really didn't want to there anymore, and I can understand why. We kill a pilot or two every few years in fighters to GLOC. Anyone who has ever "woken up" in a jet or centrifuge and realized later how quick they went out understands the life and death consequences of such an event, and it can be terrifying.

As a coach, I've helped F15, F16, A-10, and PIT washouts prepare for interviews. They've all been hired. They have stories to tell, but there is absolutely no shame in doing your best, giving it hell, but finding out being a fighter pilot or T-6 or T-1 IP isn't for you. It happens....maybe 8-10% of the time. Most guys and gals I've seen have rebounded with great success in other systems, and had solid careers afterwards.

One famous exception went to the B-52, then went goofy and attacked an ex-girlfriend near Tyndall a few years later with a baton. They found him later with a bulletproof vest and shovel trying to get on to Tyndall, and he was arrested. As far as I know he is still in prison. I am pretty confident he won't ever get hired by an airline, but in this day and age I make no promises.