Can having a PPL help you get an appointment?

[B52LTA]

B52, of course it "matters." Just like being on the football team, having a job, teaching inner city adults to read, being in band, participating in local politics... yes, they all matter. Having your PPL won't matter any more than any of those other things.

In fact, I would venture to say that teaching inner city adults to read over a period of four years in high school might matter more on an application than getting the PPL. Sure it shows dedication (and the money to finance it), but other activities carry equal weight. Remember, USAFA is interested in the entire person. And, while it may certainly count in an applicant's favor to have the PPL, it is not a eureka! ticket.

Mother. Nowhere in my comment do I suggest that having a PPL is a “eureka! Ticket” nor would I. While it does show dedication agreed. My comment said “All things being equal with two qualified candidates for a SA spot. It stands to reason that the candidate with a PPL would get the nod over a candidate equally qualified without a PPL.” ( my opinion only) For me I am long removed from a SA. The formula used by the board is way over my pay grade. However on another note, am sure it can be very difficult for candidates to come here to this great forum and ask questions. While I see know reason to give them false hope, I certainly see know reason to shoot them down without definitive knowledge.
My eldest D/D who had been flying with me since the age of 10 received her PPL at 17. D/D wanted to go into the SA and applied to a few. She had an excellent resume as most candidates do applying to a SA. Her grades were outstanding, sports etc. well rounded in every aspect for sure. When she went for her nomination being in a very competitive State she was up against many deserving candidates with equal resumes. However to my knowledge none had a PPL. She believes her PPL got her a nomination and then in turn got her an appointment. She said the Nomination committees loved the fact she had a PPL and she was able to incorporate many answers to their questions around the PPL. While 10 years have passed she still believes that the PPL was a big part of her success on so many levels. Does this mean that a candidate or future candidate should run out and get a PPL or ask Mom and Dad? Or to work summers and apply your Christmas and Birthday gifts to obtaining a PPL? My opinion is if it’s your dream go for it! Take a lesson see if you even like it. Now going back to the original question posed above. Can a PPL help get an appointment? First hand, yes. Best of luck to all the candidates, your dreams are our future.

 

[TenCTex]

Outstanding post B52LTA I love it! I guess from your post you have a younger daughter too. Is she a pilot also?