Reply With QuoteDude... I think you answered all 2983429384 of my questions via PM.
I get questions all the time about flight school and/or aviation branch. Some are PM's, others are just random questions thrown in with unrelated topics. So to help maintain some level of organization, and more importantly, keep me from having to answer the same questions over and over again, I've started this topic.
That being said, here's the disclaimer. I can't promise that I'll be able to answer all your questions, or even correctly answer the ones I think I know. But now is probably the best time to ask them, because I'm still at Mutha Rucker. If I don't know the answer, I'll tell you so, but I'll do my best to find out.
For those of you aspiring to be Army Aviators, don't be afraid to ask a question, no matter how stupid. Remember, there's no such thing as a stupid question, just stupid people. And we're all a little stupid. I'd much rather you ask your questions here in the public rather via PM, because chances are there is someone else out there with the very same question.
I'll be keeping close tabs on this topic. Any off-topic FOD material doesn't belong, and it will be sent straight to the bucket.
Now ask away.
-Sammy
Counsel Yourself!
Dude... I think you answered all 2983429384 of my questions via PM.
Okay, here goes: I have the numbers for the tape testing (arm reach, leg length, etc.), but where could I go to get that properly done? Somewhere where they know exactly where to put the tape, so I don't get fucked over.
Also, do you know of any good (cheap) study guides for the AFAST? My father's a civilian helo pilot and former flight engineer on CH-47s, so he can help me a LOT, but something I can use until I go home would be nice.
Can I go ahead and get a flight physical BEFORE Camp, then not have to worry about it there?
I know that the minimum regs for eyesight are 20/50 correctable to 20/20, but if you're not 20/20 or 20/15 straight off, will it affect which aircraft you get, or even your chances at getting Aviation? Like, say that there's a guy who scores lower than me on the AFAST, but has perfect vision. Will he get taken over me?
Sorry about the barrage, especially since I've never really asked much before, but lately I've been having this little voice in my head saying how great it would be to be a rotor-head...
~Cady
"SCOUTS OUT!"
"Even now, in Heaven, there are Angels carrying savage weapons." ~ Saint Paul
Originally Posted by Un4given
You got me... I <3 skull. lol
FSU sends people to benning for flight physicals before camp so that they dont have to deal with the problems that arise at camp and so everything can be done for accessions beforehand.
Eyesight, eyesight, eyesight. That is my biggest worry right now.
Also, I cant major in aviation piloting or even get my license at an airport because I cant afford it. I know that it doesnt matter what major you have, but I think we'd all agree that if you want to be a basket weaver in the army then why not major in basket weaving in college?
I am very interested in aviation, but only from a military standpoint...not what Leonardo da Vinci drew in his notebook about parachutes, or how Joseph and Etienne Montgolfier watched lightweight paper go up a chimney and figured that gas that was lighter than air could be used for lifting power so they made a hot air balloon which is what we're discussing in my intro. to aviation class. The class doesnt have anything to do with what I'm interested in. All the students talk about really is what airline they want to fly for and what piece of junk civilian plane they flew in to get their license. It all sounds really corny to me, lots of goofy kids in that class.
Considering that choice of major doesnt really matter, would changing my major next semester be a bad idea? I'm only a freshman and I'm only taking one major related class, the rest of my classes I would need for any other major. If so...any suggestions? Dont say criminal justice or law enforcement or anything. My dad and grandpa are/were police officers, not interested.
I know my choice depends on what I want, but I'm looking for personal experiences. "Oh, I majored in blah blah and it was great! It was easy, and lots of fun!", would probably be the best answer, but I'm probably not going to get it, haha.
Also, any input that anyone has on their branch would be helpful if I were to decide to switch up branch choices and match a major to it.
You're NCO cadre should be able to do this just fine.
Yes, the ARCO test guide is pretty decent: Amazon LinkAlso, do you know of any good (cheap) study guides for the AFAST? My father's a civilian helo pilot and former flight engineer on CH-47s, so he can help me a LOT, but something I can use until I go home would be nice.
