Warbird Information Exchange

Eric,

Thanks for taking the time to reply and share your experience with me, I really appreciate it.

ROTC is something that I have really never looked much into, but sounds like it is worth some reasearch. I will try and take some time today or this evening to read up a bit.

There are some great groups out there for women in aviation and I have applied for some various scholarships, etc., with some of them. Hopefully they'll work out. My fingers are crossed!

Thank you again for the advice, I appreciate it!

Stephanie

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"It is the greatest shot of adrenaline to be doing what you have wanted to do so badly. You almost feel like you could fly without the plane." Charles Lindbergh

Paul, as always, you're a class act, thank you.

I appreciate the encouragement, and the more I thought about it last night, the more I agree with Ryan as well. Not only do I need my degree, but I really want it too. I think there is a huge sense of accomplishment that I would get from earning it. I think for the time being most of my energy and effort will go into that.

Once I have that piece completed I can focus on the ratings, etc. And you're right, ratings are ratings.

I am definitely not opposed to living lean in a studio or shared apartment, eating Cup O' Noodles, and getting minimal sleep... its all for the greater good and would pay off ten fold in the end.

Thank you again for responding, was nice to hear from you.

Steph

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"It is the greatest shot of adrenaline to be doing what you have wanted to do so badly. You almost feel like you could fly without the plane." Charles Lindbergh

I haven't, but I will have to look it up today while I research ROTC information. Thank you for the suggestion!

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"It is the greatest shot of adrenaline to be doing what you have wanted to do so badly. You almost feel like you could fly without the plane." Charles Lindbergh

Steph
for the Air Force Mil side you have to be in pilot training by 27 1/2 (not sure of your age) so do the math. 4 years to get your degree and if you go right in, plan on it taking at least 1 year to get your pilot slot and get to pilot training if everything lines up perfectly. then you pick up a 10 year commitment to the mil before you can get out and go to the Airlines.. If you can get your ratings and a little time we have insiders at Horizon and i can help with that... As for ROTC it used to be they wanted an egineering or hard science degree with a 3.0 GPA to ensure a pilot slot.

Randy
(back me up here on the age and commitment limits as i haven't had to deal with it for a while. we haven't sent anyone to pilot training for about 7 years)

Randy,

I am currently 27. So it isn't looking too good for me . . . I really appreciate you taking the time to help educate me a bit however. I knew there was a wealth of knowledge out here on WIX just waiting for me! Thanks again, Randy!

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"It is the greatest shot of adrenaline to be doing what you have wanted to do so badly. You almost feel like you could fly without the plane." Charles Lindbergh

Randy,

I'm an AF Academy Admissions Liaison Officer. I also handle some Air Force ROTC applicants. The new age cutoff for USAF pilot training is to be commissioned a 2nd Lt before reaching the age of 29. Commitment is still 10 years active duty upon completion of pilot training. The GPA and AFOQT test scores required to be competitive can vary widely from year to year depending on the demand for pilots and the number of applicants. Competitive criteria will also vary if applying to an individual ANG or AF Reserve unit since their application process is separate from the active duty USAF. I'm sure you know most of this, but I thought I'd mention it for Steph's benefit.


http://www.afrotc.com/admissions/genReq.php

paul

the age diff used to 27 1/2 for pilot training but 29-32 for getting a commision and getting in.. did they up the pilot training min age to 29??

jcw

Yes...in order to go to pilot training, you must be commissioned a 2nd Lt before turning 29.

Paul, any Idea what the cut off is for the ARMY? What about the commitment for NFO.

Yup, you're still correct, JCW. I have seen some folks with ANG units come through the fighter pipeline in the last 3 years who are in their 30s, but that has taken a specific waiver.

For Army Warrant Officer applicants, you may not be over 33 years old at the time your Warrant Officer Candidate selection board convenes, but may apply for a waiver if 33-34 year old. For the Navy, all I know is you must not turn 27 before June 30th of the year you're expected to graduate and get commissioned...not sure of the age cutoff for NFO training or flight school.

Just as an update (not that anyone is too terribly interested) but I visited Central WA University this past weekend. I checked out their flight program and overall had a really good experience up there. I was fortunate enough to get there really early, so I had 6 of their seniors and two faculty all to myself to talk with for about two hours! They said right after I left it got very busy and they had to start turning people away. (The early bird really does get the worm!) They were great about answering questions and all seemed to really enjoy their experiences there.

After a lengthy discussion and lots of encouragement from a very good friend on WIX (You know who you are! Thank you! ) I decided to go for it.

So, cross your fingers for me. I hope to have an answer in 3 weeks or so. It'd mean a big life change and move for me, but I am ready to take it head on!

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"It is the greatest shot of adrenaline to be doing what you have wanted to do so badly. You almost feel like you could fly without the plane." Charles Lindbergh