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Guys...get ready

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Cyclic

Behold the Big Iron
As you probably know by now the minimum passing NSS in API is up, can't remember exactly but it's high 30's or low 40's. This is no "someone told me", this came from the CAPT at PERS 43 at the Helo OAG conference last week.
It's overmanning and money, they took the average NSS at API of VT attrites and somehow came up with the number and targeted API, he mentioned probably loosing 20-30% students to save the training money and catch up with manpower requirements. I know it was posted but I thought I give you the in's of it.
The same thing happened when I went through, so get on the books and don't let this bite you!!
 

KBayDog

Well-Known Member
It's no joke. Right now the minimum passing for Navy pilots is hovering around 42 or so, which is in the 92% range. That means that, on average, you can miss no more than four questions on each test. Navy NFOs, Marines, AF, and Coasties still need the minimum (80% average...not sure about the NSS).

A handful of Navy pilots in my API class found out the day of their final test - FR&R - that they will no longer be pilots. Most put in a package to transfer to NFO that day, but all were very upset. Also, choice of Primary location for Navy is now linked to class standing.

There is no secret to passing. Forego any distractions (alcohol, beach, parties, etc.) and STUDY. It is essentially four weeks of brain pain, but do not set yourself up for failure or disappointment by closing the books on the nights or weekends. Unfortunately, it looks like your entire career is now riding on API.

And, as far as studying, it is not enough to simply know the definitions. You must know how to apply everything presented to aviation situations.
 
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KBayDog

Well-Known Member
Yeah, I did well. Why? I studied with two squids who each have 10+ yrs in service and families...they had a lot more riding on their grades than the average 22-yr old bachelor! lol... Plus, they were intelligent, hard-working guys. We didn't BS; we just gave everything we had to learning the material.

Advice...hmm...the gouge sites online are a good tool, but DO NOT rely on them. Some of the info is just plain wrong! You will learn how to "cross-reference" your EOs; that helps. Flashcards are a must. When it comes to nav (which I got my best scores on) do ALL of the practice problems. Do not do 75%, then say "I got it" and move on. You need to know how to use the whiz wheel inside and out. There just isn't enough time come test day to "learn" the wheel.

Don't sweat any of the pool evolutions. The enlisted guys there are great; they will bust their butts to get you to where you need to be.

I wish I could give better advice, but basically, weeks 1-4 are all academic. Focus 100% of your energies to the mission (API); it goes by quickly. It is a small, small sacrifice to make. Friday of Week 4 is when you should think about partying.
 

frogman

Registered User
performance

Not to hijack this thread, but I have a question for those who are at/have been to API....

Are students who lack much of a background in avaition at a distinct disadvantage in achieving high scores at API? I am not a licensed pilot, and most of my aviation knowledge came from ASTP prep. Do you see a clear difference in performance at API between those who are experienced pilots and those who have little exposure to aviation (if intellect, test-taking skills, and study habits are about equal)?
 

virtu050

P-8 Bubba
pilot
might help if you in Flight Rules and Regulations... but that's about it... API is very dry academics.
 

saltpeter

Registered User
I know it's hard to swallow, but your employer has the right to demand that workers possess a certain amount of proficiency. API is as easy as it gets if you pay attention in class and open the paper leaflets given to the students. The only classes that requires any self preperation is learning the E6B/Nav class. Engines, Regs., Wx are spoon feed. Hell, the local tax collector used to sell the books for API for wanting to get a jump.
 

saltpeter

Registered User
Frogman - don't let API psych you out. The differenciation between those who pass and those who fail is the amount of nights they spend out partying. Iff you accept that college is over and your part of the work force and limit partying to the weekends you'll be fine.
 

KBayDog

Well-Known Member
frogman said:
Not to hijack this thread, but I have a question for those who are at/have been to API....

Are students who lack much of a background in avaition at a distinct disadvantage in achieving high scores at API? I am not a licensed pilot, and most of my aviation knowledge came from ASTP prep. Do you see a clear difference in performance at API between those who are experienced pilots and those who have little exposure to aviation (if intellect, test-taking skills, and study habits are about equal)?

Nope. Like peter said, the courses are pretty much spoon fed. They're designed for those with no background. In fact, one bubba in my class was a jet engine mechanic in his civilian life, and I scored just as well as he did on the engines exam. (I can't even change the oil in my car.)

Just listen to the instructors, put in the time, and you'll be fine.
 

frogman

Registered User
Good to go. Seeing the Navy guys get a little excited over the new attrition goals made me wonder what I'm in for down there in Pensacola.

As for the parties....that's been out of my system for a while. I think I'll be hangin with the wife and some classmates in between the academic work.

Focus is the key (suprise) - thanks for the gouge!
 

Jeff29

Science Project
KBayDog said:
You need to know how to use the whiz wheel inside and out. There just isn't enough time come test day to "learn" the wheel.
Has anyone actually used this thing since that test?
 

Pcola04/30

Professional Michigan Hater
pilot
Jeff29 said:
Has anyone actually used this thing since that test?

Try using it at 19K feet cruising at max power.....fingers are numb, toes are numb, you have to piss real freakin bad (because it is 20 below and their is no freakin way that you are gonna use that relief tube) and your trying like hell to keep your IP happy so you are taking your fuel burn, gas in the tanks and YES..... SPINNING THAT ****!N WHEEL! :D

Nothing like Class A airspace in a T-34......damn heater is a JOKE!

BUT in all seriousness, you will use the wheel a time or two in the RI portion of primary....really depends on your IP's but I had to use it on several occassions, in the plane and in the sim
 
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