For You AF VT-3 Guys

[bch]

I will say this... there is something to be said about not know when, where,or what type of emergency is going to be pulled on you while you are flying, vice having to be told when, where and what type of emergency is going to be pulled.

Does it make you a better pilot... IMO yes, if you can deal with an array of EP's resulting in a helmet fire as a result of surprise, then you can def deal with them when they pop up for real.

 

[wink]

I will say this... there is something to be said about not know when, where,or what type of emergency is going to be pulled on you while you are flying, vice having to be told when, where and what type of emergency is going to be pulled.

Are you saying that is the way the Navy does it now? No unannounced EPs?
That wasn't the way my NFO training was and certainly not the way we handled fleet EP sims and NATOPS checks.

 

[Venom-0]

Well, I know I'm going to Moody for Primary once I finish API here. I've been told that the Navy guys are bit behind the curve starting off cause they only have 24 IFS hours while their AF counterparts have 50 IFT hours. Inspite of all that, I have 2 friends that went through Moody...Both only had 24 IFS hours and both beat their AF counterparts and were #1 in their respective classes. One is now at Super Hornet EC RAG, the other at the E-6 (that's what he wanted). So I guess it can be done and you can graduate on top regardless of it being the AF or your prior flying experience.

 

[gregsivers]

I'm in Navy primary at Corpus right now, so I'll say what I can about it. I'll agree with wink, its definitely not easy. That being said, if you want it badly enough, you can make it through, and I'd venture to say thats the same with AF training. Training here is definitely not self paced, but the amount of time you devote to studying and learning while not flying is up to you. We're not expected to sit around the squadron all day to study, the only time we have to be there is for a flight, sim, or other scheduled event. If we fail, its on us for not studying enough or getting extra help. That being said, the IPs are there if you need the help. If you haven't read the letter from Tailhook's website, posted a week or so ago about AF and Navy flying, I'd suggest you read it.
http://www.tailhook.org/USN USAF.html

 

[bch]

Are you saying that is the way the Navy does it now? No unannounced EPs?
That wasn't the way my NFO training was and certainly not the way we handled fleet EP sims and NATOPS checks.

sorry should have been more clear. Other way around. Navy is all unnanounced, from multiple peers who went through vance/moody EP's were all discussed in the brief... IE when/where and what.

 

[gregsivers]

Yeah all the EPs I get in the plane, especially on check rides, are unannounced. I really love it when they start one and halfway thru it go to another. Much fun there.

 

[crateofthunder]

Thriller,

Not speaking from experience, just word of mouth, I will let you know for sure in August when i start API, but a 55 or higher NSS and a good attitude should pretty much get you a -38 slot. I will be down there in August so i will try to keep you updated1

 

[bch]

Thriller,

Not speaking from experience, just word of mouth, I will let you know for sure in August when i start API, but a 55 or higher NSS and a good attitude should pretty much get you a -38 slot. I will be down there in August so i will try to keep you updated1

First thing to learn in flight training. When it comes to NSS numbers (IE Gouge numbers) that "will get you a jet slot"..... THEY MEAN NOTHING. Especially any gouge that you here from API.

It changes from week to week, class to class.

 

[Venom-0]

True that BCH. However, for the AF guys, there are many more jet slots available then there are for Navy guys.

 

[THRILLER]

Thriller,

Not speaking from experience, just word of mouth, I will let you know for sure in August when i start API, but a 55 or higher NSS and a good attitude should pretty much get you a -38 slot. I will be down there in August so i will try to keep you updated1

Crate,

I would greatly appreciate it Sir. I commission 12May06, already have flight ratings, so no IFT for me. I'm putting Whiting down as my #1 choice on my dream sheet. I'd really appreciate you input on your experiences there.

Thanks again Sir,

THRILLER

 

[THRILLER]

Anyone know what the average AF class size is in VT-3?

 

[Pags]

The "class" system here is much different than what you get at an AF base. Some classes have lots of people (~20), others have fewer, it kinda depends on how many people are waiting around. But once you start flying, you hardly see your class together as a whole. There's no guarantee that you'll go through the rest of the program with the same people. Some folks in my class selected a few weeks ahead of me, and some folks who started a few weeks ahead of me selected with me.

 

[Spin]

Just putting in my 2 cents.

My boy is getting ready to graduate from Vance and he really did not like his experience there. Now he and I are Marines, so I don't know if that had anything to do with it but being a die hard jet guy, he has now decieded to select helos as the jet guys there put a really bad taste in his mouth. Take it for what it's worth.

Also, IMO it shows you, and everyone around you, just how important this careeer is to you when you are not FORCED to study and you do it on your own. I personally think that it is reduculous that at Vance you are MADE to study all day. At this stage in the game, if the powers that be feel that you need to be FORCED to study than they should be taking a look at there entry requirements for the pilot program.

And BCH ..... there IS NOTHING like getting a helmet fire (hehe). We had one guy ... after having to put on his o2 mask pause for a min .... look in the mirror ..... and say to the IP .... "dayum sir ... I look bad ass". Gotta luv it!!

Peace,

-Spin

 

[THRILLER]

Just putting in my 2 cents.

My boy is getting ready to graduate from Vance and he really did not like his experience there.
-Spin

Sir,

Could you elaborate a little more on his negative experience. I'm sorry if I misunderstood you, but are you referring to his time at Whiting or at Vance?

As for me, the AF gives us a chance to fill out our wish-list this fall as to where we would like to go for pilot training. Right now, I'm torn between Whiting and Moody.

Basically, (as my last posts have stated) I'm looking for the base that offers the most T-38 drops. If my memory serves me correctly, Moody has the largest number of T-38 available per class and is the best AF UPT base to go to when compared to Columbus, Vance, or Laughlin.

As for Whiting...for us AF guys we've heard it is one of the "best-kept" secrets. Supposedly, as an AF student, as long as you get an NSS score of 55+, you are pretty much set for a T-38 track.

Basically, I'm stuck between putting Whiting or Moody as my #1 choice.

Just as a side note...even if I go to Whiting for primary, I will still be sent to an AF base for T-38 training. My concern, as an AF pilot, would be that I will be behind the "power curve" with my fellow AF peers who have gone through the AF style of training for primary. Is Whiting worth it?

Any thoughts Sir?

THRILLER

 

[Pags]

Quit trying to game the system dude. One base is not going to be able to guarantee you a jet slot over another. Guys get jet slots out of all the bases. There's A LOT more factors involved than just the base. Go wherever you want to go. Do you want to live in oklahoma? than go to vance. want to live in southern georgia? go to moody. want to sit on the beach? go to whiting. And you're not gonna be behind the power curve. If that was the case, do you think the AF would keep sending its people to Whiting? And finally, and I know this may shock you,but after a few months of primary, you may decide that heavies or t-44s are more your speed than t-38s. I saw it happen to many people I knew.