Question: How to Choose airframe?

[Jeremy]

I have come to the understanding that at one of the schools you will be designated your airframe type and think I was told primary. Is this true, or is it at API that you are told. I have also found that at that same place if you graduate first in your class you can choose your airframe. Can anyone relay experiences?

-J

 

[Banjo33]

You choose which pipeline you want to follow, upon completion of Primary. (Strike, Maritime, Helo) If you finish number one, you get your first pick, guaranteed (supposedly, although this doesn't always work out).

 

[NOSWO]

A more accurate description of the process is after you finish primary, you tell the Navy what you want, and they throw it out the window and give you what they have based on grades and availability of slots for your selection week...unless you see the light early and put Helos first, then you are guarunteed (navy only) to get them.....

 

[soulshaker14]

anyone know if they're still "sending tons of pilots to the JET pipeline"? if so, hopefully that trend will continue for awhile....

 

[NuSnake]

Jeremy-- DUDE!!! what is up with the F-16 man......come on now!!!!!
haha jk

If a frog had wings he wouldnt bump his ass all the time

 

[NOSWO]

For marines I think they are still sending everyone jets who has above a 50, but navy is still hit and miss, some weeks 1 slot, some weeks 8, you just never know....

 

[Dave Shutter]

For awhile there seemed to be an even number of Jets, Rotors, and Props according to the selection sheets I've seen. I think that was due to the restriction they had on jets during most of last year. The last couple of weeks it seemed to be back down to one or two for every eight or ten Navy selectees and I believe that's about average. Some months more, others less. Just do your best in Primary. It's constantly changing, such to the point that it's not even worth worrying about until your almost done Primary...at which point your attitude might completely change.

 

[thumper]

I was told by a friend who recently got winged that your airframe choice is almost completely beyond your control. He confirmed much of what was already stated: depends on the needs of the Navy that week, the overall performance of the class, and the individual's performance. One week could have half the class getting strike, the next no one. He said the best advice was to just do your best and accept that you might have to fly your 3rd choice. He said that many people had a very difficult time accepting that they were not going to be the next "Mavericks", so much so that they were bordering on mental breakdown with one guy losing most of his hair! All of this is self-created stress that makes an already stressful school even more difficult.

shoots den

 

[bunk22]

Not much changes in the Navy over the years. It seems that the Navy's needs will always come first. We have several number one guys in the E-2/C-2 community. Probably the same for all communities. Whatever you guys end up flying, you will like it, I gaurantee it.

 

[Jeremy]

WOW! Thanks for all the gouge folks. BDCPUAH ...hahah sorry, I just wanted a new picture (don't worry, I still want Cobras!). I appreciate all the help. I'm going to be in the Marines so I guess I just have to take the big green weenie and see what they give me. I won't cry if they say "sorry son, you'll just have to fly an F-18" hahhaha.

Also, I am trying to get my private pilot's license and instrument rating before I get there. Is this recommended?

-J

 

[kmac]

I got my private license before coming into flight training. If I could do it again, I'd get my instrument as well. -gash

 

[Rainman]

I proclaim getting a civilian instrument ticket to do better at flight school isn't worth the dough. Getting it to take some trips where you don't have to be flexible on your return date by three days--now that's a good reason. The pace for instrument flying @ primary isn't very fast (as fams as for many) and you can practice a lot on your own.

--troublemaker