college transfer to ERAU or enlist military
#12
Originally Posted by MoHoney
he definitely wants a long term career as a military pilot and sees attending ERAU for an aeronautic science degree has a means to achieve this goal. He plans to apply for an ROTC scholarship. He still seems convinced that doing this degree program will help give him greater consideration for a pilot slot in the Navy or Air Force than if he stays at his state school and applies for ROTC.
Originally Posted by MoHoney
He says that at ERAU he can obtain the aeronautic science degree with a military emphasis and this is what he believes will give him better standing against other pilot candidates. From what I've read, it seems like the Navy or Air Force prefer prospective pilots to have engineering or technical degrees.
Originally Posted by MoHoney
Apart from the physical and health considerations, how does the Navy or Air Force decide on who can become a pilot? Do certain college degrees have more weight?
Originally Posted by MoHoney
Also does anyone have info on a Navy Bachelor Degree Completion Program with a guaranteed pilot contract. According to info from ERAU this is open to their students. If selected, the Navy pays $1,900/mo. for the last 3 yrs of school if pursuing a technical degree or 2 yrs. for non-technical degree. ERAU says the program will pay up to $68,000 and it is not ROTC. You just have to keep a 3.0 GPA. Then when you graduate you go to aviation officer training school in Pensacola. Is this a new program or is this a program specific to ERAU students? Or is this what some of you have been talking about? I'm not real familiar with some of the abbreviations like AMS sorry...but thanks again for your help....
#13
Guest
Posts: n/a
Just to expand on Rickair7777s post regarding military flying requirements (Specifically for the AF...) -
Vision can be waivered if it is correctable to 20/20 with PRK Surgery as long as he retains his night vision and has no side-effects.
Also - I'm not sure if it's in-shop, but the 159th FW (Flying F-15's) require you to start Undergraduate Pilot Training by your 27th Birthday. However, again - it's waiverable to 30th Birthday.
The big difference between Guard flying and AD flying is your son's chances of getting to fly what he wants. Only around the top 2% of applicants accepted to Active Duty AF Undergraduate Pilot Training will end up flying the F-15, however Guard units handle all recruitment in-house.
I highly recommend the ANG. - Especially fulltime (If there's a slot open)
Vision can be waivered if it is correctable to 20/20 with PRK Surgery as long as he retains his night vision and has no side-effects.
Also - I'm not sure if it's in-shop, but the 159th FW (Flying F-15's) require you to start Undergraduate Pilot Training by your 27th Birthday. However, again - it's waiverable to 30th Birthday.
The big difference between Guard flying and AD flying is your son's chances of getting to fly what he wants. Only around the top 2% of applicants accepted to Active Duty AF Undergraduate Pilot Training will end up flying the F-15, however Guard units handle all recruitment in-house.
I highly recommend the ANG. - Especially fulltime (If there's a slot open)
#14
Guest
Posts: n/a
[QUOTE=rickair7777]Military flying slots are very competetive. They want to see high GPA and good performance in military and extra-curricular activities. A brand-name school (ie Ivy League or Service Academy) helps, but ERAU doesn't really qualify there. If he can get a ROTC scholarship he can use it at ANY school.
My question:
I thought that ROTC scholarships that can be used anywhere were for high school students about to enter college. As a 2nd semester college freshman, wouldn't he have to apply for a scholarship through a specific college's ROTC unit because he would only have 2-3 years left. If the ROTC unit is very large on a particular campus wouldn't that make it really difficult for him to get a scholarship as a transfer student especially if he goes to a school like ERAU which is simply too expensive for our family. His current school, doesn't have any ROTC program but there is an AFROTC unit at another campus about 1/2 hour away. I'm still trying to convince him to stay where he's at and try to get his ppl at the local airport school as many have suggested.
