Api prb

[Ric Hard]

I've placed myself in a bad situation by failing my last 2 tests in API. I have a board this coming week and besides being completely honest with the board does anyone have any insight on what else might help me if anything. Seriously doubting myself at the moment and I would appreciate any advice.

 

[loadtoad]

No clue what goes on with the board but you need to reevaluate if you want to be a pilot/nfo because it only gets harder from here and you are off to a shitty start. All hope is not lost because I do know of one person who made it out of your situation and is now a P-3 NFO so don't give up yet.

 

[Dirty]

Was it by a gross margin of failure, or just below the cut? It is visible to your your peers and Instructors that you have been putting in max effort? I.E. Asking questions after class, sticking around the building studying after class. Have you had a personal event take place that has distracted your mind? This should be an extremely loud wake up call for you, and if your serious about the program you need to devote every breathing moment to it at this time (Or at least until your done with API). It's not going to get any easier for you in primary/advanced/RAG.

It's been my inclination and observation in the past that if a guy really wants to be there, tries his ass off, isnt DANGEROUS and has a humble positive attitude, everyone will bend over backwards to bring him up to speed. If this isn't you, then I'd be looking for a ground contract.



Good luck, keep you're head and be honest with yourself about your intentions and desires.

P.S. Haven't you heard of gouge???

 

[ProwlerPilot]

First off, hang in there. A PRB doesn't have to mean the end of things, but can actually help to determine how they can better help you to get through the classes and get better for flight school.

Now, as for the board itself, brutal honesty! Seriously. The biggest thing that will turn board members off (I know from being one), is you trying to BS them. If you are struggling, ask for help. Tell them exactly what your study habits are, why you think you are doing poorly and if they ask, what you think they might be able to do from the instructor side to help. Now be careful with the last part. That is of course only if YOU have put in 110% and need a little extra assistance. "I need extra class time because I go to the beach every afternoon to chase girls" is not the right answer! I would suggest taking a hard look at your study habits and come up with a couple ideas of your own of how you think you can get better. Obviously what you have done so far is not working, but if you show up with at least part of a plan of how to change, they will see that you really give a damn and be much more willing to work with you.

If you are doing everything the Navy is asking, you are studying really hard, paying attention, and then just don't get it, no one can fault you. And if that is the case and your 100% isn't good enough, then don't worry. You gave it your all and that's all they can ask. From past experience I imagine that if this is the first board, you should be fine and given another shot.

Good luck and study! Keep us posted.

 

[AJTranny]

Tough times man. Other than makin sure you look squared away for your board. I'd think long and hard about these 3 questions because I'd be willing to bet the board will ask you.

1. How did this happen twice? Be very humble and don't make any excuses
2. Why should you stay in the program? Speak from the heart but no b/s. Keep it short.
3. If given another chance, what specifically would you do to get on track? Don't just say study harder. Study groups and one on one tutoring are a few examples. Already have a remedial plan developed with specific students/instructors.

I went through API 4 years ago so I'm sure there is more updated advice out there.

 

[torpedo0126]

What tests gave you problems?

 

[Uncle Fester]

I sit on many PRB's. Here's what you need to know:

1. APPEARANCE AND BEARING MATTER! Show up looking shit-hot. I mean, starch and iron 'til your khakis are like cardboard. Get a haircut, shave twice. Stand at attention like you're the fucking Buckingham Palace guards. Speak in a clear, audible, confident manner. Imagine you're meeting your OCS DI and you're going to ask him for a $1000 loan and a date with his daughter. If you show up looking like it's just another day at the office for you, or don't display military bearing, you're starting off with a -100 score.

2. Why did you fail, and what are you doing to correct it? Everyone falls on their ass at some point during flight school. Everyone. It doesn't mean you're not cut out to be an aviator. Failing, and not making an attempt to figure out what went wrong and why...that means to me you don't want this bad enough.

