How is my aircraft picked for me?

[Dougemd]

I'm taking my ASTB on Nov. 10th and starting the enlistment / commission process for OCS with my recruiter. I know that during API based on your class rank you get the ability to pick a jet slot or helo etc.. I've also heard that sometimes there are no jet slots and if that happens to be my class well then I'm getting stuck with a helo or maybe a cargo plane? Not that there's anything wrong with being a cargo pilot, but I'd rather be in a helo or jet.

I'm looking at both the USMC and the Navy. It seems that the USMC has more of a need for pilots right now than the Navy. Is this true? Would it work to my advantage to go USMC and have a much better chance at jets?

Can anyone that's been to API recently let me know how it truly works for selection to aircraft. It feels like kind of a roll of the dice for 7-8 yrs of my life if I get stuck with an aircraft I just don't want. I have two engineering degrees and get good grades in class I assume I'll perform well in API. However, there is the fact that there's going to be a lot of smart if not smarter guys also at API with me. Could it just come down to me answering a question wrong on a test if my class is that competitive?

Thanks in advance.

 

[gregsivers]

You don't select in API. API is the 6 week academic phase that everyone does. Pilots then go to Whiting or Corpus for primary. Your API grades generally won't count for selection.

Primary is where your grades count. You'll do the whole primary syllabus then find out your final NSS (don't try to understand it, its impossible) when you've finished all your events. Once you know your score you can put down your choices. Jets have the highest cutoff, then E-2/C-2, then helo and P-3 are open to anyone. You put in your choice on a Tues (usually) then find out Thursday.

 

[Fly Navy]

I know that during API based on your class rank you get the ability to pick a jet slot or helo etc..

False. You choose your basic platform (Jet, E2/C2, E6, P3, Helo) after you finish Primary Flight Training, which is your first true "flight school". It's a 6 month long program learning to fly the Navy way. API is not factored into it, except maybe in extreme circumstances.

I've also heard that sometimes there are no jet slots and if that happens to be my class well then I'm getting stuck with a helo or maybe a cargo plane?

True, there aren't always jet slots available.

I'm looking at both the USMC and the Navy. It seems that the USMC has more of a need for pilots right now than the Navy. Is this true? Would it work to my advantage to go USMC and have a much better chance at jets?

There is a "Slinky effect" for this in both services. I can't really tell you where it is right now, but for my yeargroup, FY03, there were too many pilots, and for FY05, they need all they can get (or so I've been told).

Can anyone that's been to API recently let me know how it truly works for selection to aircraft. It feels like kind of a roll of the dice for 7-8 yrs of my life if I get stuck with an aircraft I just don't want. I have two engineering degrees and get good grades in class I assume I'll perform well in API. However, there is the fact that there's going to be a lot of smart if not smarter guys also at API with me. Could it just come down to me answering a question wrong on a test if my class is that competitive?

Two engineering degrees? The academics at API will piss you off then. They're dumbed-down (for good reason) and in some instances not correct. Engineer/science types TYPICALLY tend to do better as the concepts are already familiar to them... this is not always true. I know English majors that rocked it, and I've seen Engineering majors get wrapped up on how dumbed-down the material was, that they actually failed tests because of it. API is competitive... but it's just another hoop to go through before the real training starts.

 

[Dougemd]

Thanks for the clarification.

It's hard only getting second hand info from Navy ROTC guys I know at my college. Thank you guys for giving the no BS correct info.

So, if I get this straight. I'll go through API and primary. I'll then express my top three choices. Based on how well I did and how much better I did than everyone else on the voodo based scoring system my aircraft will be determined for me?

If I suck enough I could wind up flying large cargo planes or if I put helo as my second choice right behind jet I'm going to get either one of those? Is that what "open" means for helo.

Can I trust my recruiter to tell me if there are an excess of Navy Pilots right now? Is there a better way to find out which branch would better my chances of sitting in an jet?

Basically I guess my overall question: If I bust my ass and do well in primary will I most likely get jets? Is there some clarification for "most likely"?

Thanks again.

 

[phrogpilot73]

Engineer/science types TYPICALLY tend to do better as the concepts are already familiar to them... this is not always true. I know English majors that rocked it, and I've seen Engineering majors get wrapped up on how dumbed-down the material was, that they actually failed tests because of it. API is competitive... but it's just another hoop to go through before the real training starts.

Concur. There was a guy in my API class, who had a degree in aeronautical engineering... I got a 98 on the aero test, he got a 96. He was in the instructor's office arguing like it was cool about how fvked up the exam was. We both ended up finishing flight school and getting winged. He's an F/A-18 pilot, and I'm a CH-46E pilot. I win.

 

[Dougemd]

Both my degrees are in electrical and computer engineering. They have taught me nothing except basic physics and mechanics when it applies to aerospace. I meant them as to give the level of attrition I'm accustomed to.

 

[Fly Navy]

It's hard only getting second hand info from Navy ROTC guys I know at my college. Thank you guys for giving the no BS correct info.

They don't know anything. I went through NROTC. I didn't know anything either.

So, if I get this straight. I'll go through API and primary. I'll then express my top three choices. Based on how well I did and how much better I did than everyone else on the voodo based scoring system my aircraft will be determined for me?

Yep, that's correct.

If I suck enough I could wind up flying large cargo planes or if I put helo as my second choice right behind jet I'm going to get either one of those? Is that what "open" means for helo.

