PPL yes or no for FT

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cjcoppess

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A couple of days ago I saw someone say that when you are trying to get a Flight Training slot all they consider is how many hours you have, and not if you have your PPL or not. The person said that having your PPL just allows you to skip IFT. I was just curious if this was true, because I am relatively close to having my PPL and I heard that going to IFT is a good idea. So in summary does flight hours count instead of having your PPL? And should I go to IFT?
 
Just my opinion:
I cannot imagine that the USAF would let you forego IFT, just because you have a Pilot Certificate.
It may be one of those "sure you're trained, but WE didn't train you" things.

If you're already used to the DA-20, you will feel at home in IFT.
If it's indeed an option, I would suggest doing IFT. It certainly can't hurt, can it?

"Someone said", means nothing unless that someone is in the position to get you a flight training slot!
 
THParent said:
Just my opinion:
I cannot imagine that the USAF would let you forego IFT, just because you have a Pilot Certificate.
It may be one of those "sure you're trained, but WE didn't train you" things.

If you're already used to the DA-20, you will feel at home in IFT.
If it's indeed an option, I would suggest doing IFT. It certainly can't hurt, can it?

"Someone said", means nothing unless that someone is in the position to get you a flight training slot!
Click to expand...
Exactly right, I was looking for someone to show me or direct me to some official information.
 
When under consideration for flight training is it just your hours that are considered or if you have your PPL?
 
The PCSM the calculation uses flight hours only so it doesn't matter if you have your PPL or not. A person with 80 hours and no PPL has a better score than a person with 50 hours and a PPL.

Yes, if you have your PPL you will be waived for IFT. The AF is trying to get as many people through flight training as possible and that is one of the step that they are taking. It has been that way for a couple of years now.

There are two views on IFT.
First view: Get the PPL and skip IFT. Why give the AF another opportunity to weed you out? It is also being said that the AF is working on changing IFT back to IFS so that it is easier to wash people out there.
Second view: Don't get the PPL so that you can go to IFT. It is an introduction to how the AF does pilot training (stand-ups, bold face, etc.) so it helps the transition to UPT.
Note: If you have your PPL you don't get the choice to go to IFT. You are waived.

Stealth_81
 
Stealth_81 said:
The PCSM the calculation uses flight hours only so it doesn't matter if you have your PPL or not. A person with 80 hours and no PPL has a better score than a person with 50 hours and a PPL.

Yes, if you have your PPL you will be waived for IFT. The AF is trying to get as many people through flight training as possible and that is one of the step that they are taking. It has been that way for a couple of years now.

There are two views on IFT.
First view: Get the PPL and skip IFT. Why give the AF another opportunity to weed you out? It is also being said that the AF is working on changing IFT back to IFS so that it is easier to wash people out there.
Second view: Don't get the PPL so that you can go to IFT. It is an introduction to how the AF does pilot training (stand-ups, bold face, etc.) so it helps the transition to UPT.
Note: If you have your PPL you don't get the choice to go to IFT. You are waived.

Stealth_81
Click to expand...

Which route would people with lots of experience recommend? I just want to go the route that will offer me the best chance for success. Thanks
 
Update: Had my question answered on another thread but what is everyone's opinions on IFT?
 
Were I to opine, I would say go with @Stealth_81's first view.
Not that you wouldn't make it through IFT, but why give the USAF that extra chance to weed you out?
Get your certificate and get IFT waived. Move on toward your goal.
 
Stealth_81 said:
The PCSM the calculation uses flight hours only so it doesn't matter if you have your PPL or not. A person with 80 hours and no PPL has a better score than a person with 50 hours and a PPL.H

Yes, if you have your PPL you will be waived for IFT. The AF is trying to get as many people through flight training as possible and that is one of the step that they are taking. It has been that way for a couple of years now.

There are two views on IFT.
First view: Get the PPL and skip IFT. Why give the AF another opportunity to weed you out? It is also being said that the AF is working on changing IFT back to IFS so that it is easier to wash people out there.
Second view: Don't get the PPL so that you can go to IFT. It is an introduction to how the AF does pilot training (stand-ups, bold face, etc.) so it helps the transition to UPT.
Note: If you have your PPL you don't get the choice to go to IFT. You are waived.

Stealth_81
Click to expand...
Is it common for people to wash out of IFT?
 
I don't think so.
If you have prior flight training, I would think it would be more of a "having a pulse or not", thing. ;)
 
cjcoppess said:
Update: Had my question answered on another thread but what is everyone's opinions on IFT?
Click to expand...
I think it is a great experience and gives you time away from the boring ole' UPT bases. You get free meals on the weekdays and get to drive up to Colorado Springs/Denver on the weekends. All you do is worry about flying. I will say the instructors are kinda in the mix of good and terrible. Some of the instructors have a small personal space bubble so be wary of that.

cjcoppess said:
Is it common for people to wash out of IFT?
Click to expand...
Two years ago it was 1-2 person would wash out in a flight of 20. It used to be a 30% wash out rate when it was IFS but now the mindset is that IFT is more of a checkbox to complete rather than a screening process. The Air Force will only wash you out if you cannot land the plane in any circumstance. You can struggle in IFT (I did) and still make it through as long as you put in the effort.
 
I'm headed to IFT in July. I got 81 hrs to boost my PCSM for rated boards, but talked to a dozen or so AF pilots about it and concluded that it was a good idea. It's a solid way to break off the rust and get into the routine (stand-up, etc.). I truly don't believe it's a major difference, but imho I had talked to enough flyers and felt it would be of benefit, even if only marginally. Plus, I like Colorado and love the DA-20 so let's go!
 
If you have a PPL, then you will not go to IFT. I read some people get like 50 hours of flight time to boost their PCSM score but they never get their license so that they can go to IFT. My son has over 200 hours and as you can imagine has a license. Some people say its better to go to IFT because it will prepare you for UPT. Others say why chance going to IFT when there is a chance you could do something wrong and get kicked out. The response to that is if they fail or get kicked out of IFT, they will probably fail UPT.
 
IFT use to be called IFS.

S=Screening. T=Training.

Years ago when it was IFS, they had a rate @20% wash-out. Now it is unheard of being washed out. It is called TRAINING for a reason. They are getting them ready for UPT.
As Alpha stated, the old rule was get your PPL, skip IFS so you don't risk the wash out at IFS.

The new thought is with Alpha. They are not going to wash you out. You have 2 weeks TDY. Plus, you are now learning the AF way of BOLD testing and sims. Otherwise, you can stay on casual status on the flight line in Del Rio (He!! Rio) for that time.
 
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