getting into naval aviation

[Phil]

I just turned 27 a few months ago, and the recruiter is saying that I'm now too old for a non-prior to get flight. He said that he can guarantee a flight position IN WRITING after two years of service as a navigator. Assuming of course that I still pass the physical, that'd make me 30.5 years old. Is there any way I can somehow get a waiver for this, being non-prior service?
Thanks.

 

[Phil]

Mike,
Thanks for the reply. I called up another officer recruiter and he told me the same thing, you can't get in over age 26 if you're not prior service. I was just wondering if anyone had heard of a way around this. If there is a way, I'd leave tomorrow...

[/quote]

 

[Dave Shutter]

Unless there's some new program I haven't heard about he's talking about the infamous NFO to Pilot transition program. From my experience and the experience of others what he told you may comes under the heading of: "the oldest one in the book." Everyone who's ever been NPQ'd for SNA sitting in a rec' office was told that: "Oh sure, you can always transfer later on!" One of the guys in the office where I worked was an NFO and he was thinking about applying for it. The 411 from him: They open up slots for it each year. Last year I think there were about 30 and NFO's from all over the Navy compete for those slots. Your eligible for it after two years as an NFO but have to be released from the current command/community. He wasn't at first. Don't forget your training to become one, about 1 1/2-2 years depending on what pipeline you end up getting. A lot can happen in that time. This program was cancelled before w/o warning, I think for a year. Who knows? I'm interested to hear more about this written guarantee for something 4 years down the line that a recruiter can make for you? Good luck though.

 

[Jeff29]

Did he say that he would guarantee this in writing BEFORE you signed on as an NFO?

 

[Phil]

Correct.
He said they'd put it in writing before signing on as an NFO. He said it would then all be dependent upon me passing the flying physical (again) after two years of service. Thanks for the replies, I'm skeptical now. I'm gonna use the Navy as a last resort, if at all. I'm talking to marine recruiters now, and they're more willing to work around the age thing it seems. I guess this means the Marines aren't as competitive as the Navy, I don't know. I hear they're about 70% helicopter, and 30% fixed wing, while the Navy is about 60% heli., and 40% fixed w. Anyone know if this is true?

 

[DBLang]

That is odd because I wouldnt think the navy would spend a year or more training you as an NFO then send you back and pay another $1 million to make you a pilot after 2 years.

Anway I wish you luck.

 

[Mahoney]

Phil,
First of all ANYTHING is possible, I'm living proof (non-prior older than you). I fought for over 18 months before being given a pilot slot.
That thing about a written guarantee, whata bunch of @#$%. There isn't a recruiter in the country who can guarantee you a slot 4 years from now! Hell, as was mentioned above there isn't even a guarantee that the program will exist in 4 years. Another thing to keep in mind about the NFO to pilot program is that there's an age limit. If my memory serves me it's 32 (+/- 1?). The Navy is getting more flexible with age limits but with the need for NFO's right now don't expect much.
As far as the 60-40 helo to fixed wing ratio, from what I hear and see down here at primary I'd say that's pretty accurate. One nice thing right now about being in the Navy vs. the Marines is that if you are fortunate enough to get selected for jets the odds are very good that you will be spending some time in some type of F-18. With F-14 squadrons slowly transitioning to the Super Hornet as well as S-3's that only leaves the Prowler's and the 18's.
If the desire to be a Navy pilot is burning in your gut pull out all your ammunition and try and make it happen. The odds are heavily stacked but there ARE a few needles in the haystack!
Good Luck

 

[SGorski]

Mahoney,
How did you get an age waiver, and if you don't mind...I'd be interested to know what steps you took to make it happen. thanks
Steve

 

[Phil]

Me too.

 

[DDriver]

I have read somewhere (Navy regs) that they accept OCS candidates to a max age of 29 for Pilots. What is the max age limit for BDCP anyway ? Anyone knows the active link for the Marine ASTB sample questions/tests? Thanks.

 

[Ed Williams]

Right now, there are 2 NFO's to Pilots going through primary in tw5, not a whole lot.
ed

 

[Mark]

DDriver, the maximum age for non-priors is 27 with an age waiver up to 31 for people with at least 4 years active service. I'm going to get commisioned (If the Good Lord is willing and the creeks don't rise) into the PNA program 8 months before I turn 31.

 

[ghost_ttu]

What are you worried about Mark? You have plenty of time to spare, I say you take a few months leave and THEN tell them you are ready for OCS. hehehe or maybe not....

 

[Ironnads]

Just wondering. Don't all NFO's learn how to fly and get winged? If they transition to NA do they have to start from API?

Travis Alexander

 

[Rainman]

Yeah. . As of two years ago. . you had to be commissioned by 27.5 in both Marine Corps and Navy (without prior service). The USN could not waiver this, the Marine Corps could. Also, Phil, if you do go Green, keep in mind that you never actually receive an "age waiver" they just approve your flight package knowing your age and you go on your merry way. I started API @ 29 with no prior service as a Marine. ooh rah!