NFO to Pilot Transition?

[acoustic2]

Hi Guys,

I am enlisted, submitted my OCS package 5 weeks ago. Called the civilian guy that us enlisted guys deal with and was told that due to my age (30), not selected for pilot. A total bummer- but kinda new it was going to happen.

Anyway, I will be reviewed for the NFO board next month. Can anyone tell me if there is such a way to transition from NFO to pilot following API? I have heard that there is a way and I have also heard that there is not. I have heard that if a NFO graduates in the top 10% of his/her class, then they can automatically transition to pilot- is this true?

My stats:
-30 years old
-Male
-Finance/Accounting BA 3.34 GPA
-Pilot / NFO / Intel (in that order)
-AW2 (Helo SAR swimmer) 10yrs enlisted
-5-6-5 48
-1 LOR from an O5
-1 LOR from an O6
-2 Interviews from O5s
-1 Interview from O6
-Very strong CO endorsement O5 at the time of app...now an O6

Extras:
-Private Pilot w/ Multi-engine rating
-Enlisted NATOPS Instructor
-CRM Facilitator
-1,800 hrs in SH-60B

 

[puck_11]

Sometimes there is a way for the top 10% to transition it all depends upon your timing and if they Navy needs more pilots than NFOs. I suggest searching for age waiver, pilot transition, etc. I'm sure there are more prior enlisted fellows on here that can steer you in the right direction as well regarding your age. Good luck!

 

[MIDNJAC]

The 10% rule was alive and well last year when I went through, and it was basically an administrative formality from what I saw (friend of mine switched under this "program"). No idea what effect your age would have on it, but it wouldn't hurt to ask someone in flight management. I know you at least needed to be physically qualified.

 

[FLYTPAY]

Can anyone tell me if there is such a way to transition from NFO to pilot following API?

Yes are looking for an SNFO to SNA redesignation, something totally different than the NFO to pilot transition.

 

[ea6bflyr]

I certainly wouldn't take NFO if you want to be a pilot. You may get stuck as an NFO and then what?

Jones: "Hey Smitty, why'd you become an NFO?"
Smith: "Well Jonesie, I really wanted to be a pilot, but I settled for NFO, but the [fill-in-the-blank] community is just great."

-ea6bflyr

 

[acoustic2]

Great replies- all of them.

I got selected for the NFO option due to my age. I will be 31 at the time of commissioning. Dont have an OCS class date yet, but will likely be some time in May. I would like to transition to pilot. I've heard that the top 10% of NFOs in API will be given the opportunity to transition. I imagine that it is based on the needs of the Navy.

Has anyone been able to transition from NFO to Pilot as a result of being in the top 10% of their class during API?

Unfortunately, my age is my limitation. I am a Naval Aircrewman right now. I am looking forward to continuing my Naval Aviation career as a NFO if that is the only option, but would like to be a pilot.

 

[highside7r]

If that fails you can always come to the dark side (Army), I made the mistake and so can you! Three fellow ARSS Instructors (AT1/AE2/AW2): One wants EOD gets pilot, the other two get NFO. Why not CWO Flight Program? I'm waiting for this so I can inter service transfer back to the Navy.

 

[acoustic2]

NFO to Pilot Transition

Hi guys,

How often do they allow SNFOs to transition to SNAs?

 

[torpedo0126]

From what I've heard, its basically all about timing. Right now they don't really need pilots, so I believe it would be pretty hard to transition.

 

[fc2spyguy]

From what I've heard, its basically all about timing. Right now they don't really need pilots, so I believe it would be pretty hard to transition.

Torp, what do you base this on? You, in my opinion, have zero credibility until the whole n/a thing is gone from your stats.

 

[torpedo0126]

i base it on my roommate trying to do it, and a friend a few months ago who was unsuccessful.

I am also basing it on the fact they've confirmed A-pool needs to be reduced by 100 people again this (and thats 100 pilots--I asked).

 

[zab1001]

The point is that you're relying on personal anecdotes, conclusion drawn from observation, and your intepretation of what you were told.

"Right now they don't really need pilots, so I believe it would be pretty hard to transition."

Key phrase highlighted. You don't have all the pertinent information, therefore your gouge is suspect at best.

 

[torpedo0126]

acoustic2, i can get you the quota email sent out from Pensacola about how many pilots, NFOs, nukes etc they need.

to answer your original question, yes there is a program to transition to pilot, but I wouldn't go in assuming your going to get it.

PM me if you want that info.