Airline Pilot Central Forums - Air National Guard or Air Force Reserve?

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Quote:

Originally Posted by PRS Guitars (Post 1715190)

Yes, it's possible. It's possible that the test was performed wrong, or it might be waiverable. The doctors and techs don't care at all if you pass or fail a test. You're just a number to them. You are your only advocate (and maybe your unit if Guard).

During my first flight physical before going to OTS (not the MEPs physical) I failed an eyesight test. I was devastated but did some research, got ahold of the AFI for the test (thanks to baseops.net and Dr Google).

The tech had performed the test incorrectly. All my recruiter cared about was trying to get me to accept another job. I asked him to set up another test. On the second test I was very prepared, I knew the exact range of acceptable numbers and how the test should be performed.

This time an AF eye Doctor performed the test. He also performed the test wrong. I pointed out his mistake and he read ministered the test. When he got the results he said "you failed". I asked him "what were the numbers?". He said "it doesn't matter there terrible". "What were the numbers" I asked again. He gave me the numbers and they were within limits for my age range. I pointed this out and he said "well I guess you passed, but these numbers are terrible". "Yeah, well I passed and that's what matters".

Bottom line, if I hadn't pushed this myself I wouldn't have gotten in. I've met lots of people who say "I wanted to be an Air Force pilot, but couldn't because of x problem" usually the problem they had wasn't really an issue, but I don't point that out unless they are young and still have a shot. The difference between them an me is that I didn't accept the "no" until I had exhausted all options.

Again, nobody cares about these tests as much as you do, so you have to fight for yourself.

I'm sure this wasn't your intent as your message but I'd also prefer it if my country's pilots flying our most expensive military aircraft aren't ones finding loop holes to get past poor medical condition/eyesight.

Quote:

Originally Posted by evamodel00 (Post 1715207)

Reread the post.

I didn't find a "loophole". The test was administered incorrectly...twice. All I did was point that out to the doctor. When I retested, I tested within the correct range (in other words I passed). The whole point is that mistakes happen and it's up to you (the applicant) to catch them and correct them.

The test was for accommodation by the way, which has to do with how close to your eyes you can focus. This is not a test that you'd ever see at an FAA exam. My vision at the time was 20/10 and is now about 20/20 (though I think I will need reading glasses soon).

I'm convinced 1/3 of the pilots in the Air Force at some point had to challenge the Flight Surgeon kingdom to get/retain their jobs. There are a lot of Junior Varsity players in medical that don't know their own regs and do their jobs with minimal competence. I had a similar story as well...D-Bag flight surgeon told me I can challenge the results but I would never be an Air Force pilot. I think about that moron every day I put on a Flight Suit.

Quote:

Originally Posted by evamodel00 (Post 1715207)

Few of these regs exist to preserve our "expensive" aircraft. The bulk of the regs serve as an arbitrary weeding-out. When short on pilots, the regs suddenly relax. Most of us are flying airliners painted gray with "USAF" slapped on the side. The Astronaut Physical should be for actual astronauts.

Air Guard first choice, then Reserves, then Active Duty. But definitely Guard if you have a choice.

+1

For every Air Force rule there is an equal and opposite Guard waiver.

For every Air Force rule there are at least two more Air Force Reserve rules

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tweetdrvr (Post 1715814)

+1

For every Air Force rule there is an equal and opposite Guard waiver.

For every Air Force rule there are at least two more Air Force Reserve rules

Now that's funny...and probably true!

Admit nothing, make them find the problem.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ClarenceOver (Post 1714873)

stop cotemplating the military for 12-14 years of your life. get the cfi and be done with it in 4.

Yeah, rack up that 150k in debt for s&$@ pay flying crappy routes for many years or fly all over the world, get paid for tons of time off, oh and get better training for pay! And then double dip for 20 years. Really a No brainer, go all ATP's! Republic is within reach!!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hank Burley (Post 1736284)

Double Dip? Could you work for both the airlines and guard the whole time? for 20 years ? how is that possible? what about legacy ? how can you work at the guard and then get hired at a legacy?

Quote:

Originally Posted by teamflyer (Post 1861716)

Double Dip? Could you work for both the airlines and guard the whole time? for 20 years ? how is that possible? what about legacy ? how can you work at the guard and then get hired at a legacy?

Yes you can work for guard/reserve and any airline concurrently for as long as the military will let you stay (20-30 years, assuming you get promoted enough). Legally, airlines have to release you for practically all military duty, and in the grand scheme of things airlines are a lot more flexible than most other employers.