brabus

The pilot license doesn't matter at all for getting a slot in ROTC, but if you can finish up in 10 hrs or so, just get it done. Plus, the more hours you get, the more "air sense" you'll have...it can only help you.

We did both our class patch and friday patch through Progressive Specialties. You can email them at sales(at)progspec(dot)com. They do great quality work and their prices are pretty descent. He's also very accommodating...i.e. we only wanted 35 friday patches and he did it for us (there's only 6 of us, so no need for the usual number). I couldn't find one company other than progressive that would let us do that. Give them an email, you won't be disappointed w/ the quality, price or their genuine care about the customer (unlike several companies I've dealt w/ in the recent past...where has customer service gone?).

Work on basic flying...holding it level, turns, descents/climbs/level offs, pattern and landings, etc. Those are what you'll start with anyways and that's what will build a good base for something like IFS. As much as you can, get used to how radio comm goes. Not much you do at your local airport will emulate IFS, UPT, etc. but the more you can fly at a towered airport the better. The comm "overload" will actually make you better. Do all those things and see if you can get 15 hrs in and solo possibly. That would be a great boost going into IFS.