AirportKid

Hey guys, my name is Connor and I am 17 and a Jr. in high school and looking to become a pilot (I know what your thinking, “Oh, god, not another one of these!”) I have been lurking on APC for about the last six months, and I have been struggling with how to go about my education, and this is why I have decided to tap into your knowledge and advice. I have been constantly changing my mind over how to pursue my dream of becoming a pilot, and over the last few months I have been strongly thinking about the military, and particularly, the Air Force.
Now, again, let me just say that I am not one of those annoying kids who thinks, “Oh god, I wanna fly fighters!! Well, there’s other flying out there besi--- No!! I wanna fly fighters, and nothing else!” I am here, because I feel that the military is the best route to become a pilot, without being $100K in debt, making $23K my first four years as a regional FO. I also am not looking to become a “250Hr Wonder” by attending a puppy mill such as Riddle or the like, and spending absurd amounts of money on schools with “Connections to the Airlines.”
I am currently juggling two plans right now, so please let me know what you think…
The first is to attend University of Missouri, and get a degree in a non flying field, such as engineering (one that I hear the AF likes, is this correct?). I will enroll in the AFROTC, and continue to get my Bachelors up until I graduate. This accomplishes two things, firstly getting my college paid for, and secondly, getting an Officer rank, once I join up. Then, I am hoping, if I do well in college, to get accepted to UPT. Now the problem with this is as follows: I know that by no means is anything guaranteed, and that getting a pilot slot in the AF is VERY competitive, but I like to think I am a bright kid, and that I could do it with a lot of elbow grease.
My second option is this: To join the AF Academy. Yes, I know that this alone is by no means an easy feat, and that it will be difficult. So my question to you guys is what would be the best way to go about doing this? I am about 90% sure that I can get a recommendation from the MO Senator, Claire McCaskill, because my dad used to work with her chief of staff. I know that this is pretty important. As far as academically speaking, how hard is it to be accepted? I am no genius by any means, and I take moderately difficult classes. My accumulative GPA so far is a 3.33, and that’s with three semesters remaining. I am really hoping to bring this up my last few semesters, because as of last quarter, I am a 4.0, and if I can get a 4.0 on my semester grades, this will raise my GPA quite a bit. Another thing is standardized testing, like the ACT. I have only taken it once, and I got a 22 (I know, not that good.) but I am taking at least three more times by the time I graduate, and will hopefully get a 26-28.
As far as sports and leadership, I have played my entire high school career in Varsity Soccer and Tennis. However, I am no longer able to play soccer, for reasons I will mention below. Another important thing, is that this summer, I am attending a leadership camp called Boys State. I am hoping that the AF will like this…
Now, as far as personal shape. Well, I am 5’10’’ and 180lbs. I guess that makes me a medium build, and I am pretty good shape. I have perfect vision and am not color blind. However…. This is one of my bigger questions, I will just start from the beginning.
Back in mid October, I had a slight incident. I was playing a soccer game ( I am a goalkeeper) and I ran out to block a break away. I slid down, and got drilled in the side of the head by the guys knee. It knocked me out cold. Anyways, they took me to the ICU and I stayed there for a couple days, I had a grade 3 concussion, and they thought I had a slight brain bleed. After I got out of the hospital, I had some problems following. For about three weeks after, I had trouble speaking, and I would basically just lose my train of thought a lot. I also had consistent and really bad migraines. My short term memory also really sucked, and keep in mind, I had NEVER had any problems like this before hand. Anyways, after a few months of hell and tons of medicine and doctors, everything started to get better. It was rather sudden actually, one day at the very beginning of the year, I didn’t have any headaches. Basically everything got better and better, until everything is completely 100% again.
Oh yea, this happened the weekend before I was supposed to solo for the first time. Now I am in perfect health once again, but I am afraid to go and get my medical because of this. I have written letters from my neurologist and my regular doctor, saying I am completely fine, and that there are no residual effects what so ever! Will this be enough? Will the ME freak out when I tell him this? I am terrified that I wont pass because of this, for whatever reason, even though I am perfectly healthy now… Back to the original question… Could this have any impact upon me being accepted to UPT? And lets say I do attend the AF Academy, or do the AFROTC, but I DON’T get sent to UPT, what happens? I am still stuck in the Air Force? This is what I am most afraid of, have to serve with out doing something I enjoy… Another thing, is I am currently starting to fly again, and so far I only have twelve hours ($7.25 an hour makes lessons take a loooong time lol) I am hoping to solo soon as well, I just have to get my medical. Does the AF give priority, or think better of a person with previous flying experience, such as my private? I have heard both ways, and hopefully you guys can shed some light on this.
My goal is to become a military pilot, one way or the other. I really think this is my best option, and I would love to fly absolutely anything, whether its tankers, transport, cargo, or whatever, I just want to fly. I am also hoping, that this would be a good bridge to getting to a major once I am done, because from what I hear, theres no better experience than military flying… I know that the industry is horrid right now, and I know that a lot of you are unhappy about the job right now, but once again, any and all advice is welcome.
Well, I think that is about it for now, I really look forward to hearing what you guys have to say.

