Just looking for a little advice from people who know more than me on applying for a pilot slot in the USAFR.

I graduated from Purdue a few years ago and commissioned through ROTC. I wanted to apply for a pilot slot a year before I graduated, but my eyes kept me from being PPQ. At the time, the only approved eye correction was PRK, but getting that done would have put me on medical recheck status for a year, meaning I was unable to apply for a pilot slot while in ROTC.

That being said, I've been a TR since commissioning, and am considering trying to apply for a pilot slot again, only this time I'm looking at the reserve, not active duty.

I'm looking for some feedback on my competitiveness, advice on the correct questions to ask the appropriate people, and how to go about getting vision correction without DQing myself. I'd also go for Nav.

Vision - 20/200, PCSM 93, PFT 93, Undergrad GPA 3.6, Grad GPA 2.8
TT - 950/65
Commercial SEL/MEL
CFI, CFII, MEI
Will be typed LRJet by July/August

 

I'd say you are probably as competitive as the next guy, especially since you are already commissioned. The only obstacle will be your vision issue. There are waivers for everything out there, and people have definitely gotten waivers with vision comparable to yours. I know that they recently started allowing Lasik as long as you take the Air Force's measures in getting it done. In other words, a flight surgeon has to recommend it, and then the procedure must be done where they want you to do it. I know that if you just go and do it yourself, you'll be DQ'd without any chance of a waiver.
You'll have an easier time with waivers if you have a unit backing you. So, I'd be applying at every unit out there that you can. Once a unit is willing to sponsor you, they'll help get the ball rolling. While trying to get your name in the hat at every unit out there, I'd be working on getting a Class 1 flying physical. So go talk to your local flight surgeon. A unit may be a little hesitant about picking a guy up, when he may not be medically qualified. So, it's gonna be hard to tell you what the outcome will be until you jump in with both feet.
The key to success here is going to be persistence.

Good Luck

 

Say wha? When I went to Brooks back in 2006, they were giving waivers up to 20/200 as long as everything else was good to go. Why were you not PPQ?

Dude, go for it your numbers look great. The only thing that may hurt you is being a boilermaker....haha j/k bro...but no seriously! Don't let anyone tell you that you can't do it. If one flight doc says no....find another one! That's the only reason I am here today!

Get on baseops and look in the medical section. Just do some searching before posting, some of those guys get their panties in a bunch if you don't do a search first. There are tons of threads on vision. There are a few flight docs and I believe one of the mods (screen name P27:17) works at brooks. They should be able to answer your questions.

Baseops Forums -> Aviation Medicine

Goodluck brosef!

 

My best advice is find a unit you would like to join. Learn everything you can about that unit. Get to know the members of the unit. Go visit that unit until you drive them crazy -- even if you become the squadron joke. The more persistent you are, the likely you'll get hired by them.

Once they decide to hire you, they will send you to UPT assuming you meet the medical qualifications.

 

Thanks for the feedback fellas.

One more question. If I were to consider switching to active duty, I believe the process is to get selected for a slot, then also arrange to have the reserve issue a conditional release. I think the process is supposed to be done through a local officer accessions recruiter. Is this correct overall?

Thanks.

 

Waivers for eyes....wow how times have changed....

Gof for it.... good luck.