MSBJHK

I am a former student Naval Aviator, I did not complete my training due to failing a safe for solo checkride, however I now have a commercial multi-engine rating and am almost done (just waiting for the checkride) with my CFI. I am still in the IRR at the rank of LT(jg). Does anyone know if there is any way I can get back into military flying? I love flying period but I was happiest while I was in Navy Primary down in Corpus and would like a second chance. I think my biggest problem was with nerves and checkride itis but now I don't think that would be a problem as I have had 4 checks in 6 months and my training is going very well. Thanks to anyone who can give me guidance.

Pilot7576

MSBJHK...

It's tough to stay in and get your wings now even if you haven't had a down. There have been two helo pilots who completed recently without a down and not received wings due to their nss being below avg.

With those statistics, I would say it's very unlikely they would allow you back in flight training. But you know, if you ask the question, the worse that can happen is they say no. Just don't get your hopes up.

Good luck....

Pilot7576

scarface

After leaving the Marine Corps I went to the Army National Guard and we had an officer who had failed out of Fort Rucker get another shot at it. That was quite awhile ago, but needs of the service can lead to a waiver.
I think you can easily argue you have an excellent chance of completing the program. I enjoyed Army aviation and nobody is better at training helo pilots than the Army.

rickair7777

Yeah, I'd try the army, but you might have a problem, as an O-2 in the USN IRR, you would need to get the navy to release you and transfer your obligation to another service. I don't see why they wouldn't let you go, a 1300 O-2 is not much use to them, but you would have to make those arrangements.

Actually, I'd look into the ANG too, they might give you a break since you have more flight time and ratings since P-cola. But same deal with your navy obligation there.

Slim

I understand your desire to return to military aviation...I was medically eliminated from UPT in 1984. I tried to get into Army aviation as a warrant officer. I found that once grounded...always grounded for medical reasons. Never mind that I could still pass a class I flight physical.

Consider flying outside the military, but continuing as a non-rated reservist. I did, and now have the gray area retiree benefits with pay and medical coming when I turn 60. The combination of an airline career and a non-rated military career is tough to beat. I had the normal IDT and annual training obligations without having to meet flight proficiency requirements in the militaryandthe airline. I also had more time with the family.

Good luck...fly safe!

KRAZO

Do like George W Bush did. have a super rich, well connected daddy get you in. Once in, feel free to get coked up on a regular basis, when you get caught - become President. It worked for him, it can work for you!

Blackhawk

About what I would expect from some one who has in their profile "NOT a Military-Welfare to Work Pilot." Don't think it helped the guy very much with his question.
By the way, I hardly consider wearing chicken plate, flight vest, and flying in an un-airconditioned cockpit when it's 130 degrees out while getting shot at "welfare". Or flying a jet to a pitching deck on a stormy night "welfare". Or any of the other military flying jobs. I have never given some one who came through the civilian track grief. I've been there as well (flight instructing, 135, 121), and both routes earn their way. But I take exception to the 15% of my flight class who augered in or bought it in combat being called "welfare"; or the unit from 3rd ID that lost 25% of their crews in combat being called a bunch of welfare cases. Or the captain I know who had her legs blown off by an RPG that hit her UH60 being called a "welfare case". Grow up.
Oh, to anwer the question, you may have a shot with the Army, either active duty or Guard/Reserve. Put a positive spin on what you have learned from your past, and show with your civilian flying what you can accomplish.

Blackhawk

KRAZO-
Here is a good website so you can look at the faces of some of those "Military-welfare to work" types you refer to.
http://www.armyaircrews.com/

rickair7777

I think I have some insight on our boy K...

Reading his post took me back to when I was a junior SOCOM groundpounder, and a senior operator explained our relation with the regular forces...

1) Those who can do.
2) Those who can't don't.
3) Those who are afraid, badmouth those who can.

I suspect #3 applies.