There are no large cargo planes in the Navy. The only cargo aircraft open to newly winged aviators is the C-2A Greyhound. It traps and launches on the aircraft carriers, they're tailhookers. Better than flying airforce cargo or a helo (sorry helo guys... had to).

Helos being "open" means there is no minimum score short of failing to get them.

Basically I guess my overall question: If I bust my ass and do well in primary will I most likely get jets? Is there some clarification for "most likely"?

No way to tell. The system fluctuates and has major Slinky effects in it. You can't game it. If flying a jet is that important to you, then look at the airlines. Ask yourself this: would you rather sit at a cubicle with your engineering degree or be in the air flying ANYTHING and serving your country?

 

[Fly Navy]

Both my degrees are in electrical and computer engineering. They have taught me nothing except basic physics and mechanics when it applies to aerospace. I meant them as to give the level of attrition I'm accustomed to.

I was an electrical engineer. While EE is not present in your everyday aviation material, the higher level concepts that your brains is used to will make some things easier to understand, such as modern complex aircraft systems.

It doesn't make math easier, that's for sure. Try flying and adding a series of numbers, good lord it's like trying to walk straight while you're dizzy.

 

[Fly Navy]

He's an F/A-18 pilot, and I'm a CH-46E pilot. I win.

If you say so...

Gotta lay off the LSD man, you're gonna pop your drug test one day....

 

[phrogpilot73]

So, if I get this straight. I'll go through API and primary. I'll then express my top three choices. Based on how well I did and how much better I did than everyone else on the voodo based scoring system my aircraft will be determined for me?

Sorta... It's based on how you did compared to the last 300 students (I think). It might be less, but you are compared to guys in the past, not your peers.

If I suck enough I could wind up flying large cargo planes or if I put helo as my second choice right behind jet I'm going to get either one of those? Is that what "open" means for helo.

First, you could be all that and a bag of chips, and you could still get helos. Why? Needs of the Marine Corps/Navy my friend... Don't view it as "I suck enough." First, because you'll love what you fly no matter what you fly. And second, because when you leave that platform, you'll miss it... Also, there's hardly a chance of you flying transport (cargo plane) unless you want it. It's actually slightly competitive (look at how they deploy, and figure it out!)

Can I trust my recruiter to tell me if there are an excess of Navy Pilots right now? Is there a better way to find out which branch would better my chances of sitting in an jet?.

Your recruiter could tell you now, but by the time you select, it could change. I'm not kidding... Base your decision on what you want to do when your NOT flying... Do you want to be on a ship? Or in the field wearing a radio? Trust me on this one... The Navy calls them disassociated sea tours. The Marine Corps calls them FAC tours. You WILL be out of the cockpit before you hit your commitment. The military's got to get their money somehow...

Basically I guess my overall question: If I bust my ass and do well in primary will I most likely get jets? Is there some clarification for "most likely"?

Seriously, it's all about the needs of the Navy/Marine Corps my man. If you want to be a pilot, you're set. If you're dead set on jets, you'll end up as a pissed off Cobra guy... (Sorry, couldn't resist SkidKid! )

 

[Dougemd]

Fly Navy, I worked in a cubicle for the Naval Research Lab all summer and have been working in research labs. I don't even have to ask myself that question. I have a 1/4 life crisis sitting at my desk this summer especially when the aircraft would fly by the base. I almost drove my truck off the road a few times after working 7am - 8pm working on projects. Even if I was working in the service of my country I couldn't do it behind a desk right now.

 

[Dougemd]

... Base your decision on what you want to do when your NOT flying... Do you want to be on a ship? Or in the field wearing a radio? Trust me on this one... The Navy calls them disassociated sea tours. The Marine Corps calls them FAC tours. You WILL be out of the cockpit before you hit your commitment. The military's got to get their money somehow...

No #$*^. I heard about "shore tours" or something close to that. Where can I find out more info about this stuff? Or will my recruiter be giving it to me after the ASTB? They seem like they don't want to give me too much attention till after I take the ASTB.

 

[phrogpilot73]

If you say so...

Yes, my brain operates at 145 KIAS or less... If I've been out of the cockpit for a while, more like 100 KIAS... However, I do win... Why?
1. Have you looked at your safety board? Not many helos there, lots of jets... Maybe other people's minds are operating at 100 KIAS
2. Can he hover?
3. Chicks dig Phrogs.
4. Who else can say they're flying something that flew in Vietnam?
5. Crewchiefs.
6. Not having to deal with the whole "loss of tail rotor effectiveness" EPs...

7. Knowing that there is no black and yellow handle between your legs, and that you, and your passenger's life is solely dependent on your flying skills.

Gotta lay off the LSD man, you're gonna pop your drug test one day....

How else are Phrog guys going to feel good about their platform! I seriously think they waive the drug test for us... Seriously, I had to get up to piss (because I was laughing so hard) when I read your reply...

 

[phrogpilot73]

No #$*^. I heard about "shore tours" or something close to that. Where can I find out more info about this stuff? Or will my recruiter be giving it to me after the ASTB? They seem like they don't want to give me too much attention till after I take the ASTB.

Ask everyone here... That's your best bet. However, know that the Marine Corps has less options. You will go to an infantry battalion, or a tank battalion, or a joint tour. However, the important thing to realize is that you are a basic infantryman first in the Marine Corps. In the Navy, you could be a pilot first... however don't be surprised if you end up on a ship not flying...

 

[squeeze]

Once again, I get to use this gem.