AM-490

A

AFA25

Member
Joined
Feb 7, 2021
Messages
84
If I'm interested in doing the AM-490 course this coming summer, what do I need to do to assure that I get a spot? What steps can I take toward that now as a C4C?
 
They did away with OPA ranking for rising 3-deg summer aviation last year. It’s now solely based on how you rank your preferences when the survey is sent out later this year and also about program availability.
 
Tx2AFA said:
They did away with OPA ranking for rising 3-deg summer aviation last year. It’s now solely based on how you rank your preferences when the survey is sent out later this year and also about program availability.
Click to expand...
I wonder how that works...what happens when everyone wants jump but there aren't enough spots? Do they just somehow make the program bigger? That doesn't seem like a viable path - you need some way to decide who gets to participate when there is limited availability
 
Tx2AFA said:
They did away with OPA ranking for rising 3-deg summer aviation last year. It’s now solely based on how you rank your preferences when the survey is sent out later this year and also about program availability.
Click to expand...
Seriously?

I sure wish they'd tell ALO's those things!

Thank you!
 
Make sure you list it as your first choice when given the chance. You'll be asked to complete a form ranking your summer preferences, including the weeks off. My DS listed jump as his number one and the weeks he wanted off as 2 and so on.
 
Can you still take AM-490 during the schoolyear? I took soaring C3C summer and jump later during the academic year. I'm glad I got to do both.
 
Tx2AFA said:
They did away with OPA ranking for rising 3-deg summer aviation last year. It’s now solely based on how you rank your preferences when the survey is sent out later this year and also about program availability.
Click to expand...
Wasn't that last year for the 24ers only because of COVID?
 
Regardless of whether it's OPA or other combinations, always strive to do the best you can with GPA, MPA, and PEA. The ones most in your control are GPA and PEA, easy to quantify and measure. MPA is a bit more squishy. My DD says it is surprising why some get Commandant's list and others don't, or are stratted where they are. Just do the best you can in all things. It's not a marathon, it's a decathalon.

Stay off any type of probation - this could preclude you from summer programs.

Make sure to follow instructions - is it #1 through #6 or the other way around (#6 to #1)? My DD said it was strange to have to rank leave, but then again some people have strong preferences/reasons such as weddings or family vacations.

Be a great teammate when you do get jump. There will be about 10 other people who really want those wings and the pink pig with a parachute patch. You can't control the weather, but you just don't want That Guy who will cause all the others to have to return without a jump.

Not related at all, but did you know there is also EI for PE (or at least for her session of water safety/haze)? My DD was in a group of about 7 that validated water safety (haze?) and one of the Cadets went to EI and shared what he learned, and the tips really helped!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top