Developing a foundation for aviation education

[ZekeBathory]

I know what you're thinking: "That Zeke guy's finally bringing up something aviation-related instead of just making a fart joke!"

After speaking to a few individuals close to me, some of whom were Marines I served with, I've decided to give myself just a little credit and admit to myself that I may have the potential to become an officer, provided I use the next three years of college to concurrently groom myself to be a better leader and perhaps -- god-willing -- an aviator.

I've got a little over three years of college to lurch through, so I have plenty of time to get in shape and make use of every relevant resource. My health and eyesight are all but perfect, but I have some reservations about returning to service, mostly that I was an unremarkable Marine at best and I have to my discredit an ugly incident I'm not comfortable discussing publicly. I understand that "when there's a will, there's a waiver," but they don't hand out exceptions to those who aren't exceptional. I am determined to become exceptional.

I want to spank the ASTB's ass and make it say my name. (Ooh-rah!)

I've been researching and have committed myself to independent study of the "basics." This means I'll have to teach myself trigonometry so I can learn calculus, calculus so I can teach myself some elementary physics, and elementary physics so I can understand basic aerodynamics. Chances are, I'll punk out and take these maths as electives.

I've also checked out the FAA's "Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge" which is available on their website. Is this effective self-education or are there suggestions to the contrary?

I'm open to any advice. Thank you, gentlemen.

 

[Godspeed]

I don't think you have to get balls deep in physics/math to really understand aerodynamics. And you don't have to have an Aerospace Engineering degree to be a pilot.

If aerodynamics interests you and you want a book that will teach you more than you probably need to know, get this book, Aerodynamics for Naval Aviators:

http://www.amazon.com/Aerodynamics-Naval-Aviators-FAA-Handbooks/dp/156027140X

I think the best thing you could do for yourself overall, for your future application, aeronautical knowledge, etc, would be to pick up a part time job, save up 4-5k, and devote yourself one summer to earning your private pilot's license. You'll learn about aerodynamics while doing this and gain a good foundation of aeronautical knowledge that will help you out.

As far as the ASTB is concerned, get the gouge (off this site and other sites) and know it cold before you take the test. On top of this, if you are weak in some areas (math for example) go to your college tutor labs and have them make you a pro in all of the ASTB areas. On top of this, you'll have 3 shots at the test, so making the ASTB your b*tch shouldn't be a problem.

 

[MasterBates]

A proper foundation for Aviation Education is as follows:

Dinner. Man food. Burgers, Steak, Potatoes, Nachos.

You now have a foundation to take on manly activities like drinking.

My foundation for aviation in college was being in a fraternity and drinking a lot while holding down a job. Don't over think this.

 

[phrogpilot73]

I have to my discredit an ugly incident I'm not comfortable discussing publicly.

I understand that you aren't comfortable discussing it publicly, but I'll give my advice on this piece publicly - since it could apply to someone else in your shoes as well. As with everything else in the Marine Corps, it's dependent. How old were you? How long ago was it? Did you learn from it? Things like this are what a selection board is going to look at. Being that I never went to OCS, I don't know if there's a personal statement - but if it is (and this incident is really, really bad) than address it head on. Own it and explain how you learned from it, and how it made you a better person/leader. You can get past some bad things. If you want, you can shoot me a PM and I can tell how bad/not bad I think it is.

 

[nzachman]

Probably the best book to try is the Private Pilot manual by Jeppesen, it is used at OSU for their Private Pilot ground school, which is all the aviation information you will need for the ASTB.

You don't have to be that proficient; just a basic understanding will do.

 

[Krafty1]

Take a Private Pilot ground course or get your PPL or both. I didn't see anything on the ASTB that was beyond private pilot level on the aviation side of things. The study guides I've seen floating around were also very comprehensive.

 

[bert]

I've been researching and have committed myself to independent study of the "basics." This means I'll have to teach myself trigonometry so I can learn calculus, calculus so I can teach myself some elementary physics, and elementary physics so I can understand basic aerodynamics.

From the perspective of an engineer that taught math at USAFA: you can learn calculus without trig, elementary physics without calculus, and basic aerodynamics without anything better than high school algebra. Don't get wrapped up in the math unless it interests you because anybody with a GED has the tools to pass API.

 

[Uncle Fester]

The secret to making it through the Program is focused studying. Don't waste time studying things that aren't relevant or are too in-the-weeds - you don't have time. You definitely don't need to modify your college study plan or take extraneous electives.

To pass the ASTB with good marks - study the ASTB prep guides. You sure as hell don't need a degree in rocket surgery to do it. I was a dumbass history major and did fine.

When you get to API, we'll teach you what you need to know about aerodynamics (lifties make the plane go up, draggies fight the lifites, stay away from Mr Ground until it's time to land).

Enjoy your college time, show up for OCS at fighting weight and ready to play.

 

[ZekeBathory]

The advice was universally constructive and reassuring. Thank you for your time, gentlemen. I'll make the best of it, though in this instance my effort will be mostly invested in chilling out!

Again, my thanks.

 

[rjmayer]

As a guy who took the ASTB (8/9/8) that has a PPL and an aeronautical engineering degree (almost), guess which one helped more. There's no calculus on the ASTB, and to be honest i had to study my old math skills because we use calculators for all that now. The aerodynamics you need for that test are very basic and generally wrong from an engineering perspective anyway. Study a PPL book and brush up on algebra. Take at least an intro flight to get a better perspective on the visual stuff.

 

[MackOhare]

I don't think you have to get balls deep in physics/math to really understand aerodynamics. And you don't have to have an Aerospace Engineering degree to be a pilot.

Speaking of aerodynamics, this is the chapter of the FAA handbook that has challenged me the most. Granted I'm a history major, but I took my fair share of math/science courses, including calculus and physics, and have been working in derivatives/finance since graduation.

Anyway, SNAs and SNFOs are tought aerodynamics in API, right? And I imagine they are graded on those tests -- are these grades and one's knowledge of aerodynamics and aviation physics taken into account when designating students for their respective intermediate pipelines after primary? Or does stick and rudder, procedural knowledge, and basic airmanship take more precedence at that point than academic knowledge (i.e. aerodynamics, physics, mechanics)? Perhaps a combination of both?

 

[BACONATOR]

Speaking of aerodynamics, this is the chapter of the FAA handbook that has challenged me the most. Granted I'm a history major, but I took my fair share of math/science courses, including calculus and physics, and have been working in derivatives/finance since graduation.

Anyway, SNAs and SNFOs are tought aerodynamics in API, right? And I imagine they are graded on those tests -- are these grades and one's knowledge of aerodynamics and aviation physics taken into account when designating students for their respective intermediate pipelines after primary? Or does stick and rudder, procedural knowledge, and basic airmanship take more precedence at that point than academic knowledge (i.e. aerodynamics, physics, mechanics)? Perhaps a combination of both?

Your academic grades in API have virtually NO bearing on your selection out of primary.

 

[MIDNJAC]

Your academic grades in API have virtually NO bearing on your selection out of primary.

Not only that, but you (@ Mark) are making API aero class out to be some sort of college level engineering/physics course. It is anything but that.....you will need to memorize a handful of relationships, a couple high school level formulas, and another handful of random bits of knowledge. It is extremely dumbed down, and the theories are taught on the most fundamental level possible. Not that it isn't good information, but it is definitely a course that anyone with a college degree, who knows how to study for a couple hours the night before, can do well on. Having taken my share of aero/fluids/physics courses in college for my degree, I will say that API aero only scratches the surface of the material you seem to be apprehensive about. Don't sweat it