Don't drop Orchestra. Diversify yourself. You lettered in lacrosse so you should be somewhat fit...stay that way for life, not just for flying. Go get a flight physical from a local flight doc to see if you might have any physical limitations. Talk to a ROTC unit of a college you are considering. Gather as much info as humanly possible...knowledge is power. Start learning about the basics of flying. Take a flight lesson.

I entered the USAF 2 years after of college. Walked into a recruiter's office and applied. I was gauranteed a pilot slot before I ever went to OTS. I did, however, have about 1400hrs of flight time in single engine aircraft. Regardless, what's the worst thing that could happen? Someone says "no." All the nay-sayers are a part of life...get used to proving them wrong. Set goals and stay focused. You can do whatever you decide...it's up to you.

Good Luck!

 

In ROTC when the pilot selection comes grades are not the most important thing, grades are just part of the equation. Leadership is the most important thing + voluntary work in your detachment.

 

Spotta,

Check your facts before you put them out here to individuals. PRK 60% successful? Do you really think the services would allow their aviators to have PRK with those kind of success rates? The risk of PRK being unsuccessful is pretty remote my friend, if I remember my Pre-OP PRK brief, something on the order of less than 1%. Of those that were unsuccessful, most were successful after a second treatment.

Bdger

 

Not entirely true. NOMI issued my glasses to me in API as a SNA. I subsequently had PRK as an FRS IP. Totally depends on numbers and needs of the Navy/Marine Corps accessions. FWIW.

 

Think Academy first - USMA, USAFA, USNA, even USCGA (though that's the hardest one to get into). Think VMI and the Citadel next. Think any college/university with an AF or Navy ROTC unit next. Continue in orchestra (lots of fighter pilots play musical instruments, something about the beating or blowing, I hear) but also continue in lax or another sport. Get active in other extracurricular clubs like Varsity Club, Key Club, Student Council, Class officers, etc. Like someone else said, think one thing at a time. After you get into an Academy or ROTC unit (keep in mind you DO NOT need a ROTC scholarship to join a ROTC unit after you enroll at a college) continue to study hard and get involved. Make your desire to be a pilot known. Go easy on the "Fighter pilot or bust" stuff, the guy making the decisions for your future may be a heavy pilot. I always wanted to be a fighter pilot too, but the Good Lord Above blessed me with C-130s and everything has turned out better than I ever could have hoped for. Keep an open mind, make a definite plan for your future, but don't be afraid to change it. Good luck.

P.S. If the ROTC/Mil Academy route doesn't work, then the Guard/Reserve route is an EXCELLENT alternative. Go to work at your local unit or whoever else will hire you on as a crew chief, admin troop, life support tech, intel, or whatever else they need. Get your degree, convince them to send you to OTS and then UPT.

 

I was hoping someone would read and correct any misinformation. glad to hear things are changing. now my son has a chance.

when did you go through?

cheers

 

API in 98' wings in 2000

 

Sierra Hotel

I was in Pcola in 95.

 

I believe you can have up to 20/50 as long as it is correctable to 20/20 with glasses or contacts. Once you're in all you have to be is correctable to 20/20. I will ask my Flight Surgeon next week to confirm the initial vision requirement.

 

[QUOTE=Deuce130;164242]

P.S. If the ROTC/Mil Academy route doesn't work, then the Guard/Reserve route is an EXCELLENT alternative. QUOTE]

Funny, I always though of the active duty as an EXCELLENT alternative if I didn't get a guard slot.