Does having a private pilot license mean anything to the Academy?

[bford2112]

I am currently working on my PPL and was wondering if this will help my application?

 

[The Blue Baron]

Hey. I was told it looks nice but doesn't make you stand out.

 

[AROTC-dad]

Here is an old thread.

https://www.serviceacademyforums.com/index.php?threads/private-pilots-license.55887/

 

[bford2112]

Thanks!

 

[Old Navy BGO]

The fact that you can fly an airplane really doesn't help. First, it really doesn't matter what branch of the Service, each has its own procedures and techniques, and you may actually come in with habits that you need to unlearn. Second, in its basic form, flying an airplane is not a real unique talent -- just about anyone with a bit of coordination can do it.

That being said, if presented correctly, it can help support your application. First, obtaining your PPL demonstrates goal setting and achievement. Second, it may demonstrate a level of maturity and self confidence.

Bottom line, simply adding PPL to your resume doesn't necessarily help, but you can use it to your advantage.

(And before anyone thinks I'm downplaying the skill necessary to be a pilot, I earned my PPL at 17)

 

[The Blue Baron]

Cool foresight. Any other skills or acomplishments you wish to include in that category?

 

[AROTC-dad]

Cool foresight. Any other skills or acomplishments you wish to include in that category?

Blue Baron, there are hundreds (maybe thousands) of skills that candidates display which increases their value to an Academy admissions department.

I don't think anyone could list them all.

 

[Pima]

I agree it does not assist regarding an appointment, but it may assist in the MoC nom process. I say this with the idea that getting a PPL is not your only EC
~ They may look at your resume, and say OMG this kid has the academics, the sports, the ECs/jobs, etc., and now is getting their PPL?

USAFA and MoCs like to see time management. Top 10%, all APs, in NHS, on a team sport, with a job and trying to obtain a PPL looks good. You are showing to them you can juggle a lot at one time. Top 25% in HS, no APs, no sports, no job, than NO PPL will not be a wow and make a difference from an apptmt aspect impo.

Just me, however, there are some other pluses later on down the line.
1. If you have a PPL, you need to get that FC physical.
~ DoDMERB at a much higher level.
2. TBAS/PCSM
~ It helps with the TBAS, plus you get bonus points for your PCSM if you have at least some flight HOURS. At least that is true for AFROTC
3. Learning how to land during x-wind where you are paying the IP to teach you is different than the AF IP.

Would I do it if money is not an issue? You betcha.

As a candidate you always need to think about plan B. B being AFROTC or OTS. Those flight hrs can become the difference between pilot vs RPA or CSO or nothing at all.

 

[Old Navy BGO]

1. If you have a PPL, you need to get that FC physical.
~ DoDMERB at a much higher level.

I think its a 3rd Class Medical for PPL, and no where near DODMERB standards.

 

[Pima]

Off topic, but on track,

For AFROTC, you must take the FC1 to be deemed pilot qualified. They send you to WPAFB for a 3 day physical, including everything from an ECG to eyes to dental, plus everything between your toes to the top of your cranium. Think bend over if you are a guy,

DoDMERB is what?1 hr at tops?

Just saying if you get a PPL, chances are you had to take an FAA FC1 physical. If so, you know it is more intense than the DoDMERB which I see as an exam equivalent to an intense sports physical.

 

[BBBRRRTT]

Doesn't seem like it could hurt.

 

[Old Navy BGO]

For AFROTC, you must take the FC1 to be deemed pilot qualified.

Just saying if you get a PPL, chances are you had to take an FAA FC1 physical. If so, you know it is more intense than the DoDMERB which I see as an exam equivalent to an intense sports physical.

Medical for civilian PPC is completely different than Air Force "pilot qualified." It's a 3rd Class medical exam, and my recollection (long ago, and barely a memory) was it was essentially the same as a camp or sports physical.

 

[fencersmother]

Doesn't seem like it could hurt.

Other non-hurtables: CAP, SEA CADETS, owning your own business, good grades & test scores...

Lots of things make up a package, but PPL demonstrates perseverance, which is something desirable. It does NOT mean you will make it through Initial Flight Screening. Or DoDMERB. Or Athletically Qualified, or Academically qualified.

 

[bford2112]

I am an All-District pole vaulter, own my own lawn management business, and am paying for half of my PPL. I have a 3.67 GPA (out of 4) and 28 superscore ACT, my academics are slacking but I have good leadership positions. Hopefully the strengths outweigh the weaknesses and I am able to secure an appointment.

 

[MidCakePa]

@bford2112, are you a high-school junior? If so, have you seen the latest USAFA class profile? Your GPA is below the mean (though class rank and course rigor matter more than GPA). Your ACT is below the mean and at the lower end of the middle 50%.

All to say, if you’re a junior, you have time to further strengthen your case. Crank up your classroom effort (hopefully in AP classes). Practice for and retake the ACT (repeat multiple times if necessary). You may have great “extras” (all-district athlete is good; make sure it’s leadership impact, not just leadership roles; rev up for the CFA). But academics are still the lion’s share of the WCS. And as you’ve read above, PPL may not be as helpful as you’d like.

So bottom line: Take advantage of the next 12 months to bolster what matters most. That’s academics, not a PPL. Best wishes to you.

 

[bford2112]

Unfortunately I am a senior, my academics are definitely weak. I am well rounded besides the academics, if God has me at USAFA then I will be there... and if not then oh well, He must have something better for me.

 

[MidCakePa]

@bford2112, thanks for the clarification. Your academics aren’t weak, just below average for an SA. I presume you’re working on Plan B, such as ROTC. SAs are wonderful, but they’re not the end all, be all. If you’re determined to be an officer, there are different paths to get there. Your best route will emerge if you keep at it.

 

[bopper]

Also I would imagine it would help you explore if you like piloting.

 

[trailrunner612]

Unfortunately I am a senior, my academics are definitely weak. I am well rounded besides the academics, if God has me at USAFA then I will be there... and if not then oh well, He must have something better for me.

Was in your situation... 3.66 GPA, 28 ACT, PPL earned at 17...earned Foundation spot. Turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

 

[The Blue Baron]

What

Unfortunately I am a senior, my academics are definitely weak. I am well rounded besides the academics, if God has me at USAFA then I will be there... and if not then oh well, He must have something better for me.

Was in your situation... 3.66 GPA, 28 ACT, PPL earned at 17...earned Foundation spot. Turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

Could you explain?