A Few Questions

flygirl14

5-Year Member
Joined
Apr 2, 2014
Messages
3
Hi everyone!

I'm going to be a part of the class of 2018 and couldn't be more excited. I just have a couple questions for those who have already gone through BCT. What was the most challenging part? Push ups/pull ups/running? What should I spend the majority of my last 2 months really working on before I go? I know that's a bit of a conditional question depending on my personal strengths and weaknesses, just want some opinions.

Also, for current or soon to be pilots, what are you majoring in?
 
Besides enjoying the rest of your senior year, the only thing I, and most people recommend you do to prepare for BCT, is "Cardio". Run and/or swim..... A LOT. Especially if you live in an area that isn't accustomed to the elevation of Colorado. You will be living at the 7,000 foot range. Breathing is usually the most difficult thing individuals experience there. So, run and/or swim a lot.

As for pilots and majors, you can major in anything you want. There are no rules saying in order to be a pilot you MUST have a certain major. You can have a history degree, behavioral science, math, engineering, english, management, etc.. Major in whatever you want to.

Caveat: If you think you might want to become a test pilot, instructor pilot, apply to NASA, etc... then there is a heavy math/science requirement. For those types of pilot jobs, you'd want a degree that is heavy in math/science. But to be a C-5, F-15, C-130, etc... pilot, get your degree in philosophy or meteorology if that's what you want.
 
Besides enjoying the rest of your senior year, the only thing I, and most people recommend you do to prepare for BCT, is "Cardio". Run and/or swim..... A LOT. Especially if you live in an area that isn't accustomed to the elevation of Colorado. You will be living at the 7,000 foot range. Breathing is usually the most difficult thing individuals experience there. So, run and/or swim a lot.

As for pilots and majors, you can major in anything you want. There are no rules saying in order to be a pilot you MUST have a certain major. You can have a history degree, behavioral science, math, engineering, english, management, etc.. Major in whatever you want to.

Caveat: If you think you might want to become a test pilot, instructor pilot, apply to NASA, etc... then there is a heavy math/science requirement. For those types of pilot jobs, you'd want a degree that is heavy in math/science. But to be a C-5, F-15, C-130, etc... pilot, get your degree in philosophy or meteorology if that's what you want.

LOL! You make is sound like meteorology is light in math and science. Don't be fooled! I have a niece who majored in meteorology and she took Calculus and Differential Equations classes -- lots of vector calculus! :wink:
 
Since this is a "random question" thread, this is fitting. Do you think they will excuse us August 2 for the Motley Crue concert in Denver? :shake:
 
LOL! You make is sound like meteorology is light in math and science. Don't be fooled! I have a niece who majored in meteorology and she took Calculus and Differential Equations classes -- lots of vector calculus! :wink:

Not saying it isn't. But if you want to possibly be a test pilot, NASA, etc... then your "Major" will be an issue. I recommend the engineering degrees. Aero, Astro, Mech, Elect, ..

The thing is, at the academy, even the History, English, and legal studies majors will also be taking "Engineering" classes. The "Core" classes for an academy cadet are not like the core classes for a traditional college student.
 
Not saying it isn't. But if you want to possibly be a test pilot, NASA, etc... then your "Major" will be an issue. I recommend the engineering degrees. Aero, Astro, Mech, Elect, ..

The thing is, at the academy, even the History, English, and legal studies majors will also be taking "Engineering" classes. The "Core" classes for an academy cadet are not like the core classes for a traditional college student.
I suppose double majoring in Econ and Aero Eng. is out of the question, huh?
 
Not saying it isn't. But if you want to possibly be a test pilot, NASA, etc... then your "Major" will be an issue. I recommend the engineering degrees. Aero, Astro, Mech, Elect, ..

The thing is, at the academy, even the History, English, and legal studies majors will also be taking "Engineering" classes. The "Core" classes for an academy cadet are not like the core classes for a traditional college student.

Just giving you a hard time. sorry.:redface:
 
I suppose double majoring in Econ and Aero Eng. is out of the question, huh?

I know a few individuals who were able to validate quite a few classes coming into the academy; and they double majored. Not sure exactly how the degree reads. If it's a major/minor/etc. setup. I'm sure someone on this forum pseduo double majored and can give input on the details if you're serious.
 
DS is running/training with a mask he ordered online. We live at about 750'. Not even close to 7000' !! The mask he uses can be fitted with ports that deplete the Oxygen supply coming into the body. The ports can be fitted with different inserts that match whatever altitude you want (1000' and up to about 12,000'). He started running with the 3000' port. Now when he runs everyday and does outdoor work, he puts in the 7000' port. Hopefully it helps when he gets to Colorado Springs. So far it seems to be pretty effective, in his estimation.
 
