Would it be beneficial to have a private pilot certificate (or even higher cert.) prior to attending flight school or even applying? It obviously wouldn't hurt anything to have a little experience before starting flight school, but I've heard mixed opinions on how the navy handles these kinds of applicants.
First, I've heard that they sort of frown on civilian training because they want all of their SNA's to be trained entirely by them.
I've also heard that if someone does have civilian training prior to the navy they'll be placed in an accelerated program. Thus, someone with previous flight experience but no official certificates for the navy to find out about would give him/her the best chance of performing well at API and/or Primary.
There's some obvious confusion on my part, so any help is appreciated.
First, I've heard that they sort of frown on civilian training because they want all of their SNA's to be trained entirely by them.
I've also heard that if someone does have civilian training prior to the navy they'll be placed in an accelerated program. Thus, someone with previous flight experience but no official certificates for the navy to find out about would give him/her the best chance of performing well at API and/or Primary.
There's some obvious confusion on my part, so any help is appreciated.