sinsilvia666

Took the afoqt, did the packet, did the interview and got the thanks but no thanks. I believe it was mostly due to my eyes being above the 20/70 limit. Any advice on how to proceed? I would very much like to earn a pair of wings but kind lost at this point.

I have ortho-k and that corrects me to 20/20 but its not permanent.

Anyone in a similar bind that can offer advice?

thank you

ChinookDriver47

I could probably give you the names of a couple of great Army recruiters so you could get your wings.

After all, being down in the weeds where the **** happens is much more exciting than sitting up at the FL's with the AP on.
Just my opinion....

Sorry it didn't work out for you. I tried the AF route some time ago, did the packet, but had a horrible recruiter who was on his way out to retirement. After that first look, I started to get age critical and no one on the AF side would even look at me. Too bad for them. I went home a little while ago and popped my head in the Office building to see a friend of mine after a flight. No kidding, the same dude walked out, popped off a half-assed salute (gotta love that AF discipline) and about fell over when I stopped him and said thanks for not picking me up because I was much happier doing what I was doing.

Karma rules, dude. Army flying kicks ass.

dannolars

Have you looked at the civilian route? If not, check that out. If you are dead set on the mil thing, I would do what CD47 says, and check the Army. Also, check the Navy and USMC for any options, they may have different criteria. Or, think about going into the guard, working your way into a good flying unit, then with thier help try to get a pilot slot. Maybe it is worth a shot. Definitely don't give up! Good luck.

BDGERJMN

Assuming your refractive error isnt too bad, I would seriously look at PRK and re-apply. And seriously look at other threads on here that deal specifically with this topic.

GunshipGuy

Were you working just the AD route to UPT? If so what about the reserve/guard route? If that's not an option and your goal is flying no matter what it takes (and no matter what the industry is going to hit you with over your career) then I'd go civilian. Should be plenty of threads for options in that area here on APC.

I find it interesting the various backgrounds of guys I fly with and how they got where they are. Don't limit yourself to just the AF if it's what you really want to do.

SaltyDog

Excellent advice! Important that you realize it's PRK not LASIK. As mentioned, check all services. Not unusual to have to reapply, etc. Good luck!

sinsilvia666

Yeah I did apply for the Air Guard, and I have considered PRK but I have heard quite a few "eyes gone bad" with the lasik and am kind of wary of it, I know lasik is not the exact same as PRK, but I am not to sure of the differences.
Im scared of having anything that can be permanent mess me up and screw my current job flying for Colgan Air. I definitely plan on reapplying for the board.
They mentioned if you are enlisted you can get an eye wavier but again I am not to sure how that would work? Does anybody know the requirements to fly for the army, marines or coast guard or any other reserve units as well?

Slice

Did you apply to more than one unit? If not, you need to maximize your chances by sending apps out all over. Also, how do you know you got rejected for your eyes. They may not have liked you, or they may have but favored another applicant just a little more... You are correct though, going into an interview needing a waiver is a negative to start with...

joepilot

LASIK is usually the first choice. It is quicker, less painful, and the healing process is much quicker. Some people have eyes that are not suitable for LASIK, usually because the lens is too thin. Many of these people can be helped by PRK.

Be sure you go to a top specialist who does both LASIK and PRK. If the doctor only does either LASIK or PRK, then that is sure to be what he recommends.

Joe

BDGERJMN

Be very very careful of LASIK. You can do the research on LASIK v PRK but I think you'll find that of both treatments PRK is the better 'results' version. You also have to remember that a Dr may or may not tell you what is the 'best' but rather sell you what he/she provides in which case they become sort of like car salesmen. Bottom line: PRK has way less long term side effects, and that is a fact. Night visual acuity issues and drying of the eyes are the most common symptoms. Remember that PRK actually scrapes away your outer layer of the cornea whereas LASIK cuts the flap. The outer layer grows back over your eye with essentially no scarring. The flap is simply put back in place and allowed to heal after the laser treatment. That is the where the majority of the issues with LASIK happen. I know the Navy/Marine Corps are doing studies at Balboa Naval Hospital with LASIK right now. PRK is tried and tested and it works. I had PRK in 2006 and was 20/80(20/200 dilated) with an astigmatism. I am now still 20/15 in both eyes and have 0 side effects. I would recommend PRK to anyone. The week of pain you endure is well worth the end result. Just my .02. Feel free to PM me if you want more details.