Introduction from a hopeful Army Aviator

Dbargs · June 11, 2015

Hey Everyone,

I would just like to introduce myself. My name is Derek and I have been lurking these forums for years. I have tossed around the idea of trying to be a pilot for about the last 5 years, but now I'm at the point where I am ready to make moves. I haven't talked to a recruiter yet, but I will in the next month or two. I am trying to get an intro flight in an R44 in the next couple weeks, just to make sure its something I really want to do and feel comfortable with.

I have an AFAST study guide I purchased when it was still the current test, and I've read that some SIFT sections are still covered by the AFAST study guides. I am still studying that for now, but can anyone recommend a good SIFT study guide? Also, I've heard people refer to study material published by the FAA, but can't find any good links. Does anyone have a current link? *edit* I think I found it, it's dated 2000, is this current and correct? http://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aircraft/media/faa-h-8083-21.pdf

Other than that, I've been working on getting that magic 300 on the APFT, I won't test until I know I can make a 300.

Finally, I would like to thank Lindsey specifically, the PDF in your sticky has helped answer so many questions that I didn't even know I have. Not to take anything away from the contributions of the rest of the members here, but I think that is the most valuable single piece of information I have found here.

I guess that's that. I didn't mean to throw a wall of text at you. But now when I ask a stupid question, you know who I am.

Derek

oh btw, I want to fly kiowas.

pew pew

StockTrader · June 11, 2015

oh btw, I want to fly kiowas.

pew pew

I have some bad news for you

akscott60 · June 11, 2015

I have some bad news for you

No sh*t. Day (decade) late, dollar short.

Lindsey · June 12, 2015

Thanks Derek, glad it helped. I wanted to fly Kiowas too, but apparently the Army decided they were such majestic and superior aircraft that they belong enshrined in museums.

Dbargs · June 12, 2015

Oh wow, I never heard about that. Are they really going to replace them all with Apaches?

Lindsey · June 12, 2015

Oh wow, I never heard about that. Are they really going to replace them all with Apaches?

Supposedly.

akscott60 · June 12, 2015

No. They are going to get rid of them totally, which the Army is nearly complete with. If they try to fill the gap with Apaches stolen from the guard, well, we will see.

The only fact is that plenty of Kiowa guys and gals got the big green weenie.

Anyway, welcome. Good luck. There are plenty of good airframes and missions to do, but you have about 30, 25m targets ahead of you.

Dbargs · June 12, 2015

Thanks Derek, glad it helped. I wanted to fly Kiowas too, but apparently the Army decided they were such majestic and superior aircraft that they belong enshrined in museums.

That must be, I can't think of any other reason.

Anyway, welcome. Good luck. There are plenty of good airframes and missions to do, but you have about 30, 25m targets ahead of you.

Thanks for the welcome, though I don't understand the reference.

akscott60 · June 12, 2015

Ah, just saying, stay the course. The process is a long one before you need to worry about what to fly.

USCav19D · June 12, 2015

You'll get it after you've done BCT. Even though those targets are 50 meters...

Dbargs · June 17, 2015

So I have a few more questions,

This is the link I am using (not exclusively) to get my stuff together, but at the top it states "**WOFT PROGRAM IS FOR CIVILIAN APPLICANTS ONLY" Am I misunderstanding something, or is there another list of requirements for military applicants that I can't find?

Is there anyway I can retake the ASVAB to get a more competitive score? The USAREC website says a 70 G score for the Air Force translates to a 110 GT, I have an 86, so with assuming (yeah, I know) it's a linear equation, that would put me at a 135. Either way, I know I can do better.

I already have a current secret clearance, do I need to fill out the SF-86?

I'm currently studying the FAA 8083-21 Manual, should I only stick to the sections pertaining to rotorcraft? Or do I need to be familiar with the gyroplane chapters as well?

I'm going to be in Vegas again this weekend and want to pick up a sift study guide while I'm there, I looked and saw a couple books that look promising. SIFT Study Guide and Fundamentals of Flight. Anything wrong with these choices, or recommendations for other materials to replace/augment these two?

Finally, is BCT like CST? Basic Combat Training? I sure wish the different branches would at least share acronyms.

Thanks.

Caelus · June 17, 2015

I already have a current secret clearance, do I need to fill out the SF-86?

I've been wondering this also. I have a TS/SCI. Seems stupid to fill out an SF-86 for an investigation that isn't going to get done. It would be nice to just include a JPAS rip showing previous investigations.

Joe_P148 · June 17, 2015

I've been wondering this also. I have a TS/SCI. Seems stupid to fill out an SF-86 for an investigation that isn't going to get done. It would be nice to just include a JPAS rip showing previous investigations.

I know it sounds lame but, your probably gonna have to fill out the SF86 again. Just part of the process.

If you were applying for a civilian job like FBI, theyd still probably have you fill out an SF86.

shainbourassa · June 17, 2015

Exactly what Joe said, I've seen a lot of people lately having problems with the whole transfer process getti messed up; don't quote me but I believe your filling out a new 86 because the sponsor of you clearance is changing. Whoever is paying for you to have a clearance now isn't going to pay for it once you leave.

TachedOutOffRoad · June 17, 2015

You will have to fill it out again. They may even re-run all your stuff.

BCT is basic combat training.

We had two USAF guys in the class behind me, it is possible.

Staying motivated is the biggest part. There will be multiple trips to MEPS, millions of trips to the recruiting station, and a kazillion hours of being frustrated and waiting for a call, but its all worth it. You wont get any special treatment as prior service, its actually more work for the recruiters.

We did a PR mission with some "downed" USAF heavy aircrews. They had never flown goggles or low level multiship and we tried to make it worth their while in the back.... They said Warrant Officers were too crazy to realize how dumb we are. I took it as a compliment.

Dbargs · June 26, 2015

Does anyone know how common tattoo waivers are? According to 670-1 hand tattoos are unauthorized, what are the odds I can get a waiver for my wedding ring tattoo? Has anyone had to deal with this? If I have to get it removed, I'll do it, but I (and the wife) would rather not.