The best thing you can do is take the practice tests that are included with the study guide, but make sure you have someone time you. The test isn't very difficult, but you are given very little time to answer each question. Your father will be able to provide you with more information than you'll get out of that guide, so go bother him. Also keep in mind that if you fail the test, there's a mandatory 6 month waiting period before you can retest. So it's in your best interest to take the AFAST early. I took it my sophomore year.
Sure. Talk to your cadre and see if they can schedule you one at a nearby post.Can I go ahead and get a flight physical BEFORE Camp, then not have to worry about it there?
Nope. It's pass/fail. It has no bearing on whether or not you get branched aviation or what aircraft you receive.I know that the minimum regs for eyesight are 20/50 correctable to 20/20, but if you're not 20/20 or 20/15 straight off, will it affect which aircraft you get, or even your chances at getting Aviation? Like, say that there's a guy who scores lower than me on the AFAST, but has perfect vision. Will he get taken over me?
no problem.Sorry about the barrage, especially since I've never really asked much before, but lately I've been having this little voice in my head saying how great it would be to be a rotor-head...
-Sammy
Counsel Yourself!
I changed my major twice before I found what I liked. Like I said earlier to you, do something that interests you.
-Sammy
Counsel Yourself!
well for starters you might try not being such an arrogant fuck and realize that your beggining aviation class is giving you insites on how to deal with thermals and air currents, so you might actually want to remember some of that...second check and see if your local regional airport has any sort of programs that allows you to go up and fly with recruiters or instructors...I know the marine corp has something like that here in Tally. Honestly I'd say if you know yoru gonna go aviation i.e. your gonna tack on the 3 extra years to guarantee it, than I'd take whatever the fuck you wanted to in college, major in social ignorance, take all the cool classes, and be a hippy for 4 years, cuz once your out it'll never be the same again
Fuck you, Ass.
Son, contrary to what Sammy'll tell ya, a helicopter doesn't really fly--it beats the air into submission.
I've had roomies who majored in aerodynamics end up flying satellites, & others who majored in "general studies" go on to be IPs & to command fighter squadrons.
Bottom-line: Uncle Sam says that it wants most officers to have A (read: "any") college degree. If they want you to have further, more in-depth studies later on, they'll send you to the school.
Fast forward some 25 years. Think you're just going to retire on what you make in terms of a military retirement pension? Think again. Therefore, you'll need a second profession. What would you want to be doing THEN? THAT's what you might want to concentrate your major towards, imo.
"What you fear controls you. Take charge of your own life!"
Thanks for all the help. All eyesight questions have been answered in that other thread, sorry I posted it here again.
Un4given, if you still have those POCs I gave you for the surgery waivers, you might want to post them here. I'm sure you found some better ones than the ones I gave you.
-Sammy
Counsel Yourself!
Was I retarded to guarantee aviation for 9 years?
I personally think the guarantee branch scheme is a bad idea in general for this reason; it's asking a young college student to commit to 10 years (don't forget that year you spend at Rucker doesn't count) to Army. I always hear young cadets say "I want to make a career out of the Army, so it's worth it." I'm sorry, but if you have never been in the Army, you don't know that yet. I may very well spend 30+ years in the Army, but I'm not going to be so brazen to think I can predict the future as a 20-something college student. Not only may you not enjoy the Army, but you may find out your branch isn't all it's cracked up to be. We lose flight students every now and then who just don't like it. Flying is awesome, but it's not just getting in a cockpit and cruising around. 99% of your time is spent planning, briefing, studying, etc, etc. People who have never flown don't realize this. The attrition rate is high right now for 0-3's who have reached their ADSO. Guys are just getting sick of going on their 3rd tour in the ME. I don't care if you're John Rambo, that shit will wear you down. If it doesn't break you, it might hurt your marriage. I've seen alot of CPTs ETSing here. They love the flying, but there's only so much you and your family can take.
Reason number two is; how were you to know that you weren't going to get your first branch choice in the first place? If your scores/points are competitive, then I wouldn't do it. Reason number three is there's this little thing called branch transfer. It's hard to do, but it happens. My OBC class leader was a CPT who transfered from AG.
