USAFA Flying Team

What do you believe made you successful in making the flight team? What was the most challenging part of the tryout? Is there anything that you would do differently?
 
What do you believe made you successful in making the flight team? What was the most challenging part of the tryout? Is there anything that you would do differently?

I know this isn't the answer you're looking for, but the team looks for high performance in all categories. Having one category that is exceptional will certainly help - mine was GPA. Honestly, I thought that the hardest part of trying out was the length of the process. Tryouts begin shortly after acceptance day, and notifications are not given until springtime. If I could have done something differently, I would have tried to learn more about NIFA and what the team does.
 
What does a cadet do to stay current if they aren't on the flying team yet? I'm a 2021 appointee with a PPL, but I know that I will not be current or will be very close to not being current by the end of BCT. Just curious!:D
 
What does a cadet do to stay current if they aren't on the flying team yet? I'm a 2021 appointee with a PPL, but I know that I will not be current or will be very close to not being current by the end of BCT. Just curious!:D

Good question. You can go flying at the USAFA Aero Club, but there are other options too. The Aero Club is nearby, but doesn't have a particularly good reputation. I only flew two or three times from the start of basic until I made the team. Your currency is taken into account if you get a tryout flight. Let me know if you have any more questions!
 
Do you need to own your own headset for tryouts or does the club have headsets to use?
 
Hi everyone! I'm a 3* on the USAFA Precision Flying Team and I'd be happy to assist anyone interested in finding out more about the team. If you're interested, here's some information about us:

The Flying Team represents the Air Force Academy at regional and national powered flying competitions. The team trains Monday-Thursday after school for ground events like flight computer (whiz-wheel) accuracy, simulated comprehensive aircraft navigation (flight planning), and aircraft identification. Flying Team cadets go down to the airfield every other day to fly the T-41D (Cessna 172) and T-51A (Cessna 150). 3*s primarily work on building flying proficiency and getting certified to do the competition events (precision landing, navigation, and message drop), while 2*s and firsties work on perfecting their flying. The team practices message drop after school on Fridays and landings on some Saturdays. If you love general aviation, the Flying Team is an incredible opportunity to improve your flying skills, meet pilots from other schools, and represent USAFA at the national level. Tryouts for the team are only open to 4*s and you must have your private pilot's license before final tryout decisions are made in the second semester. Usually nine cadets are selected from each class.

Again, I'd be happy to answer questions about the team, general aviation, or how being involved in an airmanship program (Flying Team, soaring, Wings of Blue) affects cadet life on the hill.


Is there any way to get involved in the flying team without a PPL?
Thanks in advance!
 
Hi everyone! I'm a 3* on the USAFA Precision Flying Team and I'd be happy to assist anyone interested in finding out more about the team. If you're interested, here's some information about us:

The Flying Team represents the Air Force Academy at regional and national powered flying competitions. The team trains Monday-Thursday after school for ground events like flight computer (whiz-wheel) accuracy, simulated comprehensive aircraft navigation (flight planning), and aircraft identification. Flying Team cadets go down to the airfield every other day to fly the T-41D (Cessna 172) and T-51A (Cessna 150). 3*s primarily work on building flying proficiency and getting certified to do the competition events (precision landing, navigation, and message drop), while 2*s and firsties work on perfecting their flying. The team practices message drop after school on Fridays and landings on some Saturdays. If you love general aviation, the Flying Team is an incredible opportunity to improve your flying skills, meet pilots from other schools, and represent USAFA at the national level. Tryouts for the team are only open to 4*s and you must have your private pilot's license before final tryout decisions are made in the second semester. Usually nine cadets are selected from each class.

Again, I'd be happy to answer questions about the team, general aviation, or how being involved in an airmanship program (Flying Team, soaring, Wings of Blue) affects cadet life on the hill.


Is there any way to get involved in the flying team without a PPL?
Thanks in advance!
Yes!

1. Currently we have a few noted members of the team who did not come to the Academy with their PPL, and were able to accomplish this during the application process - however, an applicant must complete their PPL before IQT during the summer between their freshman and sophomore year begins.

2. We JUST opened 2 spots per year on the team to non-flying members. These members of the team will be eligible to compete in a host of ground-based events that the team competes in along with our flying events. These events are equally important, and contribute ALOT to the success of the team at competition.

-Nilet
 
Well, this is an old thread, but hopefully I'll get a reply...

I am an appointee to c/o 2024, and am curious about what I can do to study/prep for tryouts before I get there (as I imagine I'll be quite busy once I'm at the Academy). Does the academic portion of tryout focus more on FAA knowledge test information, specific aircraft procedures, specific NIFA competition skills, etc. Basically, how would you recommend I spend the current time I have set aside for aviation? (I already have my PPL)

Random observation: with the new AFJROTC and CAP flight programs, I'd imagine the number of 4th class cadets at the Academy with a license is going to increase, could this result in a subsequence increase in the Flying Team size?

Thanks!
 
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