Wash Out

[Killer2]

Ok I am a Political Sci major and I haven't taken alot of math/sci classes and so I worry about being way behind the power curve and washing out of flight school. Anyone know what MOS one in these circumstances would have a chance to get? Is it all up to the needs of the Corps? Is combat arms totally out of the question?

 

[46Driver]

If you wash out of flight school, combat arms are extremely unlikely. However, don't worry about not having many math or science classes (I was a history major myself). The academics are not too difficult. More important is getting some stick time in an actual aircraft before arriving in PCola.

 

[NavyOCS]

This is my concern as well. How difficult is flight school for guys who do not have a math/science background? I know its not easy no matter what your major, but it is managable?

 

[phrogdriver]

We're not talking calculus here. If you can do the basic math functions, i.e. add, subtract, multiply, and divide pretty well, that's all you need. You just need to do that stuff quickly and accurately. As far as engineering, you don't have to build a plane, just fly it. If you are reasonably intelligent, you'll be able to grasp the tiny, tiny bit of engineering you have to take.

 

[Killer2]

Thats the kind of motivation I needed to here. I am on a NFO contract so not so much with the stick time as with the comms and ect.

 

[riley]

The University of California, Berkely performed a study in the mid 1970's and came to the conclusion that a certifiable moron could be taught the finer intricacies of flight and successfully pilot an aircraft.

If you are contracted that must mean you have taken and passed the aviation selection test battery. Not only is that test great for determining selections, it can also tell the oh-so-wise government if you have the ability/propensity for flight. Just don't goof off too much.

(I'm not trying to be sarcastic - just trying to give you some confidence that you can make it.)

 

[Daedalus]

From what I have read, while most people can learn to fly an aircraft the difficult part is the time. Like the ASTB it is timed, you have to learn a lot very fast, the fire hose method of learning, and flight schools require to learn fast or fail out, so keep on your toes. Again this is from what I have read, not what I have experienced (yet)

 

[airwinger]

Looking at my comfort level both at primary and now in jets, I've noticed that (surprise surprise) the more you do a manuever, the better you become at it, what you hope is that you get the manuever down in the time required.

The math is not a big deal, rubbing your stomach and patting your head(aka headwork) seems like a more important skill. If I could go back and start over, I would get school loans, hock my car and eat noodles to get flight time.
semper fi,
airwinger

 

[flyinsioux]

airwinger, did you have any flight time before you started flight training? you say your in jets, were you at the top of your class to get jets?

 

[airwinger]

Hello no I wasn't top of my class, I was #2 of 6 the week I selected but that was sheer luck of the draw. About six years before primary a got about 40 hours from some guy who owned his own airplane, no brief debrief or prepping on manuevers just go up and fly.

My primary onwing said that his top stud(got a 74 NSS) had about 200+ hours. That would have been useful.

 

[HueyHornet75]

what airwinger isn't telling you is that he is a certifiable genius.

but definitely the experience is a huge bonus...you can study your tail off (like me) do great academically, but just be a little too slow, uncoordinated or timid at the controls, and that is the difference between a 7 above flight, or a 15 above. or you could be like other guys who never stepped foot in a plane, and rocked the program...there is no way of knowing. just don't stop pushing yourself...except on the weekends of course.

 

[Gonzodogg]

It sounds like everyone is saying that if we have the opportunity to do some flying before going to Pensacola, we should jump on it. Yes?

 

[chinamonk]

You will. It's call IFS (introductory flight screening) or something like that. The service you contract with pays for 25 hours of private flying time at a civilian flying school before you get to API. Everyone gets it.

 

[jamesd]

Is the IFS graded in any way, or is it just a way to get comfortable before the grading starts at API and beyond?

 

[virtu050]

your grade from your practice FAA exam during IFS is included in your ATJ... also your start and completion date in included. IFS is a screening program. If you don't meet any of the requirements.. i.e. soloing in 15 hours then you will be considered for attrition or redesignation.