Is there any way I can know if I'm pilot qualified before entering the Academy?

HowBoutThemApples

HowBoutThemApples

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If I were to receive an appointment to the academy, will the academy tell me if I'm going to be (potentially)pilot qualified? If not, can I get a physical on my own that would determine this? Thanks
 
Potentially pilot qualified is a figment of the imagination, because no one knows what you'll be in 4 years, especially vision wise. Just like David Robinson didn't realize when he went to the Naval Academy as a 6'4" freshman that he who would then grow to be 7'1" as a senior :wiggle:
 
MullenLE said:
Potentially pilot qualified is a figment of the imagination, because no one knows what you'll be in 4 years
Click to expand...
> That's the first thing that came to mind when I saw the question. Case in point -- I recall sitting at a table in King Hall (USNA Mess) with my squad during the first week of Plebe Summer (in 1981), and our Squad Leader asked how many of us wanted to fly -- 10 of 12 stuck out their paw. At graduation, I don't think we had about 4 or 5 'pilot qualified' in the whole Company at graduation. Granted, that was before Lasik and Vision waivers, but still happens. In fact, with Navy , you weren't truly Aviation Qualified until reporting to Pensacola and going through the NAMI physical. (Many prospective aviators got the NAMI Whammy and became NFO's).
 
There were 3 or 4 reports; an excel spreadsheet with 45 questions; audits; and on and on...It was much easier for me to alter the "handle)":wiggle::zip::bang::bang:
 
MullenLE said:
There were 3 or 4 reports; an excel spreadsheet with 45 questions; audits; and on and on...It was much easier for me to alter the "handle)":wiggle::zip::bang::bang:
Click to expand...
And you’re roaming the Forum now, sharing wisdom on other topics. Adds gravitas!
 
Well, if you have no long-term medical conditions, good vision, etc...chances are good you'll be PQ.
It's not something we can tell you for sure, as things change between now and commissioning/pilot training. If you have a condition or marginal eyes, MullenLE would be a good source to point you toward what is and is not likely to be waived.

I have several waivers and moderately thick glasses, as a pilot. Some things are not a huge deal...others are.
 
Side note:

I remember back in the day (2011/2012 admissions cycle) they actually categorized and listed you as 'Potential Pilot Qualified' (PPQ), either under your AFA Admissions Portal or on your DoDMERB page.

I had several classmates that started Basic being PPQ as listed under one of these pages. However, over the four years as a cadet their vision took a hit, and for one reason or another (failing the depth perception and/or color vision test during your grad physical was surprisingly and scarily common) they were medically DQ'd from pursuing a pilot career. One of them cross-commissioned over to the Navy upon graduation to try to continue to pursue a flying career with their more lax vision restrictions (he ended up in subs...so didn't quite work out for him). I was lucky enough to have kept my PQ through the four years.

Entering USAFA meeting the PQ requirement is by no means a guarantee that you'll still be PQ'd upon graduation. Take good care of your eyes!
 
So historically about how many ?% graduates became pilots? How about drone pilots? Thanks.
 
fnpony said:
So historically about how many ?% graduates became pilots? How about drone pilots? Thanks.
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I think it's around 50% of graduates become pilots. I've linked an article which states that 530 graduates from the Class of 2019 were selected for pilot training. For reference, the Academy graduated 989 cadets, so that would put the number of cadets selected for pilot training would be a little over 50%. Here's the article: https://www.airforcetimes.com
 
There is a set amount of slots at UPT that are reserved for USAFA grads. As far as I know, if you graduate USAFA, desire a pilot slot, and are medically qualified, you will be offered one.
 
Anyone knows anything about the drone pilots? Are there same medical/physical requirements as the real pilots?
 
In one USAFA seminar, someone mentioned that obligated serving years are different for fighter pilots and drone pilots, which led me to think they may have different requirements.
 
Medical requirements for RPA (drone) pilots are less restrictive than manned pilots. It's not uncommon to see pilot selectees that don't pass the medical exam offered an RPA slot. A good friend of mine received a pilot slot, had an eye issue, completed RPA training instead, had surgery done, and is now re-applying for a pilot slot.
 
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