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API Grades

gtg941f

Member
pilot
Just curious if API grades contribute towards the NSS in primary? From what I understand, the answer is no, but I just want to make sure.

Thanks :icon_smil
 

nittany03

Recovering NFO. Herder of Programmers.
pilot
None
Super Moderator
Contributor
In no way do they count. It's pass/fail. Once you're through, unless you're number one, it doesn't matter. API NSS and Primary NSS are two seperate blocks in your jacket.
 

nittany03

Recovering NFO. Herder of Programmers.
pilot
None
Super Moderator
Contributor
Agreed. Wasn't trying to imply that you should slack, but they're two different animals.
 

Gatordev

Well-Known Member
pilot
Site Admin
Contributor
Since this question gets asked about every 6 months, here's the answer again... It depends. Sometimes it counts, sometimes it doesn't. It counted for me, but apparently didn't count for Nit. As was said, don't worry about it. Just do what you do.
 

gtg941f

Member
pilot
I wasn't implying I'd like to slack off. In fact I was hoping they'd count because I'm an Aero Eng major. Was just really curious that's all. :)

Now I'll get back in my hole.
 

BurghGuy

Master your ego, and you own your destiny.
I'm going through API right now, and the word is that it counts, but not for much. All of API is aparently worth less than the smallest portion of Primary. So, the word is, always do your best, but don't let it drive you crazy. If your passing, your doing it right, if your failing, your doing it wrong. It's not meant to be, "this guys smarter than this guy", it's "how well you can take in large amounts of info in a short time."

A big key is to study in groups. Another person or two will always be able to help explain a concept you don't get to well. The first thing they ask you when you fail a test is "Did you study in a group." Implying that that's the big idea.
 

Gatordev

Well-Known Member
pilot
Site Admin
Contributor
gtg941f said:
I wasn't implying I'd like to slack off. In fact I was hoping they'd count because I'm an Aero Eng major. Was just really curious that's all. :)

Now I'll get back in my hole.

You're good. No worries. It's just funny how things cycle.
 

BurghGuy

Master your ego, and you own your destiny.
gtg941f said:
I was hoping they'd count because I'm an Aero Eng major.

Being an Aero Eng major isn't a gaurentee to pass, since Aero is only two tests durring API, and it's pretty watered down stuff, compared to what you used to seeing (Think back to your intro classes, alot like that). Being able to think critically, time management skills, and the motovation to kick ass on every test, will be things that help you most. Things you probably got at school, but that isn't exclusive to only aero majors.
 

gtg941f

Member
pilot
BurghGuy said:
Being an Aero Eng major isn't a gaurentee to pass, since Aero is only two tests durring API, and it's pretty watered down stuff, compared to what you used to seeing (Think back to your intro classes, alot like that). Being able to think critically, time management skills, and the motovation to kick ass on every test, will be things that help you most. Things you probably got at school, but that isn't exclusive to only aero majors.

Note taken and very well understood. :)

I'm definitely doing everything in my own control to do well. Hell, I'm not even going to OCS for another year and I already have a 1000+ page book of API/PRIMARY gouge printed out and studying it as we speak. Thankfully I've taken some weather classes and after reading the FRR and Engine gouge it seems like everything is pretty easy to learn (I work in the a/c industry so FRR and engines are no real challenge). I will say however that I need to put some time into the T-34 NATOPS. Some very specific information that I obviously haven't seen until i downloaded it. My thought process is that I'm not going to lose points on procedures or anything academic. If I lose points on my flying ability, so be it but there really is no excuse to lose points on anything that can be memorized.

At the same time I know that things in the Navy work one step at a time. First things first and I need to memorize the Big 4. I've already got most of that done :D
 

nittany03

Recovering NFO. Herder of Programmers.
pilot
None
Super Moderator
Contributor
gtg941f said:
My thought process is that I'm not going to lose points on procedures or anything academic. If I lose points on my flying ability, so be it but there really is no excuse to lose points on anything that can be memorized.

That will get you points in Primary. Rock the brief and IPs will tend to be more forgiving of airwork mistakes.

That said, though not an engineer myself, I have been told that the greatest API challenge for those well versed in Aero, etc. is to hit the "I believe" button and regurgitate the equations given in API as they are oversimplified compared to the real deal. Heard time and time again that engineers got themselves in trouble overthinking things, just food for thought.
 

whereareyou

Registered User
If you are an aero engineer and you cant get through API you should hand in your degree. I mean business majors can get through it. API is a time for drinking with your buddies. (and enjoying your last few weeks of being treated like an adult if you get volunchosen for Vance)
 
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