We're also looking into ANG. (he found out that one of his friend's dad is a pilot in ANG, also an ERAU alum and active in the EAA so he hopes to talk to him when he is back home)
As an alternative to ERAU, I talked to him about transferring to a school where he could still major in Comp. Sci but minor in some type of aeronautical science/aviation. Our state has an instate tuition agreement with Minnesota. Does anyone know of any Minn. colleges with programs like this? Someone mentioned St. Cloud State on a posting - not sure about brand name though. Otherwise, other colleges (out of state tuition, though) he could think about as an alternative: Purdue, Ohio State, UND, Utah State (I think) and Auburn. These might work only if he can get some type of scholarship (ROTC or otherwise). Any thoughts? Thanks again for your advice
My question:
I thought that ROTC scholarships that can be used anywhere were for high school students about to enter college. As a 2nd semester college freshman, wouldn't he have to apply for a scholarship through a specific college's ROTC unit because he would only have 2-3 years left. If the ROTC unit is very large on a particular campus wouldn't that make it really difficult for him to get a scholarship as a transfer student especially if he goes to a school like ERAU which is simply too expensive for our family. His current school, doesn't have any ROTC program but there is an AFROTC unit at another campus about 1/2 hour away. I'm still trying to convince him to stay where he's at and try to get his ppl at the local airport school as many have suggested.
We're also looking into ANG. (he found out that one of his friend's dad is a pilot in ANG, also an ERAU alum and active in the EAA so he hopes to talk to him when he is back home)
As an alternative to ERAU, I talked to him about transferring to a school where he could still major in Comp. Sci but minor in some type of aeronautical science/aviation. Our state has an instate tuition agreement with Minnesota. Does anyone know of any Minn. colleges with programs like this? Someone mentioned St. Cloud State on a posting - not sure about brand name though. Otherwise, other colleges (out of state tuition, though) he could think about as an alternative: Purdue, Ohio State, UND, Utah State (I think) and Auburn. These might work only if he can get some type of scholarship (ROTC or otherwise). Any thoughts? Thanks again for your advice
#15
Originally Posted by MoHoney
My question:
I thought that ROTC scholarships that can be used anywhere were for high school students about to enter college. As a 2nd semester college freshman, wouldn't he have to apply for a scholarship through a specific college's ROTC unit because he would only have 2-3 years left. If the ROTC unit is very large on a particular campus wouldn't that make it really difficult for him to get a scholarship as a transfer student especially if he goes to a school like ERAU which is simply too expensive for our family. His current school, doesn't have any ROTC program but there is an AFROTC unit at another campus about 1/2 hour away. I'm still trying to convince him to stay where he's at and try to get his ppl at the local airport school as many have suggested.
I thought that ROTC scholarships that can be used anywhere were for high school students about to enter college. As a 2nd semester college freshman, wouldn't he have to apply for a scholarship through a specific college's ROTC unit because he would only have 2-3 years left. If the ROTC unit is very large on a particular campus wouldn't that make it really difficult for him to get a scholarship as a transfer student especially if he goes to a school like ERAU which is simply too expensive for our family. His current school, doesn't have any ROTC program but there is an AFROTC unit at another campus about 1/2 hour away. I'm still trying to convince him to stay where he's at and try to get his ppl at the local airport school as many have suggested.
He should talk to the officer-in-charge of his nearest Navy and Air Force ROTC units to get the straight scoop on scholarships and transfers...that's the only guy who will know for sure, since the rules often change year-to-year.
Originally Posted by MoHoney
We're also looking into ANG. (he found out that one of his friend's dad is a pilot in ANG, also an ERAU alum and active in the EAA so he hopes to talk to him when he is back home)
#16
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Dec 2005
Position: Flight Instructor
Posts: 623
Originally Posted by MoHoney
. From what I've read, it seems like the Navy or Air Force prefer prospective pilots to have engineering or technical degrees. Apart from the physical and health considerations, how does the Navy or Air Force decide on who can become a pilot? Do certain college degrees have more weight?
The Navy and Marine Corps is the same way. Also, talk to ROTC instructors at Colleges, they can definantly guide you the best direction. email them, go to the campus and visit them. They will be more than happy to assist you. I always say if you want the best information, go to the source. Hope this helps.
