Private Pilot's License while at USAFA

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ItsVik117

NWP '22 | USAFA '27
Joined
Nov 17, 2022
Messages
13
I am an incoming cadet for the Class of 2027 and I have a question about getting my PPL at USAFA.So I have been doing training at home and have started the cross-country portion of my training and have a good bit to go. I am wondering if it is possible to get a PPL during my Doolie year.

I am currently in Civil Air Patrol and am going to attempt to get a Cadet Wings scholarship (essentially pays for all pilot training if you are not in CAP or unfamiliar) which I have been told by Cadet Wing members have had scholarship cadets at the Academy when they received the scholarship. I also am wondering if it is possible to contact the flight school (I think it is called Aeroclub or something along similar lines) since I need a flight school for the scholarship or at least to put a contact down.

I am just curious about all the possibilities to earn my PPL during the Academy. I know with classes it'll be tough but just trying to keep my options open. Plus I do not want to lose any of the flight training (become rusty) and basically lose all the money my parents have sacrificed for me. I also want to join the Flying Team sometime in the future.
 
I'll defer to others on the options for completing your PPL at USAFA.

If you can arrange for transportation, you could also consider competing your PPL just to the north, at Centennial airport (KAPA)...particularly since you are already doing XC and nearing your checkride. KAPA is one of the busiest general aviation airports in the country and the training there is excellent. You could do so on non-training weekends, minor holidays, open summer session(s), etc.

Flying at KAPA, you'll enjoy the company of F16s, C130s and other AF aircraft that frequently fly in and out of KAPA. I distinctly remember prepping for my checkride and on short final for a short field landing, when tower called to me "caution wake turbulence from three F16s landing on the parallel runway"...and I heard them coming! :oops:

It may not be your best option, but it's one to consider. Good luck!
 
It is possible to earn your PPL through the Aero Club at the Academy airfield. My recommendation is to complete as much training as possible before I-day, as you are already doing cross countries. With 2-3 weeks it is definitely possible to get close to your checkride or even completely finish. Once you start doolie year, you will be juggling academics, military training, exercising, and flying. All these factors (plus not having a car) make earning your PPL a significant challenge.

Sure the scholarship money would be nice, but if you want to have a good shot at the Flying Team (you can only tryout 4-degree year) I recommend getting your license before I-day, especially because you will be making ~$400-$500 a month as a cadet and can pay back your parents if they front the bill for now. I've attached a link to the website so that you can do some more reading on your own. https://www.usafaflyingteam.com/meet-the-team/join-the-team

Best of luck!
 
I recommend trying to finish before I day, or at least do the first solo cross country to get over that hurdle, AND get the currently misnamed "written" done. I think a "written" test is accepted for the checkride for 24 months after it is taken.

But Doolie year is probably not realistic to finish a PPL.

Maybe during Christmas break if you were close and just need a few flights and some review before the checkride, or over Spring Break.
 
ItsVik117 said:
I am an incoming cadet for the Class of 2027 and I have a question about getting my PPL at USAFA.So I have been doing training at home and have started the cross-country portion of my training and have a good bit to go. I am wondering if it is possible to get a PPL during my Doolie year.

I am currently in Civil Air Patrol and am going to attempt to get a Cadet Wings scholarship (essentially pays for all pilot training if you are not in CAP or unfamiliar) which I have been told by Cadet Wing members have had scholarship cadets at the Academy when they received the scholarship. I also am wondering if it is possible to contact the flight school (I think it is called Aeroclub or something along similar lines) since I need a flight school for the scholarship or at least to put a contact down.

I am just curious about all the possibilities to earn my PPL during the Academy. I know with classes it'll be tough but just trying to keep my options open. Plus I do not want to lose any of the flight training (become rusty) and basically lose all the money my parents have sacrificed for me. I also want to join the Flying Team sometime in the future.
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I could be wrong, but you are long past the Wings scholarship awarded dates. Also, the AFA offers ability to get your license for free, so why worry about CAP money that can go to a high school Junior?
 
pv123 said:
I could be wrong, but you are long past the Wings scholarship awarded dates. Also, the AFA offers ability to get your license for free, so why worry about CAP money that can go to a high school Junior?
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Well, the new application cycle opens at the end of June and I am reapplying for the scholarship. I have had contact with people at Cadet Wings and they have told me that they have had cadets at the academy who've gone through the program and have encouraged me to reapply despite being at USAFA.

Since I know Doolie year might be a stretch I am looking at the summer programs as well, but I do not want to lose any progress and essentially have to "restart" I do have my written test (Airman's Knowledge) test already completed and have soloed so Cadet Wings seems the most plausible as of right now.
 
