Hello everyone! I'm fairly new to the site, but I've been enjoying the forums about my future as a Navy flyer. I'm posting because I'm in a bind and was hoping to get feedback from my fellow 'Air Warriors'. Here's my story:
I'm 25 (Will be 26 in less than a month) and have been trying to fly in the military since college graduation. I've jumped through just about every hoop imaginable trying to get a pilot slot. I tried the AF 3 times, ANG 3 times, and Army 2 times (VERY suprised with that one). So, I decided to beef up my resume by earning my Private Pilot's license and Master's Degree in Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle. After that, I decided to give it a final shot and go Navy. I picked SNA and NFO respectively. After the board, my recruiter called and congratulated me on getting selected for Aviator (and NFO)! I was soo excited! I finally made it as a pilot! Two months later, as I was waiting for my Final Select Letter, my recruiter called again and informed me that my visual acuity was not within limits! I was distraught. I didn't realize the Navy had stricter limits than the other branches. My vision is 20/70 and was within AF limits when I took the MEPs physical. That's why it was never an issue before. I know, it's my fault for not checking. I feel soo stupid. But now I am being 'forced' to switch to NFO. I understand that NFO is very prestigious and I would serve proudly if I take it, but I would like to explore all of my options before I give up the chance at being a Naval Aviator.
I came up with 3 options:
1. Get PRK ASAP. I haven't received my Final Select Letter yet, so I was wondering if I could get PRK, wait the 3 months and apply for the waiver before I report to OCS. I asked my recruiter about this and he discouraged me from doing it. He said something about a 9 month wait or something. Not sure what that's about because the NAMI site stated that one could apply for the waiver after 3 months. Another factor is my age. From my understanding, I would have to apply for flight school again no later than my 27th birthday. I'm cutting it VERY close if I were to do this option. Also, would it look bad on me at the next board to turn down NFO in an effort to reapply for pilot after PRK?
2. TAKE NFO WITH INTENTION TO APPLY FOR NFO TO PILOT PROGRAM: From what I have read online, this program is extremely competitive with many requirements such as not being over age 29 and completing a 2 year deployment for you apply. Again, this is also a time factor for me. Assuming I leave for OCS when I'm 26, graduate flight school at 27 1/2, and then completing a 2 year tour would put me at 29 1/2. Is this a reasonable assumption to make? If it is, I would only have one shot to get my pilot slot.
3. TAKE NFO AND APPLY FOR NAVAL TEST PILOT SCHOOL LATER IN MY CAREER: I browsed their website and couldn't find the requirements for applying. I know they take engineers, pilots, and NFOs, but what about cross transfers (NFO applying to be test pilot). It doesn't mention age either, so I'm hoping it is a later age in which I could apply.
For options 2 & 3, I would obviously have to get the surgery done before I apply to the programs. I know this is alot of information, but I've been losing sleep over this decision the past couple of nights. I applied for both positions because I would've been happy just being in the air. BUT, since I was originally picked for Pilot, I kind of feel that taking NFO is a consolation prize in this situation. I absolutely mean no disrespect to NFOs, but I just want to explore my options before I make a full commitment. Any feedback, suggestions, or comments would be greatly appreciated. Thanks alot everyone for your time.
I'm 25 (Will be 26 in less than a month) and have been trying to fly in the military since college graduation. I've jumped through just about every hoop imaginable trying to get a pilot slot. I tried the AF 3 times, ANG 3 times, and Army 2 times (VERY suprised with that one). So, I decided to beef up my resume by earning my Private Pilot's license and Master's Degree in Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle. After that, I decided to give it a final shot and go Navy. I picked SNA and NFO respectively. After the board, my recruiter called and congratulated me on getting selected for Aviator (and NFO)! I was soo excited! I finally made it as a pilot! Two months later, as I was waiting for my Final Select Letter, my recruiter called again and informed me that my visual acuity was not within limits! I was distraught. I didn't realize the Navy had stricter limits than the other branches. My vision is 20/70 and was within AF limits when I took the MEPs physical. That's why it was never an issue before. I know, it's my fault for not checking. I feel soo stupid. But now I am being 'forced' to switch to NFO. I understand that NFO is very prestigious and I would serve proudly if I take it, but I would like to explore all of my options before I give up the chance at being a Naval Aviator.
I came up with 3 options:
1. Get PRK ASAP. I haven't received my Final Select Letter yet, so I was wondering if I could get PRK, wait the 3 months and apply for the waiver before I report to OCS. I asked my recruiter about this and he discouraged me from doing it. He said something about a 9 month wait or something. Not sure what that's about because the NAMI site stated that one could apply for the waiver after 3 months. Another factor is my age. From my understanding, I would have to apply for flight school again no later than my 27th birthday. I'm cutting it VERY close if I were to do this option. Also, would it look bad on me at the next board to turn down NFO in an effort to reapply for pilot after PRK?
2. TAKE NFO WITH INTENTION TO APPLY FOR NFO TO PILOT PROGRAM: From what I have read online, this program is extremely competitive with many requirements such as not being over age 29 and completing a 2 year deployment for you apply. Again, this is also a time factor for me. Assuming I leave for OCS when I'm 26, graduate flight school at 27 1/2, and then completing a 2 year tour would put me at 29 1/2. Is this a reasonable assumption to make? If it is, I would only have one shot to get my pilot slot.
3. TAKE NFO AND APPLY FOR NAVAL TEST PILOT SCHOOL LATER IN MY CAREER: I browsed their website and couldn't find the requirements for applying. I know they take engineers, pilots, and NFOs, but what about cross transfers (NFO applying to be test pilot). It doesn't mention age either, so I'm hoping it is a later age in which I could apply.
For options 2 & 3, I would obviously have to get the surgery done before I apply to the programs. I know this is alot of information, but I've been losing sleep over this decision the past couple of nights. I applied for both positions because I would've been happy just being in the air. BUT, since I was originally picked for Pilot, I kind of feel that taking NFO is a consolation prize in this situation. I absolutely mean no disrespect to NFOs, but I just want to explore my options before I make a full commitment. Any feedback, suggestions, or comments would be greatly appreciated. Thanks alot everyone for your time.