DesertBird Posted July 1, 2015 Report Share Posted July 1, 2015 Sorry if this is in the wrong area. But, does anyone have any experience with going through Universal Helicopters for flight training prior to constructing a WOFT packet? Good idea? Waste of time? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lindsey Posted July 1, 2015 Report Share Posted July 1, 2015 Why them specifically? What's your reasoning? If just to make your packet look better, don't do it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DesertBird Posted July 1, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 1, 2015 Not only that, I would have significant experience after it all that would better ensure acceptance. I don't have any flight experience nor a degree. So I'm thinking this would help me out tremendously in my pursuit into going into the WOFT program. And UHI specifically because I'm located in Phoenix and their school accepts Post 9/11 due to the fact that it would be a degree qualifying program. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lindsey Posted July 1, 2015 Report Share Posted July 1, 2015 Ah, so you're planning to go the full CFI/CFII route? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DesertBird Posted July 1, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 1, 2015 Ah, so you're planning to go the full CFI/CFII route? That is correct. It would allow me to have it all paid in full. Give myself time and experience behind the stick and ultimately put me in a great position when submitting my packet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lindsey Posted July 1, 2015 Report Share Posted July 1, 2015 Be advised the VA is cracking down on this program. Schools are being audited and having their contracts taken away because of abuse of the system. Guidance Aviation is one. Do some research to see what the status of Universal is before getting too heavily invested. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yamer Posted July 1, 2015 Report Share Posted July 1, 2015 (edited) I got in with no flight time or degree though I'm guard. So did a friend of mine who is AD street to seat from phx recruiting. It's very possible. Edited July 1, 2015 by Yamer 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DesertBird Posted July 1, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 1, 2015 I got in with no flight time or degree though I'm guard. So did a friend of mine who is AD street to seat from phx recruiting. It's very possible. I'm prior service Navy that's still in IRR until August 2015. I think I'm leaning more to getting my packet done the best I can and seeing how things go. I was denied taking the SIFT because I had a tattoo on my left forearm. But since they revised the regulation, I believe I've been given that second chance. Just wanted to ensure success! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yamer Posted July 1, 2015 Report Share Posted July 1, 2015 Being prior service will help over the 18 year old in itself. Like Lindsey said, don't waste time, submit it, if it's doesn't get accepted, improve. Second time no select then go for the drastic improvement like flight time or college. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yamer Posted July 1, 2015 Report Share Posted July 1, 2015 (edited) Any interest in Arizona army guard? I know a guy... Edited July 1, 2015 by Yamer 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DesertBird Posted July 1, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 1, 2015 Any interest in Arizona army guard? I know a guy... No thank you. I would prefer to go full AD. But, if you have anything that would help me out then please, feel free to share. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yamer Posted July 1, 2015 Report Share Posted July 1, 2015 Submit it ASAP. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USCav19D Posted July 1, 2015 Report Share Posted July 1, 2015 No thank you. I would prefer to go full AD. But, if you have anything that would help me out then please, feel free to share. I was picked up as a prior service guy in May. It can be done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A-aron Posted July 1, 2015 Report Share Posted July 1, 2015 (edited) I go to UHI through ERAU and am prepping myself to apply for WOFT. Working on PT, ASVAB etc. UHI should be in compliance 100%. I say that because I understand they've been audited recently, along with the fact they have ties to Embry Riddle. Despite what peoples real thoughts about ERAU are, one thing I've noticed is ERAU ABSOLUTELY HATES bad press. I would not be surprised if there was a clause in the contract where ERAU got drop UHI IMMEDIATELY if they were not in compliance. Personally the VA decided to crack down on me for some dumb reason and I am in the process of fighting it now. I am not a flight major at Riddle instead I am doing it as a minor, and after being approved into the program and doing it for 3 semesters, after the 4th finished they were all like "OH YOU AREN'T AUTHORIZED PAY US SOME RANDOM AMOUNT". Basically despite the fact I declared a helicopter flight minor, did all the paperwork right, am following the program at ERAU exactly, they