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Path to becomming a Navy Pilot

S

SailingSkyHawk

Observer
Hey all,

I need some info.

I've been thinking about serving in the Navy or the Airforce for a while now. I'm leaning toward the Navy - but there's a catch. My vision sucks. I went to some top doctors who told me I am a perfect candidate for lasik, PRK and some new procedure called Lasek or something like that... that uses wave something technology. Supposedly it's the best they've got. The docs said my eye tissue was so thick I'd have no problem getting better than 20/20 vision.

So that's issue one: Does the Navy allow pilots with surgically corrected vision?

Issue two: I'm 6'2 (6'1 if I cheat), what are the height requirements?

Issue three: Is it easier to get in to the Navy Pilot program by becomming a naval officer and doing your thing in the Navy somewhere else for one or two years, or should you just go for the gold immediately? I ask this question because if I'm allowed to get corrected vision I'd probably have to work for a year or so as a Naval office in some other capacity to pay for the stupid thing. Would that hurt me? and in that case would it be better to get a civilian job first, get the surgery and then apply and do this all in one shot?

Issue Four: I'm 24, what's the cap on age?

Other than those issues and a few I can't remember right now I think I'd be in good shape. I grew up on the water, sailing, swimming, boating and all that fun stuff, I did well in college, I've already got my pilot's license and I'm a damn good pilot. It all kinda clicks. I take it that it's not easy to get to be a Navy pilot but with my background (and given all those other issues) think I've got a fair shot? How many candidates get accepted?

What happens if you don't? Can you reapply?

Thanks
 
shotcalla10

shotcalla10

what percent of RL officers get jets?
Issue 1: You can get PRK.
Issue 2: Your height won't be a problem, cheating will be a problem.
Issue 3: You HAVE to be a naval officer first. So talk to an officer recruiter and submit an Officer Package and apply for Student Naval Aviator and/or Student Naval Flight Officer. If you get selected, you'll have to goto OCS first before they send you to Flight school.
Issue 4: You have to be commissioned as an Officer before age 26, so get the ball rolling.

Issue 5: use the search function.
 
BourneID

BourneID

Member
pilot
1. You should search, almost all these topics have been covered.
2. Is your Bachelors Degree complete?
3. You have a better chance of paying for your eyes on credit, than joining the Navy, waiting to get your eyes fixed, and then being accepted into a pilot slot.
 
S

SailingSkyHawk

Observer
BourneID said:
1. You should search, almost all these topics have been covered.
2. Is your Bachelors Degree complete?
3. You have a better chance of paying for your eyes on credit, than joining the Navy, waiting to get your eyes fixed, and then being accepted into a pilot slot.
Click to expand...

1. Thanks, I noticed after I posted.

2. Yea I graduated with a 3.1 cum

3. - Thanks, that's a useful answer. I'll continue with what I'm doing. I don't do credit, and in a few months I'll have enough money. I've got a pretty decent job right now, basically I'm saving up for the eye surgery then I'm off to the recruitor to get the necessities out of the way.
 
shotcalla10

shotcalla10

what percent of RL officers get jets?
bunk22 said:
Well, what are you waiting for then!! The Navy's looking for damn good pilots :icon_smil
Click to expand...

we dont accept applications. only commitments. oops, nvm... that's the Marines. Navy probably only accepts damn good pilots.

bourne, type faster next time :D
 
S

SailingSkyHawk

Observer
shotcalla10 said:
Issue 3: You HAVE to be a naval officer first. So talk to an officer recruiter and submit an Officer Package and apply for Student Naval Aviator and/or Student Naval Flight Officer. If you get selected, you'll have to goto OCS first before they send you to Flight school.
Click to expand...

Yea I'll shoot the recruiters Issue 3 next time I talk to em.

Thanks
 
FastMover

FastMover

NFO
None
EDIT:^^^wow, you guys are fast

The answers to most of your questions can be found using the Forum's search function, but I'll hit the high points.

Yes, the Navy does allow thier pilots/pilot applicants to have corrective eye surgery. Right now PRK is the only one that is waiverable. I had it done last Spring and went from 20/200 to 20/15. You will need to have it done before you apply for pilot (NFOs can wear corrective lenses).

When you apply for OCS you select three designators that you're interested in (you don't have to list three...if you only want pilot then you only list pilot). After OCS you go to flight training. You can't really work at another job while you save money for the eye surgery like you said.

Search around the site and you will find a lot more info. If you have any other specific questions feel free to ask!
 
S

SailingSkyHawk

Observer
FastMover said:
EDIT:^^^wow, you guys are fast

The answers to most of your questions can be found using the Forum's search function, but I'll hit the high points.

Yes, the Navy does allow thier pilots/pilot applicants to have corrective eye surgery. Right now PRK is the only one that is waiverable. I had it done last Spring and went from 20/200 to 20/15. You will need to have it done before you apply for pilot (NFOs can wear corrective lenses).

When you apply for OCS you select three designators that you're interested in (you don't have to list three...if you only want pilot then you only list pilot). After OCS you go to flight training. You can't really work at another job while you save money for the eye surgery like you said.

Search around the site and you will find a lot more info. If you have any other specific questions feel free to ask!
Click to expand...

That seems like the conventional wisdom around here - I'm gonna go fishing through some of these threads and figure some stuff out.

Thanks again folks.
 
shotcalla10

shotcalla10

what percent of RL officers get jets?
SailingSkyHawk said:
They have to accept damn good pilots. Who else do they expect to land on those moving postage stamps?
Click to expand...

I got accepted with 2 hours of cessna time under my belt which is nothing. Many on this site don't have prior flying experience. But I guarantee you that they have heart, heart, heart... oh and a college degree =P
 
S

SailingSkyHawk

Observer
shotcalla10 said:
I got accepted with 2 hours of cessna time under my belt which is nothing. Many on this site don't have prior flying experience. But I guarantee you that they have heart, heart, heart... oh and a college degree =P
Click to expand...

So I take it the 2 hours in a Cessna was a different echelon from what you're doing now eh?

My pilots license might put me in some decent shape then. I've been flying since I was 14... and I've got the college degree. Just gotta get those eyes fixed and I'm set. Frankly I'm in better shape than I thought.
 
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