3. Don't tell the board you want this. Show them. "I'm going to give 110%" or "I'm determined not to fail" are bullshit statements and they will not impress the board. We've heard it all before. If you show up to a PRB I'm on, you damn well better be studying your ass off, asking for extra help, doing all the assignments, studying in groups, studying with different groups, etc. Every stud who comes through that door wants to be an aviator - not all are willing to work for it.

 

[Ric Hard]

To clarify a bit, I failed NAV then FRR's. Not sure what happened because it happened so fast. At this point I've been extremely pro-active in coming up with a plan and figuring out what I need to fix. Been to FFSS to talk to education counselors to see what I need to correct and also because I think I was entirely to confident going into this. I don't know everything and am definately here to learn but may have not made that impression. Also, I have questioned whether or not I belong here. I know I am willing to put in the work which will only get harder from here and I am totally on board to do whatever it takes to get through this program. I have a partial plan to right my ship but I definately need help from the staff to get through this.

In the end all I can do is my best. I'm going to give all I have to this program and if I fail at that point I was not meant to be here. Thanks for all the advice.

 

[Hozer]

Trend items with failures are:
1. Studying alone. You don't know what you don't know.
2. Poor study habits. Your days at Seville and the 'Bama are on hold.
3. Not using available resources effectively. After class questions to instructors, etc. If you leave with questions, you're making a mistake.
4. No instructor will ever give you shit for seeking them out and asking straightforward questions if you have put forth an honest effort to learn the material.


We are here to get you through the program, that's our end of the bargain. The stuff above, is yours.

 

[BACONATOR]

Look, man. I'm not going to come down hard on you, but it seems that you likely found your own reason for what happened.

I remember a while back you came on here as a proud ERAU stud, putting your foot in your mouth, and probably thought you were going to crush flight school at the time. I think part of that is probably why you ended up too confident for API.

What I HIGHLY recommend for you to do is treat flight school like you have NO EXPERIENCE. Try to learn everything from the ground up. Your prior experience will make you better if you do that, but putting in the work is the key. Don't rely on your prior experience at ERAU to get you jets, because things like this can happen.

Again, be honest, and in true Navy fashion, DON'T just tell them what's wrong. Come with a PLAN on how to make it right, get back on track and go get your wings, become CNO and all the rest.

 

[Bevo16]

I have never the subject of a board, but have sat on some. The purpose of the board is not to try and make you feel bad, they are going to attempt to find out what is causing you to fail. Like Hozer said, they will be looking at study habits, drive, and also attitude. If you want it, they need to be able to FEEL it. If you don't, then that is fine too. Plenty of people show up at flight school wanting to shoot off the pointed end of a CVN only to find out that flight school is...well...a lot of work. It's not for everyone.

If you want to keep going, go in squared away and be honest and respectful. They should be trying to fix you first. They will only kick you out if you make them think you are unfixable.

 

[bunk22]

You are going to evaluate yourself...as others have said. What I saw flying as a Primary IP for the last two years was folks who had issues with exams in API do so in Primary as well. You have to find the problem and address it before continuing on. Otherwise, even if you make it through this PRB, it won't be your last.

 

[rare21]

I was the subject of a PRB in API albeit it was about 6 years ago now. It also was not for academics but for swimming. I was and never have been a water person. I went in in khakis (dont know what you wear now to a prb) and was in front of about 3-4 officers, one being a flight doc. I spoke faithfully and truly about my actions as I was doing remedial swimming in the morning and afternoon, never missing a session, and even hitting the pool at my apartment on weekends and just swimming around and around until I was beat. For sure they are listening to every word you say and are looking for any sign of cockiness or disrespect. At one point they asked me a question and I answered "Honestly..." One of the lieutenants stopped me and said "Excuse me, did you say "obviously"??? Of course after I explained what I really said it relaxed just a little bit. Just be sharp and mean what you say...and the most important thing is if they give you another chance DONT SCREW IT UP thats the best way you can repay them for letting you stay in the pipeline.