Thx,
Connor

Grumble

Just a couple of points.

Acceptance to USAFA or an ROTC program is no guarantee of a pilot slot.

Increase your options. Look into other branches of service as well, if the Navy is still doing the BDCP program, that thing is a freakin' steal. It should be criminal.

The USAF is already training more UAV pilots than anything else, can you accept that?

Do you realize that you're many other things before you're a pilot? There are many other jobs/responsibilities. For instance I'm still sitting at my desk at 1900 on a Friday night, and I flew a 1.0 this week.

Are you prepared to invest another 10-12 years of your life AFTER college in this?

WHAT IF you don't get picked up for a pilot slot? Will you still give 100% to whatever billet you do fill? The American tax payers footing the bill for your education deserve nothing less.

You're on the right path, just make sure you know what you're getting yourself into, and that competition is fierce. If you haven't already started the process of trying to get a nomination to a service Academy, you're late. Get on it.

It's a long road to travel, but I'd do it all again in a second. If I could change anything, ROTC at a big state school. Navy ROTC that is....

AirportKid

Just a couple of points.

Acceptance to USAFA or an ROTC program is no guarantee of a pilot slot.

[/QUOTE] Increase your options. Look into other branches of service as well, if the Navy is still doing the BDCP program, that thing is a freakin' steal. It should be criminal. [/QUOTE]

Ya, I would definately go to any other branch if I can get a flying program, and could you please elaborate on the BDCP program, just what is it i guess?

[/QUOTE] The USAF is already training more UAV pilots than anything else, can you accept that?[/QUOTE]

No. I have to be an actual pilot, because firstly, its just what I want to do, and secondly, airlines dont accept UAV time I think, please correct me if I am wrong.

[/QUOTE] Do you realize that you're many other things before you're a pilot? There are many other jobs/responsibilities. For instance I'm still sitting at my desk at 1900 on a Friday night, and I flew a 1.0 this week. [/QUOTE]

Well, I kinda figured as such, but I really dont have a problem with that. I guess I kinda just looked at it as the sort of thing that you have to do in order to fly.

[/QUOTE] Are you prepared to invest another 10-12 years of your life AFTER college in this? [/QUOTE]

Yes, if that 10-12 years is flying. If not flying, then probably not. But how long am I guaranteeing that I will be enlisted if I enroll in to AFA or AFROTC? This is a big question because, like I said, I reallly, really, want a pilot slot.

[/QUOTE] WHAT IF you don't get picked up for a pilot slot? Will you still give 100% to whatever billet you do fill? The American tax payers footing the bill for your education deserve nothing less. [/QUOTE]

Trust me, I have been thinking about this, a LOT. I guess the only thing I can do is try absolute damnest. From the sounds of it, your are a pilot in the military, correct? So how did you do it? And how do you like it? Your the exact person I wanted to respond to this thread lol

[/QUOTE] You're on the right path, just make sure you know what you're getting yourself into, and that competition is fierce. If you haven't already started the process of trying to get a nomination to a service Academy, you're late. Get on it. [/QUOTE]

[/QUOTE] It's a long road to travel, but I'd do it all again in a second. If I could change anything, ROTC at a big state school. Navy ROTC that is....[/QUOTE]

Sorry, maybe im just being dim, but what do you mean you would change to Navy ROTC at a big state school? Thx ahead of time.

Whoops, how do you get it so you only respond to a certain part of a quote?? :/

Hacker15e

Do you mean out of UPT, or do you mean the FTU output for RPAs is more than all the other FTUs combined?

If the #1 item on your list is "I have to be an actual pilot", then you need to steer clear of the military.