Firstly, congratulation on your appointment. My DS got his PPL before he went to USAFA. He had 200+ hours in his logbook. During his Doolie year, because of the many restrictions, limited free time, and lack of transportation, it was extremely challenging for him to keep up his hours. The only way to help him stay current was to fly him home whenever he is allowed to. That in itself is also challenging. Having gone through that, I would suggest focusing on getting through his/her Doolies' year. If you wants to be a pilot, the Air Force will train you if you get selected.
 
ItsVik117 said:
I am an incoming cadet for the Class of 2027 and I have a question about getting my PPL at USAFA.So I have been doing training at home and have started the cross-country portion of my training and have a good bit to go. I am wondering if it is possible to get a PPL during my Doolie year.

I am currently in Civil Air Patrol and am going to attempt to get a Cadet Wings scholarship (essentially pays for all pilot training if you are not in CAP or unfamiliar) which I have been told by Cadet Wing members have had scholarship cadets at the Academy when they received the scholarship. I also am wondering if it is possible to contact the flight school (I think it is called Aeroclub or something along similar lines) since I need a flight school for the scholarship or at least to put a contact down.

I am just curious about all the possibilities to earn my PPL during the Academy. I know with classes it'll be tough but just trying to keep my options open. Plus I do not want to lose any of the flight training (become rusty) and basically lose all the money my parents have sacrificed for me. I also want to join the Flying Team sometime in the future.
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Hey! I'm Class of 2026, and its POSSIBLE. But hard. Also, don't stress too much about it because PPL or not, if you want to be a Pilot, you'll be okay if you dont have one.

My friend teaches ground school at USAFA for like $50. If you are dedicated, you can do their class. It's like twice a week for 4 hours total. You'll also be able to sign up at our airfield and can schedule flying time. You'll make a good amount of money and you can use it to fly.

There are scholarship opportunities, as well as other cool programs to get you some flight time during your 4 years (Soaring, Powered Flight, simulators...) but dont be concerned too much about trying to do it all your Doolie year.
 
I have 5000+ IP hours in T-37s, T-6s, and PC-9s, a pilot's license, or lack thereof, has absolutely zero impact on your success or failure in UPT. One of my worst students ever had a commercial, ATP, and was a regional airline captain. Granted this was a few years ago, but it remains true.
 
I am just curious about all the possibilities to earn my PPL during the Academy. I know with classes it'll be tough but just trying to keep my options open. Plus I do not want to lose any of the flight training (become rusty) and basically lose all the money my parents have sacrificed for me. I also want to join the Flying Team sometime in the future.
 
shreeram665511 said:
I am just curious about all the possibilities to earn my PPL during the Academy. I know with classes it'll be tough but just trying to keep my options open. Plus I do not want to lose any of the flight training (become rusty) and basically lose all the money my parents have sacrificed for me. I also want to join the Flying Team sometime in the future.
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Your only opportunity to join the Flying Team is Doolie year, and it requires a PPL before selection in ~March. If you are determined to get your PPL, your options are the aero club at USAFA, or finishing your training back home during Thanksgiving and Christmas break. Good luck!
 
I am an incoming cadet for the Class of 2027 and I have a question about getting my PPL at USAFA.So I have been doing training at home and have started the cross-country portion of my training and have a good bit to go. I am wondering if it is possible to get a PPL during my Doolie year.
pikashow
ppsspp emulator
 
shreeram665511 said:
I am an incoming cadet for the Class of 2027 and I have a question about getting my PPL at USAFA.So I have been doing training at home and have started the cross-country portion of my training and have a good bit to go. I am wondering if it is possible to get a PPL during my Doolie year.
pikashow
ppsspp emulator
Click to expand...
Possible- yes, but you will need to be really good at balancing everything. If your nighttime is not done, you will need to go to a different airport as the Academy Airfield does not operate at night. The best advice would be to talk to your chain of command after basic is over and see what is possible for you in terms of them supporting that process for you.
 
There is an aviation club at USAFA that cadets join, and they complete Ground Training which ultimately leads to them obtaining their PPL here.
 
ak29 said:
There is an aviation club at USAFA that cadets join, and they complete Ground Training which ultimately leads to them obtaining their PPL here.
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Let's not oversell the ground school. The ground school is certainly a part of Private Pilot Training, but the bulk of the Private Pilot Training is the 40+ hours (or way more if you draw it out over many many months, or aren't a natural pilot) of flight training, with instructor and solo.
 
Lots of kids today pound out the hours on their computer simulators, usually on SR-71 or 747 flights, but weather at KAFF will be a big factor in getting your PPL rating with the limited free time cadets have available to them.
 
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