#17
Line Holder
Joined APC: Nov 2005
Posts: 56
MOHONEY:
-edited out-
I finished up my four year degree at ERAU (Daytona) last year, on a full Army scholarship, majored in Aeronautical Science with Military focus (allows you to get full credit for ROTC classes. Really no different from other focuses..) I have a pretty good knowledge of the "system" of scholarships, and the ways that the various organizations work. I also have contacts within each of the ROTC programs that I could ask to provide more info.
Lastly, encourage your son to take ownership of his future, disregard some of the bright shiny brochures and talk to people that have experienced the ups and downs of the industry/military lifestyle. I am just one of those people....(in a somewhat limited scope) Stay away from the recruiter!
Once you email me, I'll help to the fullest extent possible.
Thanks,
Forest Lightle
-edited out-
I finished up my four year degree at ERAU (Daytona) last year, on a full Army scholarship, majored in Aeronautical Science with Military focus (allows you to get full credit for ROTC classes. Really no different from other focuses..) I have a pretty good knowledge of the "system" of scholarships, and the ways that the various organizations work. I also have contacts within each of the ROTC programs that I could ask to provide more info.
Lastly, encourage your son to take ownership of his future, disregard some of the bright shiny brochures and talk to people that have experienced the ups and downs of the industry/military lifestyle. I am just one of those people....(in a somewhat limited scope) Stay away from the recruiter!
Once you email me, I'll help to the fullest extent possible.
Thanks,
Forest Lightle
Last edited by FLightle; 05-09-2006 at 11:34 AM.
#18
Guest
Posts: n/a
your son should not enlist that is the last thing he should do. If he really wants to fly he should join the Army they have more flight slots then the air force or Navy they fly many helos but they also have fixed wing planes. If he really wants to fly fixed wing then he should sign up for navy rotc and keep up all of his grades and he should be able to get a flight slot. Another thing he could do is try to get a warrent officer slot in the army, warrent officers fly alot more then the regular officer there job is to fly and thats it, so if he does not get join rotc he could apply for that after graduation.
#19
Originally Posted by crj500
your son should not enlist that is the last thing he should do. If he really wants to fly he should join the Army they have more flight slots then the air force or Navy they fly many helos but they also have fixed wing planes. If he really wants to fly fixed wing then he should sign up for navy rotc and keep up all of his grades and he should be able to get a flight slot. Another thing he could do is try to get a warrent officer slot in the army, warrent officers fly alot more then the regular officer there job is to fly and thats it, so if he does not get join rotc he could apply for that after graduation.
#20
So far, what everyone has advised it true. DON"T ENLIST first of all! DON'T PAY THAT $ TO ERAU! AND DON'T LISTEN TO RECRUITERS!
Go to a state university that has a navy/airforce rotc program. During this summer, have him get his private pilot's rating as a minimum. When I went through, the USAF rotc detactment awarded pilot slots during the spring of my soph year. Having a privates license, or higher rating, will give him a huge boost above those who don't.
If the university does'nt have a rotc program, look for air force or navy/marine recruiters who recruit OFFICERS ONLY! Like I stated earlier, Texas Tech (were I went) had a rotc program, but across the street, was a navy and a marine recruiter looking for OFFICER CANDIDATES. I applied to all three with the intention whoever gave we a pilot slot first, I would go to. Air Force won out. Ended up flying B-52's and E-3 AWAC's.
Best of luck to your son!
Go to a state university that has a navy/airforce rotc program. During this summer, have him get his private pilot's rating as a minimum. When I went through, the USAF rotc detactment awarded pilot slots during the spring of my soph year. Having a privates license, or higher rating, will give him a huge boost above those who don't.
If the university does'nt have a rotc program, look for air force or navy/marine recruiters who recruit OFFICERS ONLY! Like I stated earlier, Texas Tech (were I went) had a rotc program, but across the street, was a navy and a marine recruiter looking for OFFICER CANDIDATES. I applied to all three with the intention whoever gave we a pilot slot first, I would go to. Air Force won out. Ended up flying B-52's and E-3 AWAC's.
Best of luck to your son!
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post