Navy Pilot Advice Wanted

stormchaser

stormchaser

Well-Known Member
I've been reading this thread for quite awhile now, and I generally have an idea of "what is" in terms of military aviation. But it's always good to get a further perspective from the inside, too.

I'm 26 years old, got a 4-year Bachelor's degree, have 900 hours, and am strongly considering joining the Navy. I realize that it's not a "get your free flights here" program, and I realize that it is a huge commitment. I have a sister-in-law currently based in Iraq (Army Reserve), and she's on a year deployment, so I'm no stranger to knowing the "real" side of the military.

I am just looking for what my best "moves" are in terms of the process. Of course, I have already contacted the recruiter (who referred me on to the "aviation recruiter"). I'm now in contact with him.

I have a good background in terms of "on paper" knowledge. Good GPA, Bachelor's degree, a couple jobs, etc. I'm physically fit (5'7" 150 pounds), and the eyesight is good to go. I did have two ankle surgeries a couple years back (they are already asking me to round that paperwork up), but other than that...I think I'm fine. Personality-wise, well, shoot, that's probably my strongest suit. I just feel like I would meet the criteria, with no arrogance implied.

More or less, I'm just seekin' feedback from from those already in. I know it's different person-to-person, but I just want YOUR personal respones. Would you recommend a 26-year-old single male dive right in? Are my chances good that I can get into the aviation side side of the Navy (esp. pilot ops)? (I know, don't take "no" for an answer, right?!). I know it's often "see a need, fill a need" in the military, but I also know that my strengths line up with aviation. Is that worth more than a passing glance? Or in a completely flip-flop question, would you encourage the civilian side? I'll be honest. The military is not a necessity, meaning that I don't need to have it to be fulfilled. But it would be an honor. I am defending freedom, I am serving my country, I am protecting lives...all while using specialized skills. But...to put that into perspective, frankly, flying in general is not a necessity in my life. But it sure is a privilege that I am pround to enjoy. I would like to "give" with it.

I would appreciate any heads-up. In my current job, I fly through many MOA's (often with 'em active!) for hours on end (nothing like A-10's showin' off around ya...true story), and I have seen several Navy pilots on the ground pass through in their T-34 and T-45 aircraft. (Who wouldn't be honored to fly one of those?). It's certainly enjoyable to watch, but I know behind the scenes it won't be all "glory."

I'm sure I'll have more questions. Just would like to get the proverbial ball rolling. To sum up, would you recommend serving in the Navy? (I'm also considering Reserve, just waitin' for that phone call back, so any advice there would be appreciated, too.). Frankly, the Air Force is an option, too, but the Navy has just been my first consideration. And if I'm allowed to serve our country, would you foresee me as being a likely candidate (if that terminology even exists) for pilot ops? Thanks.
 
stormchaser said:
I would appreciate any heads-up. In my current job, I fly through many MOA's (often with 'em active!) for hours on end (nothing like A-10's showin' off around ya...true story), .
Click to expand...

:eek:

Do you at least let someone know you're there if you must fly through them when active? Have just had too many near mid-airs when someone blows through the MOA at altitude when I'm in the middle of something......and the MOA wasn't even that wide most of the time!
 
MikeD said:
:eek:

Do you at least let someone know you're there if you must fly through them when active? Have just had too many near mid-airs when someone blows through the MOA at altitude when I'm in the middle of something......and the MOA wasn't even that wide most of the time!
Click to expand...

Coordination is the name of the game. Yeah, I always get on radar coverage when in an MOA. Just stupid not to. I've also had to coordinate with military personnel for Restricted Areas, too. Nothin' like talkin' to an old grunt askin' when his bombs and live fire are goin' to be goin' off. I hear 172's don't take very well to depleted uranium armor-piercing shells. At least I couldn't find it in my POH anywhere. <sigh>
 
The thought of you cruising through my MOA in a Cessna is frightening, but that said.....:p

Anyhow, sounds like you at least have the right attitude about things. A couple things:

1) You can't join the Navy as a student pilot in the reserves. We require 8 years of active service following your winging date. For most folks this equates to around 10 years of active service overall, counting your time in flight school

2) With the right attitude, your prior flight experience will more than likely help you out at times (especially your instrument training). That being said, the manner in which military flight school works is much different than civilian school, both in terms of expectations, as well as emphasis. It was an interesting transition for me, having also come from a civilian flying background (and also at age 26 coincidentally).

3) At 26 with a college degree, you are at a perfect time to apply. Not a whole lot of time to waste, but you should be able to get a package into your officer recruiter to process. Your option at this point would be straight OCS (Officer Candidate School) since you are done with college. The good news is that you will pick up a contract of some form, be it for Pilot, NFO, SWO, whatever. In other words you will head off for OCS knowing you will be headed to flight training (or whatever else you got) following graduation and commissioning. Aside from that, your recruiter should be able to help you out with what you need to get done. And most importantly, DO NOT go speak with an enlisted recruiter about this. They will lead you astray, no more explanation required.

4) Yes, I would absolutely recommend the Navy, but I am a little bit biased :) You will do some of the most incredible things you can imagine in our flight training program. Getting paid to strap into a $20+ million jet and rocket off into the sky is a pretty incredible experience. There is a lot of hard work involved, but we get to do the most incredible flying out there IMHO.
 
stormchaser said:
....would you foresee me as being a likely candidate (if that terminology even exists) for pilot ops? Thanks.
Click to expand...

idk, is your dad an officer in the military? :) most of the navy fliers just happen to have one of those as dads :D
anyway, it doesn't hurt to try...just do it!
 
