what is the first year like at the academy?

[flyboy]

If i get to the academy, what i really want to do is pursue my passion of flying. i know they have really cool aviation programs, and i want to spend a lot of my free time learning how to sailplane, skydive, etc. How much actual free time do i have my freshmen year to participate in these activities? I also know that i have to do some kind of sport, and will that, combined with my academics, make it virtually impossible to participate in the so many aviation programs? Also, does parachuting count as a sport? Thank you :)

[hornetguy]

You do not do aviation programs freshman year (unless you are lucky enough to make the flying team). Summer you will do jump or soaring (or maybe not if you don't do well enough during 4 dig yar). If you do jump, you can do soaring later. If you do soaring you can do jump firstie year. If you do soaring summer or 1st semester, you can apply to upgrade to instructor pilot.

[flyboy]

what is the flying team? is it soaring, parachuting or propeller driven aircraft? and what do you mean by luck? Thanks :)

[hornetguy]

The flying team flies T-41s which are military modified C-152s with something like a 150hp engine in them (needed for the altitude here). Flying team application process is brutal, eats into your time like none other and if you get onto it, then your time is even more precious. Plus, they only take something like 5 freshmen a year.

[flyboy]

Can i be on the flying team my freshmen year, and then do some other aviation program during the following summers and semesters (parachuting, gliding, etc.)? or is it a four-year commitment? because remember, i LOVE to fly, and if this is an opportunity for me to do so in my freshment year, and i can balance my time effectively, then i am going to do everything humanly possible to make the flying team.

[hornetguy]

It's a 4 year committment, almost impossible to do soaring then. Improbable for doing jump senior year. Patience.

[flyboy]

rats! too bad its a four-year commitment because i REALLY want to participate in the other aviation related programs the academy has in store for me! (if i get appointed that is). do you need your pilot's license to join the flying team?

[hornetguy]

I believe so.

[T39Pilot]

Originally Posted by hornetguy

The flying team flies T-41s which are military modified C-152s with something like a 150hp engine in them (needed for the altitude here). Flying team application process is brutal, eats into your time like none other and if you get onto it, then your time is even more precious. Plus, they only take something like 5 freshmen a year.

Curious, in what way does belonging to the team take up so much time? What are the expectations of those who make on to the team? What criteria do they use to accept applicants to the team?

[hornetguy]

1) The team will take week long trips to competitions which means that classes become issues (one guy switched majors because of it). Practices take up your summers, spring break, thanksgiving break, and even part of Christmas leave.
2) Expectations? It is your primary extracurricular, end, dot.
3) Criteria involves experience, and a hell of a lot of memorizing of procedues, aircraft, etc.