First off, in the military (USAF and USN, at least) you are an officer first and a pilot second. If the service wants you to do something other than flying, then that's what you'll do, and you don't have much of a say in the matter. Remember, it's called "the service" because it's not about you. It's not "have it your way" at Burger King.

Second, even if the military decides to send you to pilot training it is not up to you if you will fly a manned or remotely piloted aircraft. Even if you are initially assigned to a manned aircraft, you can be sent to an RPA assignment at some future time during your commitment.

So, the military is not simply a route to the airlines. There are simply NO guarantees, regardless of how good you might be or how "bad" you want it. It is a much deeper commitment that if you're not willing to make, you are setting yourself up for serious disappointment.

BushwickBill

What is your goal? Yes being a pilot seems very cool. However, you must keep in mind there are many kinds of aviation. What kind of pilot do you want to be? An airline pilot or are you open to other kinds of aviation like cargo flying or charter flying?

You should keep in mind that aviation is more than just flying. You might want to think about what life is like as a pilot.

It sounds like your taking flying lessons. Is there an FBO with charter operations going on? If so you should watch the pilots and see what life is like. Usually these jobs are very boring and consist of a lot of cleaning. Don't just watch the airplanes taking off. Watch a crew get ready for a flight or clean up after one. All of the sudden that job as an engineer or a park ranger may seem like a lot less work.

Also if you have been staying current with APC you should know: not only will you be working hard but you will be doing it for less pay. I think your on the right track. You are trying to learn about the industry by researching in advance. Good job. Yes you may be able to get "free" training from the military. Keeping a low overhead in this industry is good. Keep out of debt. Like I said your on the right track.

Now go find out what it is really like to be a pilot. You should decide if the sacrifce to your quality of life is worth all of the trouble.

Slice

Your closest guarantee to not getting a UAV is to have an ANG unit send you to UPT. Look into it. Many states will pay full tuition if you attend a state school too as a guard member.

Aloha

Go MARINES - check out the PLC program. If you qualify, while still in school, you can get a guaranteed pilot slot before going to OCS in Quantico (which SUUUUUUUCKed). (If they break the contract, you are not obligated). However, like the other posters have said, you might be a pilot, but you will be a Marine Officer first and foremost. It can be a heavy burden to haul.
Best of luck,
Aloha

mswmsw

I'll second that! Funny though, I enjoyed Quantico, Camp Upshur, etc...... maybe I am just sick, huh? Then again, that was 1972-ish, no idea what it is like now. Also, like another poster mentioned, I would check out as many options as possible, including flying in the Guard and Reserve, AND the Army's WOFT program........ flying helo's is a blast, much more fun than F/W, IMHO.

rcwelch

Try logging into baseops.net as they have all sorts of Air Force people (pilots, doctors, AFROTC cadets) to help shed some light on your questions. I second what Hacker15e stated. I think you need to seek more advice from those in the system...Good Luck.

AirportKid

Hey guys, thanks for all of the informative responses.


Bushwick: I should have been more specific. I am by no means only interested in becoming an airline pilot. I am really open to anything, whether its charter, cargo, air ambulance or whatever, I just want to have a decent career flying. And yes you definately make a good point about the ''business'' side of flying. Unfortunately I am no longer able to ''hang out'' at the airport anymore, because I did ALL of last summer, and at the end of the summer, the TSA called me a ''safety hazard." So I cant really just go there and hang out anymore, even though IRK is NOT a busy airport what so ever. But in that summer I did get to see a little bit of what I think your referring too. On more than a few occassions, the same to charter guys came in early in the morning, around eight or so, and sat in the FBO all day, until they finally left around seven at night or so. And yes, I am doing flying lessons, but I am kinda at a stand still now until I get the whole medical thing sorted out.


Can anybody shed any light on this medical thing?


Slice: Hm, I didnt know that. I will definately have to check into that, care to elaborate at all? And just to be clear, ANG stands for Air National Guard correct?


Aloha: Could you please tell me a little bit more about the PLC program, firstly what it is and what it stands for lol. And that seems like a really good idea to me, no being obligated unless I get a pilot slot, but is it really that cut and dry, or am I just being naive?

And could somebody plz tell me how to turn off the damn overwrite!! lol


RC: Thanks for that link, I will definately check that out!


Thanks again everyone for your help!


Connor