Aviation

CandidateElias15

USNA '15 Appointee
5-Year Member
Joined
Aug 29, 2010
Messages
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http://www.usna.edu/IR/htmls/lead/database/cohort6/c06_gonzalez.pdf

Each year, approximately 10,000 individuals demonstrate an interest in
professional military aviation by taking the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Aviation
Selection Test Battery (ASTB) (Williams, Albert, & Blower, 1999, and Arnold, 2002).
Historically, of the 10,000 taking the ASTB, almost half fail to meet minimum selection
scores. Furthermore, those who score favorably must then undergo a thorough physical
examination to ensure that they meet medical standard. Approximately 25% fail the
physical examination. Finally, candidates must ultimately pass the individual screening
and interview processes as well. In reality, of those initially tested individuals,
approximately 5% will ultimately be selected as “Student Naval Aviators” and begin
training.

Interesting. How would the USNA's major influence this? Would an Aero Engineer get a significant advantage over a Math, or an English?
 
Your major doesn't influence ASVAB, which is a measure of your "instincts" (for lack of a better word) or maybe aptitude for being a pilot.

Clearly more than 5% of USNA grads go pilot or NFO -- not sure the source of these numbers. Maybe it's worldwide candidates -- USNA, ROTC, TBS, AOCS, etc.

They tell you over & over at USNA that an Aero major isn't necessary for being a pilot. Many successful pilots major in other things. You need the eyes (which now can be attained via surgery), decent grades/QPR, a passing score on the ASVAB, and an interview (new since my day). I believe about 1/3 of each class goes aviation (USN or USMC, pilot or NFO) -- I'm sure someone will post the numbers.

That said, if your ONLY interest is being a pilot, be careful. There are numerous cases of mids having a medical issue that wrecks their chances or they don't finish high enough in the class to snag an aviation billet. As with any other service selection, you must be prepared not to get your first choice and still be willing to serve.
 
I have heard that it is now possible to have the eye surgery done while at the academy so as ot qualify for flight school. Is this true?
 
I have heard that it is now possible to have the eye surgery done while at the academy so as ot qualify for flight school. Is this true?

Yes, provided your vision meets certain requirements. And, it's my understanding that you can have the surgery even if you don't want to go aviation, but I'll defer to KP2001 or more recent grads/mids to confirm.
 
I have nerve damage but it's healing, if I get full movement back you think I could get a waiver?
 
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