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Idontknownanything

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Posts posted by Idontknownanything

    Upcoming Boards

    in Air National Guard / Air Force Reserves

    Posted · Edited by Idontknownanything

    Might not be the best place to ask, but would anyone mind chatting with me quick about the process for grabbing a reserve (both unsponsored and sponsored) slot? I've primarily focused ANG and have a good grasp on that process, but I'm still wondering about the reserve process. Appreciate any insight. I'm a non-prior, btw.

    Private Pilot License

    in Pilot Selection Process

    Posted · Edited by Idontknownanything

    Exactly what document was the source of that quote?  I can't verify statistics, but that number seems overly pessimistic to me.  I recall tracking several rated boards a few years ago and the pilot selects ran about a 50/50 ratio for PPL or no PPL. 

    However, I will state that in my opinion a PPL is a very important factor in pilot slot selection, particularly in the middle of the field where everybody's package is pretty similar (that middle 60 or 70 percent).  The fewer the slots available, the more critical it becomes as a determining factor as the number of available slots gets eaten up by the top 20%.

    Yea seems like another hump in the application process that's there to separate those who really *want* it versus those who think it's just cool or w/e their reason may be. That being said, it is an obvious sign of interest and commitment to the field so get it if you can, you might learn more about yourself and what you really want to do along the road. For me obtaining my PPL is what really triggered my pursuit of flying with the military. Before, flying for the military just seemed like a childhood dream.

    • Upvote 1

    Got my PCSM score, do I still stand a chance?

    in What Are My Chances?

    Posted

    Hey, I am johnny and am a Mechanical Engineer at a top 5 engineering university with a 2.9 gpa.

    I scored a 99 on pilot, 99 on nav, 98 on aptitude, 88 on verbal and 97 on quantitative.

    I have 54 flight hours and my PPL, which I got in 43.  My PCSM score is an 80, but I plan to push 80 hours before the board which will raise my PCSM score to an 88.

    I am an eagle scout, active triathlete, Vice President of our schools entrepreneurship agency and a bible study leader with the school's campus crusade within my fraternity.  I was the swimming state champion back to back in high school and captain our senior year.  I also am a member of Mensa and have worked the past two summers as an operations/engineering intern for a fortune 500 oil company, and before that I worked for a year and a half for a research lab where I helped design and assemble a navy sonar program.

    What do you guys think?

    Thanks,

    Johnny

    Hi Johnny.

    Standard Interview Questions

    in Air National Guard / Air Force Reserves

    Posted

    I was recently selected by a guard unit, and much of my success came from this thread alone. So, I thought I would return the favor.

    The board was made up of 5 pilots, ranging from Captain to Lt Col. The most important thing for them was how well we would fit in with their squadron, since our backgrounds/resumes were all outstanding and could get us to pilot training alone. Below are the interview questions:

    • Tell us about yourself.
    • Name these aircraft (15 or so, ranging from heavies to foreign fighters).
    • Favorite movie?
    • Why the interest in becoming a military aviator, other than it's a cool career?
    • What are the challenges of becoming an F-16 pilot, and how will you handle them?
    • Explain what you do for your civilian job (I am not in the aviation industry).
    • What would you do for a living after seasoning?
    • Favorite drink?
    • Do you own any guns?
    • Did you play any sports growing up? What was your favorite?
    • When was the last time you flew? What did you do?
    • Are you aware you will deploy?
    • Are you aware you may be tasked with gunning down an airliner and killing civilians?
    • When was a time your judgement was questioned?
    • Tell us about our mission/what we do.
    • Any questions or concerns for us?

    Where did you interview? If ya don't mind my asking.

    Washington DC

    in Squadron Bar

    Posted

    Not to change the subject, but anyone here fly in the 113th?

     

    As for living, I'm an Arlington native so it comes highly recommended. Affording it is a different story, however, there is affordable housing near the Columbia Pike and Route 50 (Arlington Blvd) sections. Only problem is you miss the proximity to metro (that's why it's affordable) and your saddled by 395 which sucks ass. Crystal city is good as well. I've taken metro to Andrews before back when the Joint Ops Airshows were more frequent and it seems reasonable. I think Alexandria is best at the moment for affordable living and comfort, not sure about public transportation options. 

    First Class Medical

    in Pilot Selection Process

    Posted · Edited by Idontknownanything

    A few guard units require a first class medical to apply so I guess it depends on your goals.

    I haven't seen it explicitly mentioned by the few units I've glanced at so I was unaware. That makes the decision easy. Thanks.

    First Class Medical

    in Pilot Selection Process

    Posted

    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. 

    Addressing past legal issues

    in Air National Guard / Air Force Reserves

    Posted

    I'm interested to hear thoughts on what might be the most effective way to demonstrate that my current character isn't indicative of my past mistakes. I intend to fully disclose my past legal troubles (2 separate underage drinking incidents when 18 and 20) on the AF Form 24 and to any who ask. I promptly did as I was instructed by the court without any issues (Community service and alcohol/abuse class) and put those incidents behind as lessons learned. I'm just hoping to get a chance to explain myself to the boards before I'm dismissed as an applicant because of those blemishes.

    I've graduated from a large university with a 3.5 GPA, hold a PPL, have volunteer experience, I am confident I can obtain some strong LORs, and above all have remained absolutely trouble free. What opportunities should I seek to demonstrate this to any potential boards? Cover Letter? Base Visits? Phone calls? Or do I just wait and hope they bring it up in the interview (If I'm so lucky to receive one) so I can truthfully tell them the difference it's made and strides I've taken to improve? Can I attach an addendum to my application highlighting these past events and what it's meant to me?

    I appreciate any insight.

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