Pilot's license

jackdallen

jackdallen

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Aug 22, 2015
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Hi everybody, how much would attaining my private pilots license add to my application to the USNA?

Thanks
 
I don't remember them asking that question on the application but I could be wrong. I do know they asked it on the USAFA application
 
First, do what you enjoy doing. If getting a Private Pilots license is what interests you do...then keep at it.
Second, getting a PPL is viewed as a plus and I thought they did have that as an item in the activities record in the online application (at least it was on the paper application).
However, having a PPL isn't a substitute for outstanding academics, testing scores, leadership skills, athletics, etc. So it is impossible to say how much it helps, but if everything else is in the balance, it isn't hurting. Getting a PPL is something that can be done during a summer or can be done over numerous weekends or a few days a week...so it can be done while keeping everything else in check. Obtaining a PPL demonstrates that you are "smart" on your aircraft, potentially shows you have good judgement/decision making skills (and due regard for safety) and are persistent.
 
There was a spot in the online application process -- at least there was a couple of years ago when my son was submitting his. It can be a plus, but again don't get the license just for that reason and don't count on it being the major factor in selection.
 
Getting a private pilot's license shows you have a lot of money for fun things.
 
Oh Spud, so cynical are we!

Maybe it means the kid works really hard at two jobs to pay for lessons, flight time, & fuel. I know my son at age 16 worked 25 hours a week to pay for such.

To our OP, just keep at those things which really interest you. No resume padding.
 
Spud is right that is DOES generally cost quite a bit of money to earn a PPL, but who knows the circumstances of how that is being paid for, as fencersmother stated (flight instructor could also be family friend...plane could be family owned, thus only gas and/or flight instructor needed....potentially different outcomes that reduce overall cost).

However, I think the MOST telling is that no matter how much money a family may have, that CANNOT buy a desire to pass a ~2-3 hour oral examination that tests physics, aircraft knowledge, flight planning, capabilities/limitations/envelopes, system functionality, among MANY other areas AND THEN requires a ~2 hour flight practical that tests emergency response, maneuvers, safety, judgement, proper procedures, etc. That is about 5 hours of testing plus at least 40 hours of flying time prior to (including flying the aircraft solo)...sorry, but I don't think money can buy that kind of desire. It does take commitment and desire.
 
I saw this post and thought I'd weigh in. I'm a senior in high school about 3 weeks away from finishing my PPL (weather dependent). I have been working on it since late May. I don't know if it will help me get in an academy or get an ROTC scholarship, but like usnabgo08 says, it can't hurt. A few of the apps ask for it like AFROTC, USAFA and USNA. My flight instructor sent an LOR to USNA since I'm not done with the PPL, but my USNA file is complete. I truly have no idea how much weight it gets. Most importantly though, I know that I love flying now. No doubt about that...just have to get into college, keep a high GPA, pass a flight physical and hopefully earn a flight slot in a few years. Regardless, it's been a great experience. I will say it's not easy. It's a lot of work to do ground school, learn the skills (flight, weather, navigation, flight planning etc etc). It also takes a while to build flight hours and especially pilot in command hours. I have been flying nearly every weekday since July and I just now have about 40 hours. I'm already studying for my FAA oral and flight exam. It's a big commitment, but it's also a fun and rewarding accomplishment. So as a student, I would say go for it if you want to fly. The military pilot option may work out and it may not. Who knows, I might even end up on a submarine one day...but I'll still be a private pilot and there are worse things to be when you're 17! :)
 
Hello,
I actually was at the Naval Academy yesterday and I got to talk to a lady that was working in the admissions office. I asked the exact question you asked and she said that it is good to have in a sense that it shows your passion and dedication to it, also that you are a well rounded person, but it won't directly improve your chances of getting in. Still, get it for yourself though and it definitely couldn't hurt!
 
^^ Sounds like the USNA admissions person was saying in a diplomatic way it has no impact on getting an appointment.
 
I was just on a chat on college week live with representatives from admissions and someone asked the same question and was told that a pilots license adds to your ECA list. However it will not make a major difference in your standing on being admitted or not.
 
For SCUBAMike:

Thanks for that excellent post! Hopefully, by now, you've passed your oral and check ride. If not, Good Luck!

I've been recruited as a new BGO, still waiting for the application, and this is my first visit to this forum. So, imagine my surprise at seeing this thread on my first log-in! I'll agree with usnabgo08 and add that, as a BGO, a pilot's license on an applicant's list of accomplishments will certainly help during my interview! I can understand the discipline and commitment it takes for a high school student to get the PPL. But... Certainly not a substitute for other requirements.
 
Rocket17 said:
For SCUBAMike:

Thanks for that excellent post! Hopefully, by now, you've passed your oral and check ride. If not, Good Luck!

I've been recruited as a new BGO, still waiting for the application, and this is my first visit to this forum. So, imagine my surprise at seeing this thread on my first log-in! I'll agree with usnabgo08 and add that, as a BGO, a pilot's license on an applicant's list of accomplishments will certainly help during my interview! I can understand the discipline and commitment it takes for a high school student to get the PPL. But... Certainly not a substitute for other requirements.
Click to expand...

Thanks Rocket! I have had a run of bad weather luck on my flight days. I had to scrub a solo cross country flight today, but I should be able to finish my cross country solo flights this week if the weather will cooperate a little. Then I have a couple dual flights in preparation for the FAA Check ride. I still think I will finish in September. Then it's on to a instrumented flight rating!
 
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