My IFS experience.

[nittany03]

Going from a T-41 to a C-172 shouldn't be hard at all. Although I've never flown the T-41, I had to switch from a C172 to a Piper Tomahawk, which was a much bigger adjustment (totally different plane). Most of the extra hours I spent on my PPL were still just procedural things, i.e. re-soloing in the Tomahawk and taking care of all the things IFS doesn't cover (short/soft fields, night flight, more hood time). So IMHO, go for it!

 

[rare21]

Just remember guys, as soon as you get to primary you're going to have to pretty much forget all this stuff and fly the Navy way. I barely remember anything from IFS. When i got to API navigation class over a year ago the instructor asked who had done the new IFS. After we all raised our hands he told us to forget all that crap. 1st experience with the Navy way.

 

[D_mac05]

That's true rare21,

My thinking was that it might make me feel a little more comfortable in the air. I also thought it would be good, for personal reasons. If I wanted to go fly today, I could...just rent a Cessna. But, you're definately right about having to learn to fly the "Navy way". Thanks for reminding me.

 

[bart27]

Once someone classes up for IFS, do they start w/ ground school first or in a plane while working on ground school at the same time? I am interested to know what the IFS process entails whether someone completes it in 4,6, or 24 weeks. Any input? Thanks.

 

[Squid]

Here's how it works at Eglin:

Week 1, M-F, 0900-1600. Ground school. Pretty much API in 1 week. we talked about aerodynamics, weather, FR&R, physiology, navigation, etc.

week 2-completion. fly and talk about things pertaining to your experiences.

Destin: (please add to it if you've been here) self paced ground school where you learn the same things, just on video/books without an instructor. flying is the same.

pensacola regional? no clue.

weather permitting, it should take you no more than 6-7 weeks or so no matter which school you go to.

 

[bart27]

Thanks for the info...if anyone has further insight...Im all ears.

 

[bluesmobile]

Destin was definitely self-paced. I did IFS there last august and we had to watch about 2 1/2 hours of videos before our first flight, which for me was the Tuesday of the first week. Scheduling depends on who your instructor is...some guys will schedule you and try to get you through at a good pace, other guys will leave it completely up to you. The whole staff was very laid back (George is the best!), and if you finish with hours to spare you can usually do what you want for the final flight or two...probably similar to everywhere else.

I'd recommend it for those who are motivated to self-learn. You don't have the structure of a ground school, which can be a good thing...less things to unlearn in API and primary. A little more challenging if you go during the summer due to an increase of weekend warriors coming down in their private jets. If anyone has any questions about Destin's IFS, let me know

 

[Naviator]

i'm squid's friend who started before him, and still not done. i'm at day 43, have almost 19 hours and, with luck, could do my solo cross-country this friday to finish out the program.

if i had it to do over again, i think i'd have chosen mr. miles, because my instructor is only about a year older than i am. my instructor can fly fine, but as a teacher i feel i'm getting shafted.

at least it keeps me out of a-pool for a while, but the drive blows, especially since i only live 1/2 mile from pensacola regional

 

[Naviator]

I just heard that starting 19 April, those going to Eglin for IFS get no-cost TAD orders. Don't know about Destin, but it's possible.

 

[Squid]

GOOD. Enough people complained about it. How's the flying going Naviator?

 

[thundersquid]

Thanks for the info...if anyone has further insight...Im all ears.

Do you know when your starting IFS? Are they going to let you?

 

[bart27]

Yes, they are going to let me...I don't have a license, nor have I completed my solo x country. I should and hope to be starting in a couple weeks.

 

[stevew]

interesting avator Naviator!

 

[GSKiker]

Dropping during IFS?

Has anyone heard of anyone having medical problems while in IFS losing their pilot slot. If so, what happned to them, did they go SWO, or did they get the boot out of the Navy?