flipped out for some reason. I am told that another student was stopped before even starting the program and they approved him so I am hoping to get this all taken care of soon since they already approved someone to enter the program with the same issue I have, and the fact there are others in the program doing the exact same thing... I know Lindsey said "If just to make your packet look better, don't do it. ", and she has a point. But if you really want to fly helicopters and have some backup plan if not selected for WOFT, then why not try to do it. After all its going to take quite a while to get a packet together and go through the entire process. If going to UHI will cause more issues and slow down your WOFT application process then don't do it. Oh, as an additional note I am a civilian applicant who was already at college, when I began flight training, I had also already begun flight training before I really knew a lot about the WOFT program and that I wanted to apply. Edited July 1, 2015 by A-aron Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lindsey Posted July 1, 2015 Report Share Posted July 1, 2015 My point was that if you plan to go through CFI/II and thus become employable and you would be okay being a CFI if the Army didn't work out, that's 100% fine. However, plenty of people are under the impression that If they just get "some flight time" or a PPL then that will suddenly near-guarantee acceptance. It's just not true. Several hundred hours of flight time is wildly different than 15 or 40. Being employed as a pilot is different than throwing money at it for 15 hours. If he was one of these people (which he clarified he is not), then it's not worth the money. You basically get two free looks at your packet once assembled and submitted, and if rejected both times then you have 6 months to improve and resubmit. That's when the decision to *maybe* obtain flight time might be considered.I did the civilian CFI thing after Rucker said no to my T-Rex arms and I couldn't get a waiver. Then I found out I could and submitted my packet 300 hours and almost 3 years later. I don't regret a second of it. Just know that it still doesn't guarantee you'll get into WOFT, and be sure that's how you want to use your 9/11 GI Bill. Research the CIVILIAN sector and understand what your outlook is if, for whatever reason, the military option closes for you. Know what it takes to get hired, how many hours it takes to get there, and how you need to achieve those hours. Then make the decision.In my opinion, going through both civilian and military flight school has been a unique and eye-opening experience. I feel like I have a good handle on both sectors, and even though I'm now in the Army, I keep up with the civilian sector news and happenings, as I do plan to return to it whether that be in 6 years or 20. It has allowed me to experience the benefits of both types of training, and also see some of the cons of both sides.Industry knowledge and networking is fundamental to success in this business, and one thing I notice about military pilots with no experience in the civilian sector (through no fault of their own), is that they are completely clueless to the civilian sector when they get out and need that knowledge the most. Their logbooks are a horrendous mess (if they even kept one of their own), or they have wild misconceptions. Obviously this is not everybody, but many. Just something to keep in mind.Whatever you decide, just make sure your decision is well-researched and thought out. Come up with a grand plan, and then identify 25m targets and knock them down one-by-one. Don't get lost in the big picture but don't lose sight of it either.Most of all, enjoy the ride. This career rocks. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MichaelRyanSD Posted July 2, 2015 Report Share Posted July 2, 2015 As a AD E-4 guy who had a degree and flight time, I agree with everyone else, apply now, get your two looks for the board, then if both times are a No Go, the improve then tangible stuff (PFT, LoR's) If still a No Go after that, then go for the intangibles (A degree and flight time). Just some advice, but I have no knowledge of what the board is looking for, so take it for what it is worth. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KING Posted July 2, 2015 Report Share Posted July 2, 2015 Get Lindsey to write you an LOR... that will guarantee your selection Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DesertBird Posted July 7, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 7, 2015 Thanks everyone for the replies. Great comments! I'm going to go through with submitting the packet without attending UHI and update this forum accordingly. I think it's about time I just get on with it. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dflores Posted July 7, 2015 Report Share Posted July 7, 2015 Just do it man. Go there with a good attitude. That is all you need. Have a blast! You will be shocked at the number of mouth breathers walking around and wonder why you were ever worried. I know I was. (not a mouth breather, lol) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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