Advantageous to come in with flight training?

pstine

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Nov 3, 2016
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With a few weeks still left before C/O 22 starts BCT, I was wondering if anyone has advice/an opinion on the pros and cons of coming into USAFA with a bit of flight training under someone's belt. Whether it is coming in with a PPL, sports license, or just a few flight hours to build a better understanding of planes and aviation, is it worth spending time and money this summer to get some flight training before BCT? #35days
 
From what I understand. Having a ppl qualifies you for the flight team and only freshmen are allowed the chance to join. 35 days is possible if you're going in everyday and working on ground too. You can receive your ppl while at the academy. A buddy of mine is working on his instrument rating there now and next year he will try and get his CFI.
 
From what I understand. Having a ppl qualifies you for the flight team and only freshmen are allowed the chance to join. 35 days is possible if you're going in everyday and working on ground too. You can receive your ppl while at the academy. A buddy of mine is working on his instrument rating there now and next year he will try and get his CFI.

Is your friend getting his additional ratings on his own time and dollar, or is it a program that USAFA offers for cadets with prior flying experience?
 
Is your friend getting his additional ratings on his own time and dollar, or is it a program that USAFA offers for cadets with prior flying experience?
It seems to me that it's a program USAFA is offering. He's a doolie there so off base passes are limited.
 
If you want to earn your PPL or other rating while at USAFA it would be through the Aero Club and not the Academy itself.

https://www.usafasupport.com/aero-club.html

As far as getting your PPL before going into BCT it won’t really matter now. You’re not going to get much experience in 30 days even if you meet the technical requirements.

As one data point: My son went to USAFA with zero flight experience. He took Soaring his first summer, Jump his Junior year, and Powered Flight his Firstie year. He now flies Vipers. So, experience is not necessary.

Stealth_81
 
I’m a current 3 degree at the academy who came in with zero flight experience. The only advantage you would have by getting some hours is a better chance at making the flying team. I’ve managed to get 35 powered flight hours at the aero club at cheaper rate that I could’ve gotten at home, and that’s in addition to the gliding program. With 35 days left, you’ll be much better off if you focus your efforts on getting in the best shape possible before BCT. That’ll give you a much bigger advantage than any amount of flight experience.
 
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