Nilet
5-Year Member
- Joined
- Jan 26, 2015
- Messages
- 50
Yonder,Thought I'd add a not-so-quick note about the current airmanship programs offered and eligibility restrictions (going off what flieger said). I will preface by saying that this process may or may not be different for International students--I really have no idea what kinds of limitations students from specific foreign countries may/may not have as far as airmanship goes. Consequently, the guidelines I explain below may or may not be the same for International students. Nevertheless, for the vast majority of USAFA cadets, the curriculum looks like this:
Cadets have their first exposure to airmanship during their 4* year. Sometime during their first or second semester, 4*'s are scheduled for an 8-lesson introduction to soaring which includes 4 flights in a glider. This program is called AM-250 and is offered to all 4*'s.
Most cadets take their second airmanship program the summer after their 4* year. There are three different airmanship options available at this point. Cadets who participate in airmanship (instead of a summer class, for example) indicate their preferences, and are assigned to a particular program based on their indicated preferences, class rank, and other similar factors:
1. AM-251 (Soaring): This program is a continuation of AM-250 and is designed to allow cadets to solo by the end of the program (which includes 14 flights)
2. AM-490 (Jump): During this program, cadets complete 5 solo free-fall jumps and earn their Air Force jump wings.
3. UAS-200 (Drones): I don't know a lot about this option, but I know cadets have the chance to learn more about drone flying and practice in very realistic simulations. I think they may have the chance to fly actual small drones owned by the Academy as well.
The catch is that rising 3*'s can only take one of these options during their summer. Any cadets interested in becoming a soaring IP must take AM-251 during the summer. Any cadets planning to apply for WoG/WoB must take AM-490 instead. The UAS program is a little different--I don't think taking the summer class is a requirement to become a UAS instructor, because the same class is also offered during the academic year as well (any current UAS cadets, please feel free to correct me on this if I am wrong).
This is why nobody can apply to become both a Soaring IP and a WoB. The two programs are mutually exclusive in that both have a prerequisite which must be satisfied prior to applying. However, cadets are only permitted to take one airmanship program during their 3* summer. Consequently, anyone who takes 490 that summer is guaranteed not to become a Soaring IP, and anyone who takes 251 is guaranteed not to become a WoB. (Those who take UAS 200 are not eligible to become Soaring IP's or WoB's.)
For each of these three airmanship options, "advanced" programs (WoG, AM-461, UAS instructor upgrade training) are available, and students apply for these toward the end of their summer programs. Those who are selected continue their airmanship training during the school year. Successful completion will earn them a spot on their respective airmanship team (Soaring IP, WoB) and/or status as a qualified program instructor (true for all three).
Now, choosing one summer airmanship program does not mean you can't do any others during your time as a cadet. As I mentioned, the UAS class is available during the school year as well for those who are interested and didn't take it during the summer. Any cadets who did not take AM-490 during their 3* summer can sign up to take the course during their 1* (occasionally 2*) year instead (assuming they reserve a spot quick enough). This is what I was referring to when I said earlier that I'm taking Jump my senior year. Obviously, cadets who do this won't end up on the WoB, but they will graduate with their jump wings.
The same is not true for AM-251. The only time cadets can take this class is during their 3* summer. In other words, you can't wait and take it later like you can with 490. This may not be a big deal for those who aren't particularly interested in soaring, but it is something to be aware of.
There is one more airmanship program I should probably mention as well: Powered Flight (AM-420) and the USAFA Precision Flying Team. As I mentioned above, the FT has an application/tryout process which lasts throughout most of the 4* year and is not tied to a summer program. Those who end up making the FT already have some background in flying when they enter the Academy. The Powered Flight Program (AM-420) is something like AM-251 in that its goal is to allow students to solo in a powered aircraft by the end of the program. I don't remember for sure how long the program is or how many sorties it entails, but I think it is somewhat similar in scope and depth to 251.
Most cadets take AM-420 during their junior or senior year, or during the summer in between. As far as I know, anybody can take this class EXCEPT for FT members (who obviously have no need for it) and Soaring IP's (who have already logged a substantial number of hours in a glider).
So here's the wrap up. As they prepare for their 3* summer, cadets who participate in an airmanship program have three different options:
1. AM-251. Great starting point for those interested in becoming Soaring IP's. Removes eligibility for WoB, but you can take AM-490 senior year. Those who become IP's won't take AM-420, either. Those not selected for AM-461 (IP training) can still take 420.
2. AM-490. This is the program for those planning to apply for WoB. Removes eligibility for Soaring IP and AM-251. Whether or not you are selected for WoG/WoB, you can also take AM-420 later on.
3. UAS-200. Good program for anyone interested in becoming a UAS program instructor. Removes eligibility for Soaring IP, AM-251, and WoB. Participants can still take AM-490 and AM-420 later on.
As you can see, the process is not completely straightforward and can be a little difficult to understand. I tried to explain it as clearly as I could, but may have accidentally left mistakes/ambiguities. Anybody who is directly involved with one of these programs and has more knowledge than I should feel free to correct any details I may have gotten wrong. Thanks, and I hope this helps clarify the scope of airmanship programs available at USAFA!
Looks really specific and correct from what I see!
I do have one small correction, however for you. The precision flying team IS indeed tied to a summer program, and will bar a FT member from any other SUMMER airmanship opportunities for the duration of their time at USAFA. They are entered into the AM-465 syllabus (which is in the summer and during the year as well.)
Lastly, there is a chance that 4-degs can make the team still without prior flying skills through two avenues:
1. The 4-degree accomplishes their PPL through their own means during the year, finishing by around March. (Two current team members went this route with no prior flying experience!)
2. The cadet applies as a ground-event only competitor - something completely unique, and a policy being implemented for the first time this year.
Hope this sheds some light on the USAFA Precision flying team! If anyone else has questions regarding this specifically, I'd be more than happy to answer!
-Nilet
