Pilot Selection Process

Hey all, I have a question about the tbas scoring structure after reading and hearing about some of the pcsm scores people ended up with. For some disclosure I have a 99 pilot score, 55 flight hours (so in the 41-60 bracket), and currently have a 75 pcsm. My 201+ score is 91 and I am retaking the tbas next week. Using some extrapolation I figure I have 8 points to gain if I max the tbas. However, I've been noticing some scores that have been posted that don't align with this (i.e. someone with an 83 pcsm with less than 20 hours). If I were in the same hour bracket that would put me at a 67 which is a 16 point difference, significantly more than the 8 points I figure I hav…

Is it odd that the board still has not been announced for Jan 2015? I thought I read before that they have to announce the board at least 6 months prior the board meeting. Last year it was announced on 14 August and the year before was in June or July. It's almost September and still no board. Is that a sign it might not happen?

I am applying for OTS. Instead of paying off my CC's I have taken advantage of low interest offers (I have not payed a dollar in balance transfer fees). I have about 18,000 in debt on which I am paying an average of 2.5% interest. In various accounts I have 25,000 in assets. IE: stocks and bonds. I have never been late for a credit card payment. Could this have a negative impact on my OTS application. Obviously I could pay off my debt tomorrow but I choose not to as I believe I can earn more than 2.5% on my investments.

So I am heavily considering getting a dog from a local rescue. It is something I have wanted to do for sometime, and the exact dog I've been looking for was brought into a local shelter recently. I commission in August from AFROTC, and EAD sometime this fall to Vance AFB. However, I've been told I likely won't start UPT until next spring (some of my classmates who commissioned in April have a set date of UPT starting in Feb. Considering I don't commission until August, my NCO's are betting my training dates won't start until after theirs). My big question is: how feasible is it to have a pet while at UPT? I know they aren't allowed in the dorms. The dog is already alm…

I put together a simulator that is based on the requirements of the TBAS. Now I have taken the TBAS twice and have no use for it any longer so I am looking to sell it. The setup consists of a Thrustmaster Cougar joystick and throttle mounted to a plate and CH Pro pedals. The pedals are the exact ones used for the TBAS. The joystick is the same one that used to be used for the TBAS but some locations have switched to the Thrustmaster Warthog which is very similar. Additionally, I wrote a game that is very close to the first couple of sections of the TBAS. The game has two windows, one for tracking in 2D with the joystick and another for tracking 1D with the pedals. The dif…

Recently spoke with the 14 FTW Commander here at Columbus, and figured I'd disseminate what he told me for all you T-44 hopefuls out there. He said the last class to get T-44s will be Class 12-14 here at CAFB, and 12-15 at the other bases. Thought I'd let everyone know what he said.

Howdy, all. I'm planning to get a PPL this coming summer. From what I understand, the minimum flight hours needed to earn it is 40 hours, but the flight school has told me that can be rare depending on how quickly I learn. They say the average time that people have spent in the cockpit is 50 hours or more. Do any of you pilots have any advice on how to better prepare for the flights so that I could maybe learn faster and perform better? In addition, the reason I am going for a PPL is to gain the pilot knowledge and flight time so that when I retake the AFOQT next year, I can get higher scores on the pilot and navigator sections before reapplying the second time for OT…

I took the AFOQT last year and did really well in my Pilot (93) but sucked in every other category (44-Nav, 36-Academic, 28-Verbal and 47- quantitive). I studied for the test using some test prep books and the online practice questions but still managed to underestimate it and score poorly. The hardest part of the test for me was the first 3 sections (Verbal Analogies, Arithmetic Reasoning, and Word Knowledge) I can guarantee that these were the sections that destroyed my scores because everything else seemed relatively easy. The two verbal sections I screwed up on because of my lack of vocabulary and the time constraint. The Arithmetic Reasoning section I scored poorly p…

Hey guys, I was looking at the past couple PSDM announcements for the UFT boards. On last year's PSDM, it said this: B. All applicants who meet eligibility requirements as defined in AFI 36-2205 may apply. However, opportunities may be limited or restricted for some rated applicants in critical weapon systems in order to maintain acceptable operational manning levels. Applicants must meet all other eligibility criteria to apply for UFT. Pilot, CSO, ABM and RPA Pilot Training Applicants: Date of Birth after 1 Apr 1984 (max age 30). Total Federal Commissioned Service Date (TFCSD) after 1 Apr 2009. Does that mean for the last board you had to commission af…

I've been speaking with an Army recruiter with aspirations of being an aviator. He mentionned options of being either a Warrant Officer or a Commissioned Officer. I'm not too sure what the difference is other than the WOffs earn less and are promoted less often. But, there has to be more to it than that. Does anyone have any advice on which to choose? Thank you! [ 17. July 2005, 21:52: Message edited by: BUFF52 ]

I recently talked to my hometown reserve unit, the 419th FW and they told me that its very difficult to get picked up for UPT if you're already in a active duty career field. I was just wondering if it would be extremely difficult for me to get a UPT slot if I'm in Acquisitions for a year.