Basically this guarantee branch program is a win-win retainment program for the Army. Chances are there are good percentage of those in this contract who would have received their first choice anyways. So now they got you for another 3 years.
Just my thoughts.
-Sammy
Counsel Yourself!
Fuckin' A, Sammy, I appreciate it. And good points about the guaranteed branch thing. If my scores aren't competetive, I still might do it, but otherwise, I'll just hope for the best and transfer if I need to (and it's possible).
~Cady
"SCOUTS OUT!"
"Even now, in Heaven, there are Angels carrying savage weapons." ~ Saint Paul
You got me... I <3 skull. lol
Who woulda thunk a rotor-head could be wise beyond his years?
"What you fear controls you. Take charge of your own life!"
How does post choice work? From what I understand, I can put down my wishlist for posts after I get branched, but if I go to flight school, couldn't the type of helicopter I get assigned change where I get located?
I'm currently an MSIII and thinking about branching aviation but not 100% sure yet. Should I take the test ASAP even if I decide next semester that I wanna branch something else? Also, what determines what post you get after flight school? Are there only specific places where choppers are needed or could I be sent anywhere?
Thanks for the help. Sorry if these are dumb questions.
On the subject above. I am positive I will fail the AFAST but should I take to find out if I'm failing in something other than my vision?
Insert something witty and insulting here. Use your imagination, you have one albeit a small and rather limited one.
I can help here... If you mean the AFAST, take it ASAP so if you fail it you can wait the 6 months and retake it. Once you pass that's the final straw for you and you accept that score.
I can help here too... I think you mean the flight physical, the AFAST is a competency test for aviation. I was advised by Rucker to take the flight physical first to see what else is wrong with me then go get PRK laser eye surgery, which I did. Now I'm completely qualified and just waiting for them to dish out the branches.
Hey Sammy, just helping ya out where I can.
What makes up the AFAST? Gotta' paper due in twelve hours, don't feel like finding out myself.
Yes, if you are branched aviation, then you will not find out your first assignment until you complete flight school. Under normal circumstances you find out during OBC, which is the last course you take (under the new FSXXI program.)
Your first assignment is based on what's available and your OML. Not all posts have aviation units, and it also depends on the model aircraft you fly. All the major installations have aviation units. The one's I've seen LTs go to are Hood, Bragg, Campbell, Lewis, Carson, Polk, Drum, Hunter AAF, Korea, Germany, Honduras.Also, what determines what post you get after flight school? Are there only specific places where choppers are needed or could I be sent anywhere?
You're probably better off asking one of the younger guys, I took it 5 years ago. But as I recall, there are sections on personality, basic aerodynamics and mechanics, and then several problem solving sections. But the Army is in the process of testing a new version of the aptitude entrance test. I don't recall the name of it, but they asked for volunteers to take it yesterday.What makes up the AFAST? Gotta' paper due in twelve hours, don't feel like finding out myself.
-Sammy
Counsel Yourself!
g0og1e f001.
http://www.usarec.army.mil/hq/warrant/d ... 870301.pdf
...it was the top result of 1,740,000 results and if you pressed "I'm feeling lucky" you would have gotten it probably 0.34 seconds faster.Results 1 - 10 of about 1,740,000 for afast flight. (0.89 seconds)
But anywho, that link is the test basically. Enjoy.
Yeah, they're working replacing the AFAST. I took that thing. They called it the SIFT test, but I think that's just the selection program, not the name of the new test.
It was actually just the Navy flight selection test, so there was a bunch of crap about boats on it. I mean seriously, boats?
obey your noodly master.
What, if any chances are there for attending other army training schools from flight school? Ranger school, air assault school, etc.
People are telling me they won't send pilots to ranger school for fear of their million dollar investment getting hurt, but since they opened it up to everyone I'm curious.
You can get a ranger slot. 3 guys from my OBC class are going, it's not that uncommon. The only way you'll get air assault or airborne is if your first assignment is Campbell or Bragg, respectively.
-Sammy
Counsel Yourself!
Posting Permissions
Bookmarks