jbizon

I have met with an officer recruiter with the Navy. I'm about to start my application process.

I have a Bachelors degree in Aviation Flight Science with a 3.08 GPA from Western Michigan University. I also have my Multi-engine and Single Engine Commercial Pilot's license with Instrument rating. 1100 HRS Total Time in fixed wing aircraft and have been flying for 5 yrs.

Just wondering if anyone out there has any idea how competitive i am with my experience background. And what chance I have of making it through the OCS/Flight training programs with the Navy and getting to fly the aircraft I choose (it doesn't matter what I fly, something with at least 2 engines would be preferred and NO HELO's)

Thanks for your input.

Dirtdiver

Take a look at AFRES and Guard units in your area. The application process takes longer (usually) and requires more schmoozing. But you know what airplane you're going to. Some Reserve and Guard pilots got more time per month than I did on active duty.
Before you leap into the Navy, find out what the ratio of aviators getting helos are.

Good luck

USMCFLYR

[QUOTE]
Congrats. You have started down the road to an exciting career. You'll get a lot of advice on this forum to look into the ANG and AF Reserves. If you want to go AD Navy (or any service) - go for it!

Pretty good credentials. The flight training will certainly help initially and I wouldn't be too worried about making it through Primary flight training with that background, but all bets are off for intermediate and advanced.
I don't know how competitive you are for the OCS program. The requirements go up and down based on the needs of the service. The best you can do is apply and then hang on for the ride.

Well good luck with the getting to fly the aircraft that you choose because a lot of that is not in your control. The best advice there is do the best that you possibly can and put yourself in the ebst position to have a choice - or at a say in the choice. Again - needs of the service is the number 1 priority. As far as flying something with two engines - well....focus on getting through the single engine T-34/T-6 and then if you get jets making it through the single engine T-45 and THEN you can fly something with TWO engines (right up until the time that you find yourself in the F-35 conducting blue water ops )

Best of luck to you!

USMCFLYR

UAL T38 Phlyer

I agree with Dirt.

I've been teaching (Air Force) students for 9+ years in the T-38. With your background, and a positive attitude (ie, ready to study and devote yourself whole-heartedly for a year), your odds of graduating are excellent.

In the Navy, your odds of getting a Helo are also excellent. This has been covered in this forum before, but about 45-50% of all Navy guys end up in Helos; in the Air Force it is probably less than 10%. It's just numbers: the Navy has at least 1500 helicopters; the Air Force has 120-200 by my estimate. Each chopper takes two pilots; a fighter takes one. The Air Force has about 1700 fighter or attack aircraft.

It used to be that the Guard or Reserve was a safe bet--you knew the airplane and the location for your whole career. Not any more..BRAC closes bases or changes their airplanes on a regular basis.

Finally, the sad truth today with the high cost of combat and an un-ending supply of enemies is that UAVs are a possibility in either service. The Air Force is going to give 10% of all graduates a UAV as their first assignment (starting this month); I believe the Navy either has or is going to a similar policy.

Scroll this forum and you'll find all has been covered before. Hope this helps. Good luck--the Air Force has still been the best career decision I ever made.