44 replies to this topic

[davoos15]

Hi. I have read other information about incentive/orientation rides on this site and elsewhere, but I'm rather confused by the varying answers. I'm definitely interested in getting an incentive ride through Air Force ROTC (who wouldn't be?), but I'm confused how, or even if, this is possible. Some people seem to say it's as easy as calling a base that has fighters and scheduling rides, while others say that you need to get papers signed and that you have to be very lucky and at the right place at the right time.

So, my question is this: is it possible for me to get an incentive ride (not surprisingly, I'd really love to get one in a fighter, but I probably shouldn't be picky) through Air Force ROTC, and if so, how would I go about it? I live in California, and the only fighter wing of which I'm aware that's in CA is the ANG unit based out of Fresno, and they only have F-16Cs. However, I'd definitely be willing to travel a ways for an opportunity to get a ride (maybe to Nellis or something?).

Thank you very much in advance!

Edited by davoos15, 04 April 2012 - 12:06 AM.

[Rainman A-10]

davoos15, on 03 April 2012 - 11:58 PM, said:

However, I'd definitely be willing to travel a ways for an opportunity to get a ride (maybe to Nellis or something?).

Nellis is a great call.

The USAF Arial Demonstration Squadron is tasked to provide incentive rides for ROTC cadets. They give rides most days on a space available basis so you can't call and make a reservation but if you show up between 0700-0800 you should be able to get a ride.

Good luck.

[Mav09]

davoos15, on 03 April 2012 - 11:58 PM, said:

Hi. I have read other information about incentive/orientation rides on this site and elsewhere, but I'm rather confused by the varying answers. I'm definitely interested in getting an incentive ride through Air Force ROTC (who wouldn't be?), but I'm confused how, or even if, this is possible. Some people seem to say it's as easy as calling a base that has fighters and scheduling rides, while others say that you need to get papers signed and that you have to be very lucky and at the right place at the right time.

So, my question is this: is it possible for me to get an incentive ride (not surprisingly, I'd really love to get one in a fighter, but I probably shouldn't be picky) through Air Force ROTC, and if so, how would I go about it? I live in California, and the only fighter wing of which I'm aware that's in CA is the ANG unit based out of Fresno, and they only have F-16Cs. However, I'd definitely be willing to travel a ways for an opportunity to get a ride (maybe to Nellis or something?).

Thank you very much in advance!

Yes, it is possible. However, unless your detachment already has a system in place for getting incentive rides, I wouldn't call a squadron directly. You're a cadet.

[Wolf424]

Unless you own a brewery...I wouldn't hold your breath trying to score one on your own.

[Dupe]

You should just email a CAF squadron directly. Ask Toro about the correct format for your letter.

[Flatley]

davoos15, on 03 April 2012 - 11:58 PM, said:

Some people seem to say it's as easy as calling a base that has fighters and scheduling rides

Since you seem to have trouble telling if someone is screwing with you, here's a protip: Someone is always screwing with you. (I don't blame you, I blame California).

The only way to get a ride through ROTC is through the detachment, and that's only going to happen if you've been there for 3 or 4 years. If you get lucky, they'll go on a base visit or something and some slots will be available. Our det went to Whiteman this year and some of the pilot-selects got T-38 rides. That's a rare occurrence though, gas is expensive and cadets aren't worth it.

So don't do ROTC for the incentive rides. That shit's for non-flyers anyway, I can wait my turn.

[Masshole]

Drive to your closest municipal airport and they will let you dick around in the sky for an hour. It will cost you around $170. If you tell them you are in ROTC, they might shave some money off. Going this route, you actually get to fly the majority of the time and you are not bothering any AD pilots.

[theSituation]

When was in ROTC I was able to set up an incentive ride on a KC-135. I know it sounds boring, but they were up in order to gas up some F-22s. Pretty rad.

The trick was to ask my cadre if it was cool if I set it up, and also to tell them that everyone had the opportunity to go on the ride.

[davoos15]

Dupe, on 04 April 2012 - 10:41 AM, said:

You should just email a CAF squadron directly. Ask Toro about the correct format for your letter.

I will do this. Thanks for the tip.

Flatley, on 04 April 2012 - 11:19 AM, said:

Since you seem to have trouble telling if someone is screwing with you, here's a protip: Someone is always screwing with you. (I don't blame you, I blame California).

The only way to get a ride through ROTC is through the detachment, and that's only going to happen if you've been there for 3 or 4 years. If you get lucky, they'll go on a base visit or something and some slots will be available. Our det went to Whiteman this year and some of the pilot-selects got T-38 rides. That's a rare occurrence though, gas is expensive and cadets aren't worth it.