I'm leaning towards trying the Guard to get a fighter unit but I was told by an active duty recruiter I have a great shot at getting a pilot slot for OTS. A few years ago, I remember talking to an airline pilot who said he knew a guy that was able to get guarantee a T-38 slot through OTS/Active Duty. I'm assuming this means he got ENJJPT. Is it possible to do this? I really want a fighter slot. If I don't get a guard one, Active Duty is my backup option. But I would consider this.

I (along with everyone else) hope to join the AF and become a fighter pilot within the next couple years and was wondering if it is worth getting a glider pilot's license or a PPL. A few family members keep encouraging me to go for the glider because it has the "fighter feel" (granted, I don't think any of them know what the "fighter feel" is). The other side of the coin is that a PPL would give me a much more traditional flying experience. I have 0 flight hours but I did take an aerobatic glider flight which I really enjoyed. Thank you for the help.

Saw this on Reddit. If I'm interpreting it correctly you no longer need an ETP if you are under 33 and 8 years TFCS

I hold a PPL and as such was required to get a third class medical. However, as someone interested in pursuing a career in military aviation I understand I'm going to have to pass more rigorous physical test and screenings. Would getting a first class medical prior to any board dates/interviews be worthwhile? I suppose it would at least show I can past the more strenuous civilian tests.

Greetings, The 167th Airlift Squadron, located at the Eastern West Virginia Regional Airport (KMRB), is accepting application packages from applicants interested in attending Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training (SUPT). All pertinent information can be found at the following link: https://www.167aw.ang...reers/index.asp If you have any additional questions after reading the word document on this site, feel free to post questions here. Mr Bum

I have looked through multiple posts here and have a pretty clear understanding of the types of potential questions asked at an interview for a Guard/AFR Base. One that has stood out is "What are your career goals once you return to drill status?" Why do ask this specific question? Are they expecting most people to say "work for the airlines"? Assuming you were selected off the streets and were previously working your regular day job, you could just return to work at said job under the protection of USERRA. Do they want their pilots to work in a pilot related field even when not on guard duty? Is that how they stay current? I don't work in aviation cur…

Rumor control: I heard that active duty pulled (not sure how long ago) all of the 2020 UPT slots allocated for the ANG. Looking to see if anyone knows if that's true or not.

I'm wondering because more than likely I won't be able to take the AFOQT until April 13th. I've been trying to take this test since last year and I've been on a waiting list since June. (The testing location only allows 6 tests every few months). I was called today and told April 13th was the earliest they could get me in. I'm going to take it for now and keep trying ROTC units. The reason I ask is my top unit choice's application deadline is April 20th. When I took the ASVAB years ago, it took the MEPS center over a week to send my scores to my recruiter. Is the AFOQT the same?

Just wondering if there is a specific way that letters of intent/cover letters and letters of recommendation should be addressed when applying to guard units. For example, should it be addressed the the squadron vs the wing? Any info would be much appreciated!

Hello! I have been interested in fighters for a while, I'll be fresh into highschool soon, what can I do to prepare and get a slot? Thanks! 🙂

My boy wants to be a pilot (god help me), and trying to get some current information but I am obviously MANY years removed from the process. He has the grades and other resume items and we have been told he will likely get a nom to USAFA next year, obviously still has to be selected. He has a lot of schools chasing him including two Ivy league schools (MIT and Brown), which is where I would prefer he go but I don't want to selfish and want him to have the best chance at achieving his dream. I did ROTC and was the only dude in my class that got a UPT slot, the year prior they had six fall out slots and were literally walking down the hall asking the seniors if anyon…

Stuff

Hey guys, is it true there are two more boards this year? A guy in my squadron told me that and I can't find it anywhere. I called the boards number on the PCSM website, but it just went to a major's voicemail in assignments.

Gents, I'm talking to a recruiter about becoming a pilot for the USAF. He told me that my eligibility for UPT could be considered without committing to the USAF. This seems a little too good to be true. Anybody know if he's exaggerating or just flat out lying? (I meet all requirements of becoming an officer). Thanks Leon