ryan1234
Well-Known Member
Rumor is Navy/CNATRA types are investigating an AF style program. While there are certainly spears to be thrown, the AF program focuses more on the screening aspect to filter out more who don't have the motivation / basic adaptability with a few relatively cheap DA20 hours instead of more expensive T-6 training. Trying to reduce the number of potential DOR/washout candidates entering primary and helping the rest due to exposure to flight school-like stress might tip the economic scales back in IFSs favor.
Just from a student perspective... I really enjoyed the AF IFS program. Most all of the IPs were former AETC instructors, the ones I had ranged from a former F-16 SQ/CC and patch wearer... to a Civilian CFI who had significant time competing with a Pitts in the IAC. It was very sad to see quite a few people quit after a few flights for a variety of reasons. Some claimed they never wanted a pilot slot, but their ROTC commander put it down as their first choice. As disappointing as that was to see, overall it was good that they didn't make it farther down the road. I did the program with a fairly decent amount of civilian time and still learned a ton. For many zero time guys it was a kick in the nuts, and a few washed out for not being able to safely land the mighty Diamond, some for airsickness, some for just failing too many rides. It's a very structured program to include morning formal briefs at 0400, stand-up EPs every day, boldface/ops limits tests.