So don't do ROTC for the incentive rides. That shit's for non-flyers anyway, I can wait my turn.

I'm not doing ROTC just for the rides, I'm doing it to try to become an officer in the Air Force. However, if I can take advantage of this opportunity, I want to. I'm not going to drop out of AFROTC if my chances of getting a ride are slim to none, though. Thanks for the 'protip...'

theSituation, on 04 April 2012 - 11:29 AM, said:

When was in ROTC I was able to set up an incentive ride on a KC-135. I know it sounds boring, but they were up in order to gas up some F-22s. Pretty rad.

The trick was to ask my cadre if it was cool if I set it up, and also to tell them that everyone had the opportunity to go on the ride.

I would definitely enjoy any aircraft. That sounds awesome. Thanks for the tip!

[rancormac]

This is going to be epic

[davoos15]

rancormac, on 04 April 2012 - 12:10 PM, said:

This is going to be epic

Well, I suppose this means I should start preparing myself to get ripped apart on here.

[Masshole]

davoos15, on 04 April 2012 - 12:59 PM, said:

Well, I suppose this means I should start preparing myself to get ripped apart on here.

You should have used the search function. Toro hates that and might be less willing to help with your incentive ride.

[davoos15]

Masshole, on 04 April 2012 - 01:13 PM, said:

You should have used the search function. Toro hates that and might be less willing to help with your incentive ride.

My reasoning for posting this was not because I hadn't read the other similar topics, it was because it seemed as though a lot of the answers were conflicting with each other and that a clear conclusion was never reached. I'm just trying to explain myself. However, I apologize then. I guess I'm still not used to the rules of forum posting.

Edited by davoos15, 04 April 2012 - 01:31 PM.

[Striper_WSO]

Are there any hot, female cadets in your Detachment? If so, provide pics and I am sure someone on this board will set you up with something. Best of luck.

[Rainman A-10]

davoos15, on 04 April 2012 - 12:59 PM, said:

Well, I suppose this means I should start preparing myself to get ripped apart

Gross.

This isn't prison and you're perfectly safe from that...unless you're trying to get a ride in an Eagle.

[rico]

davoos15, on 04 April 2012 - 01:31 PM, said:

My reasoning for posting this was not because I hadn't read the other similar topics, it was because it seemed as though a lot of the answers were conflicting with each other and that a clear conclusion was never reached. I'm just trying to explain myself. However, I apologize then. I guess I'm still not used to the rules of forum posting.

it's cool man, masshole feels entitled to fvck with you even though she is like one AS class ahead of you.

But anyway our det had some awesome luck with rides. We never asked though. Our cadre set all of them up. It was timing and luck. Some cadets got herc and tanker rides and a few dudes got fighter rides. But for fighters they were upperclassman and had a chamber card, flight physical, and TS. They also had to do some traveling on their own dime. Work with your cadre to set something up for the whole det, I wouldn't go about setting it up by yourself.

Rainman A-10, on 04 April 2012 - 03:18 PM, said:

Gross.

This isn't prison and you're perfectly safe from that...unless you're trying to get a ride in an Eagle.

i got a ride in an eagle :/

Edited by rico, 04 April 2012 - 04:24 PM.

[Fuzz]

Masshole, on 04 April 2012 - 01:13 PM, said:

You should have used the search function. Toro hates that and might be less willing to help with your incentive ride.

Google works great also or the AF E-publishing website. Second "Pro tip" the AF publishes all this stuff, third "pro tip" most if not all AFROTC regulations start with AFROTCI 36-XXXX.

The reg you are looking for is AFROTCI 36-2010

13.2 Authorization for Orientation Flights.
13.2.1. The detachment commander is the designated authority to approve orientation flights for cadets, applicants, and institutional officials IAW AFI 11-401, Aviation Management, Table 1.1, line 14 and the AETC Supplement to AFI 11-401, paragraph 1.9.4.7.1.6.3. NOTE: Cadets under legal age (18 years in most states) require parental approval in writing.

Now I do know some buddies who called a squadron who they had heard gives incentive rides for a donation to the squadron bar, got their availability and then went to the Det/CC. Technique only, I don't know your Det/CC so that's your call.

[Sondecker]

Mav09, on 04 April 2012 - 09:34 AM, said:

I wouldn't call a squadron directly. You're a cadet.

A-f***ing-men

[Danny Noonin]

Sondecker, on 04 April 2012 - 08:03 PM, said:

A-f***ing-men

Nice one Georgie