Going Big time

[Amn. Newell]

Going big time
I am currently 19 years old enrolled in a community college as well as a traditional enlisted guardsman for a fighter wing. I am obtaining an associates degree in aviation, as well as a bachelors degree in business management. My grades are all A's and a few B's. And my instructor says my flying is top noch, I'll probably be soloing in 5 more flights in a cessna 172p only after 9 hours.

I would like to fly fighters in the guard and am willing to go anywhere in the world to do it. Everything I have ever worked for has been directed towards this goal. My question goes out to anyone who may guide me in certain objectives I can do to better my chances for a flight position. I would like to get into contact with some fighter pilots and see how they arrived in their current position and see what I can do right now to accelerate my performance. I have talked with a few zoomies at my home base, but any additional information would be greatly appreciated. There is one concern on my part that my current height is 6.2, How will this also effect my chances of flying an F-16 or other fighters. Thanks, Amn. Newell

 

[CrewDawg]

Hey, AMN. Newell...you wouldn't happen to be in the 180th, would you? I don't claim to be an expert, but was in the same place as you about two years ago and am now applying for slots. Actually I just handed in my first packet a few weeks ago. This is all based on the research I have done recently. Oh and i'm pretty sure we have pilot taller than that, so I wouldn't be to worried about your height, it more about your sitting height from what I have heard.



Sounds like your well on your way to earning a pilot slot. Good idea getting that business degreee, it will give you something to fall back on provided anything happens. Well first get yourself the ARCO books and study you’re a$$ off for the AFOQT and get that bat test taken. (I actually used the Cliffs Test prep for Military Flight Aptitude Tests, by Fred N. Grayson, M.A.). Maybe volunteer for various community service projects. If not service maybe play on the some intramural sports teams. Study hard and about your junior year start firing out those packets. It pays to be persistent. If you want to be a fighter pilot then only apply at fighter units, but I would keep my options open. In between every year that you apply, provided you don’t get a spot, do things to better yourself and better your packet. Whatever you do, don’t get discouraged and don’t let people tell you that it won’t happen. PM me if you want, I usually check this site out everyday. Goodluck and I wish you the best.

Also I think you might have better luck looking on www.baseops.net go about three-quarter the way down and click on message board. There is plenty of information on that page.

 

[Amn. Newell]

Hello Crewdawg, I'm actually in the colorado ANG 140th MXS squad. Thanks for all that info on the AFOQT, i'm definately about to get it in gear on that one. Sports is good for me and so is community service, so all I really need to concentrate on is the academics and my flight time. I was wondering what kind of flight experience you may have obtained. Keep me posted on your journey in aviation. Also, are you going for a guard slot as well?
Amn. Newell

Providing the enemy the opportunity to die for their county.

 

[Stash]

Too tall, nope!

I'm 6'4" and fit in the Viper quite well thank you Amn Newell. I know at our base, you must be enlisted for 1 year prior to applying for a pilot slot. It is very competitve and as we are an RTU, after F-16 training, you must go somewhere else for experience before coming back to the 162nd. Keep studying, keep flying and finish your degree. Show lots of interest and don't be a jerk, good luck on the tests and all, cheers,

 

[Amn. Newell]

Thanks stash, that's a big encouragement. I may also apply to the 162nd, for I have been enlisted over a year in the 140th, and been to the desert for the war. So I should be sittin good., just gotta keep up the grades and flight time.

Is getting a lot of hours really a strong point when applying for a pilot slot? What do you think is the most first and foremost thing the board reviews in making their decision? Thanks, Amn, Newell

Providing the enemy the opportunity to die for their country.