Just giving you a hard time. sorry.:redface:

No worries. Nothing to be sorry about. I'm sure that Mete and quite a few other degrees require a lot of math. My first major, not at the academy, was Psychology/Behavioral Science. I never took so many statistics and math courses in my life. Fortunately I love math. "Hate Stats, but love math". My other degrees are in Electronic Engineering and Computer Science. Both heavy in math and science.

If I could roll back the last 35 years and start college all over again, I think I'd change career paths and not have been so absorbed with financial wealth. Granted, I've never had a problem getting a job. In any economy. And I've done real well for myself. But I think if I did it all over again, I'd look for a career in Archeology, Certain types of History, Philosophy, or something more mentally and spiritually stimulating.

Oh well. That's where a lot of today's generation has the advantage. With the internet (Thank you Al Gore) and other forms of Mass Media and Social Media, today's youth can learn more from other's experiences to find their happiness. All I had to work with was seeing how poor I was growing up and deciding that I wouldn't live that way when I grew up. So I got absorbed in money. Am I happy? Yes. Would I have been "Happier" in a different field of work? Probably. But that path means I probably wouldn't have the best wife and kids in the world that I have now. So no true regrets.

So, there's the daily career advice for all you teens who are trying to decide on your futures. Advice: "Do what interests you. Be happy. Everything else will work itself out". Best of luck to all you getting ready to graduate high school and start the next chapter in your lives. Mike.....
 
Well thanks for that. My whole interest in econ generates from wanting a career after the AF that will either pay me a lot, or grant me the title of chief (something) officer. I have never been interested in economics or business so maybe I should revert back to my original interest, designing planes.

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Your DS's name isn't Chris by chance, is it? Said Chris put a link up for those on the class of 2018 facebook page so that's why I'm wondering.

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The big deals at BCT are cardio, push-ups, and flutter-kick type exercises.
If you can't run 3-5mi at a good pace, keep working on it. Being able to run well makes everything else easier. Other exercises generally focus more on endurance than straight strength--push-ups, flutter-kicks, 10 count body-builders, etc.

As for what is tough about BCT: it's the grind, not any individual activity. Keep a good attitude, work hard, and support those around you. Do that, and you'll have a 90%+ chance of succeeding.

As for majors, do what you are interested in and good at. Now, if you want to be a test pilot/astronaut, you'll need a hard science or engineering degree.
 
I know a few individuals who were able to validate quite a few classes coming into the academy; and they double majored. Not sure exactly how the degree reads. If it's a major/minor/etc. setup. I'm sure someone on this forum pseduo double majored and can give input on the details if you're serious.

I suppose double majoring in Econ and Aero Eng. is out of the question, huh?

The thing about double majoring is you usually pick two relatively similar majors that overlap many classes. For example, as an operations research major, I could've double majored in math by taking four extra classes, or econ with five extra classes. More than five classes, and you'll need to validate quite a few core courses coming in or be prepared for a very full schedule all eight semesters.
 
Well that's not happening (validating lots of classes) so it looks like I'll be picking a single major. Flying fighters is the goal, the major is just a detail.

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Your DS's name isn't Chris by chance, is it? Said Chris put a link up for those on the class of 2018 facebook page so that's why I'm wondering.

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No. My son's name isn't Chris. My son graduated from the air force academy a couple of years ago. He never gets on these forums. Christcorp happen to be the name of a company I started up about 15 years ago. I've since dissolved the company, but I've kept the name, email address, and converted the website to a personal site. Name has nothing to do with my son.
 
Ahh. I knew it was too convenient.

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Your DS's name isn't Chris by chance, is it? Said Chris put a link up for those on the class of 2018 facebook page so that's why I'm wondering.

Sent using the Service Academy Forums® mobile app

What is this facebook page you are speaking of?
 
As for pilots and majors, you can major in anything you want. There are no rules saying in order to be a pilot you MUST have a certain major. You can have a history degree, behavioral science, math, engineering, english, management, etc.. Major in whatever you want to.

Caveat: If you think you might want to become a test pilot, instructor pilot, apply to NASA, etc... then there is a heavy math/science requirement. For those types of pilot jobs, you'd want a degree that is heavy in math/science. But to be a C-5, F-15, C-130, etc... pilot, get your degree in philosophy or meteorology if that's what you want.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but philosophy and meteorology won't be options as majors if Congress approves the budget proposed for the upcoming year.
http://www.krdo.com/news/air-force-academy-may-be-forced-to-cut-majors-jobs/24803754
 
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