///AMG said:
Your option at this point would be straight OCS (Officer Candidate School) since you are done with college. The good news is that you will pick up a contract of some form, be it for Pilot, NFO, SWO, whatever. In other words you will head off for OCS knowing you will be headed to flight training (or whatever else you got) following graduation and commissioning.
Click to expand...
Yes the Navy is a great option. I did have a couple of comments to add to AMG's fine post. When you head off to OCS you will already know what your designator will be. That said, I strongly believe in being an Officer first and whatever your designator is second. Things happen. You never know when the NAMI Whammy hits, or a couple bad passes on the boat.
 
MikeD said:
:eek:

Do you at least let someone know you're there if you must fly through them when active? Have just had too many near mid-airs when someone blows through the MOA at altitude when I'm in the middle of something......and the MOA wasn't even that wide most of the time!
Click to expand...

i've had the same problem....but only with the T-6 so i can't imagine how it was for you
 
Around here center is pretty good about calling out non-participating traffic on guard.....at least in the Meridian and Pine Hill MOA's....not sure about the CBM one. Some dude came through yesterday right as I was nose low inverted at like 400+ kts with a pretty solid G on the jet.....big pucker factor there as I couldn't really get my eyes scanning very effectively, although we ended up well below him when he passed through

As for civilian traffic flying through vs. flying around, I think the general level of understanding about the dangers in a MOA is not very high among civilian pilots. I know when I was flying civvie I had no idea, and just kind of figured that if I needed to go through, that see and avoid and staying on flight following would be okay. It blew my mind the first time I saw the other side of the show, from the back of a Super Hornet on a weapons training hop. There just isn't much time to see and avoid. Around here we do everything up to and including ACM training and tacforms in the MOAs. I think if civilian folks had a better idea about what actually goes on in these special use airpaces, they would stay further clear. At least I know I would...
 
///AMG said:
It blew my mind the first time I saw the other side of the show, from the back of a Super Hornet on a weapons training hop. There just isn't much time to see and avoid. Around here we do everything up to and including ACM training and tacforms in the MOAs. I think if civilian folks had a better idea about what actually goes on in these special use airpaces, they would stay further clear. At least I know I would...
Click to expand...

Think about that 18-ship fighting up there...8 v 10, with someone doing a Mission Commander upgrade, and somebody's 4-ship flight lead upgrade, somebody's instructor upgrade, somebody's Mission Qualification checkride going on....and they all have to "Knock It Off" because somebody is be-bopping through the MOA because it's fun or they want to save some gas money.
 
Hacker15e said:
Think about that 18-ship fighting up there...8 v 10, with someone doing a Mission Commander upgrade, and somebody's 4-ship flight lead upgrade, somebody's instructor upgrade, somebody's Mission Qualification checkride going on....and they all have to "Knock It Off" because somebody is be-bopping through the MOA because it's fun or they want to save some gas money.
Click to expand...

Yeah, and in the process of saving gas money they just cost the federal govt. thousands in wasted fuel and needed training. Not as critical for guys like me in the training commands, but for those of you all in the fleet doing work-ups or whatnot, thats definitely a loss.
 
///AMG said:
Around here center is pretty good about calling out non-participating traffic on guard.....at least in the Meridian and Pine Hill MOA's....not sure about the CBM one. Some dude came through yesterday right as I was nose low inverted at like 400+ kts with a pretty solid G on the jet.....big pucker factor there as I couldn't really get my eyes scanning very effectively, although we ended up well below him when he passed through

As for civilian traffic flying through vs. flying around, I think the general level of understanding about the dangers in a MOA is not very high among civilian pilots. I know when I was flying civvie I had no idea, and just kind of figured that if I needed to go through, that see and avoid and staying on flight following would be okay. It blew my mind the first time I saw the other side of the show, from the back of a Super Hornet on a weapons training hop. There just isn't much time to see and avoid. Around here we do everything up to and including ACM training and tacforms in the MOAs. I think if civilian folks had a better idea about what actually goes on in these special use airpaces, they would stay further clear. At least I know I would...
Click to expand...

I think I am doing an O&B to Key Field tomorrow. Sometimes I have received traffic advisories and sometimes i havent. Granted at the most i'm only blitzing around in the MOA at 250 max.
 
ian said:
what vouchers? It's my first O&B, first XC on Friday too.

If you mean travel vouchers then yes for the XC no for the O&B
Click to expand...

They give us vouchers to go get food at a number of local restaurants. Not sure if you all run into town on your O/I's, but if you do its a good deal. They have them for the sushi place, as well as a couple other ones (roadhouse is one I think). Partially because of this, the sushi place has basically become our o-club :)
 
///AMG said:
They give us vouchers to go get food at a number of local restaurants. Not sure if you all run into town on your O/I's, but if you do its a good deal. They have them for the sushi place, as well as a couple other ones (roadhouse is one I think). Partially because of this, the sushi place has basically become our o-club :)
Click to expand...

I was wrong, we got the vouchers. We were going to go to the Thai place but they were closed Mondays and ended up going to some BBQ place down the street...wasn't bad. I think we pissed the tower off bringing 8 T-6s in at once lol
 
ian said:
I was wrong, we got the vouchers. We were going to go to the Thai place but they were closed Mondays and ended up going to some BBQ place down the street...wasn't bad. I think we pissed the tower off bringing 8 T-6s in at once lol
Click to expand...

You're only cool if you can cut off an ANG -135 in the pattern.....they really like that :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top