STA-21 Questions

[freenavy]

Hello,

I have browsed the forum a bit but just can't seem to find the information I am looking for anywhere else, sorry if this may be a repeat question.

I am currently an active duty LS3. My goal is to get accepted into the STA-21 pilot option. I am currently working on getting my private pilot license, and start ground school aswell as actual flying lessons next week. I am also about to start my first semester at Embry Riddle in the professional aeuronotics field. I was a slacker in highschool and my GPA shows this. My question is this: Will having a private pilot license actually up my chances of being selected? Will takeing classes towards a degree in aeuronotics also help out at all? If I can maintain a high GPA for my college classes, will my highschool GPA be overlooked? I am definatley not a slacker anymore, and all my evals show this since they are all EP's.

I think my main concern is the pilot license. It is costly, as I am sure most of you know. I already have a few flight hours under my belt and I absolutely loved it. But if it is not going to give me any upper hand I would rather not have to shell out $5000 for the training, as money as a third class is a little tight.

Thanks for the help!

 

[twobecrazy]

You don't need a ppl to get selected.

 

[freenavy]

I know you don't need it, but I was wondering if having it will give me an upperhand in the selection process.

 

[twobecrazy]

Well I can tell you this. The Navy isn't going to select you because you have a PPL. Everyone I know that was picked up for the STA-21 program didn't have a PPL. That being said I'm sure it doesn't hurt your chances. But to be honest I think the rest of you package is more important then whether or not you have a PPL based on what I have previously observed. Does it give you the upper hand well I think that is an debatable question as previously stated nobody I know had a PPL when they were selected.

 

[Floppy_D]

Work on your college GPA, and knock out Calc II and Phys II if you can; particularly if you sucked in high school (like I did.) They'll train you to fly how they see fit, but they want to know that you have the study habits required to make it through training. Invest lots of time in doing the things needed to earn breakout evals, and focus your energy on the tougher college courses.

 

[oceanwaiting]

not a pilot applicant but i did do two STA-21 packages, FY10 alt FY 11 core. don't get a PPL, it won't make a significant difference in your package, and IMO five grand you can use on better things. important things on your package: personal statement, good presentation/impression on interviews, and controlling what you can improve (ie test scores etc), everyone has shortfalls, make the impression that you have either improved or have a plan to improve on. check out the Enlisted Commissioning Prgram forum, specifically the FY09 and FY10 threads. a lot of forum blabber to wade through but even more good info to collect.

http://www.airwarriors.com/forum/sh...A-21-Soup-to-selection-and-beyond-MEGA-thread

http://www.airwarriors.com/forum/showthread.php/144972-FY10-STA-21-Applicants-gather-round!


P.S. for mods this thread could be moved, and that forum can probably be renamed to STA-21 since that's about the only thing it covers now

 

[freenavy]

Thanks for all the help, I think I may not getting the PPL afterall then, I really do love flying and it is something I would love to have, but financially it is not possible right now without a loan (which is not what I need). I have a 2 hour appointment with a Navy College rep who is going to discuss the whole STA-21 process with me. I am still etchy on which school to attend. I have a few credits from an online school but I want to transfer to a more reputible school. Do you guys think that purseing an aviation degree with Embry Riddle will help for the pilot program? Or will just a general degree in something like business work just aswell?

 

[twobecrazy]

Do you guys think that purseing an aviation degree with Embry Riddle will help for the pilot program? Or will just a general degree in something like business work just aswell?

Get a degree in something you will enjoy. Don't get a degree in something that you believe will help you in one field or another. Plenty of pilots have made it through flight school with degrees in something other than aviation.

 

[et1nuke]

Will having a private pilot license actually up my chances of being selected?

This question has been discussed many times before and the consensus seems that the cost of flight training far outweighs anything that might be gained if you are doing it solely for you application. Two of the three times I applied and was a nonselect I had my PPL.

Will takeing classes towards a degree in aeuronotics also help out at all?

I think taking any classes at all will definitely help out as well as FLOPPY’s recommendation of Calc and Phys. I took Calc I & II as well as other courses while on shore duty and then was selected after my third application. There are certain items that will boost your “prescore” number on your application such as warfare qualifications, Master Training Specialist, Calc I & II, Phys I & II. I would only pursue aeronautics if it was something you had interest in not trying to boost your application. Naval Aviation takes students from all backgrounds not just ERAU grads.

If I can maintain a high GPA for my college classes, will my highschool GPA be overlooked?

Probably. Mine was terrible but I made sure it was addressed thoroughly in my statement and then had all the college grades to back up the change in my ways.

I am definatley not a slacker anymore, and all my evals show this since they are all EP's.

Good. Keep up the good work and do everything you can to keep heading towards your goal.

 

[freenavy]

Thanks for all the help. I just enrolled in a local community college and I am going to start working on a transfer degree with an emphasis in mathematics and physics. I don't think I am going to apply this cycle because I have only been in for a year and a half and my package would be rather empty. Not sure, maybe I should apply this time to show persitence/desire... Although by the following cycle I will (should) be a second class with my EAWS and almost an associates.

 

[twobecrazy]

Not sure, maybe I should apply this time to show persitence/desire... Although by the following cycle I will (should) be a second class with my EAWS and almost an associates.

I would apply. What do you have to lose?