USNA vs. USAFA Aviation Chances
- Thread starter pbaron
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fullspeedahead
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About half of each graduating class goes into aviation from USAFA every year. This year there were 240 midshipmen who got a Navy pilot slot and 105 who got a Marine Corps pilot slot.
It also depends what you want to fly. Fighter Jets? Helicopters? The Air Force has more options but both will be difficult to obtain a fighter slot.
You also have to take into consideration that you might not get a pilot slot at all and it depends on what you would want to do as a backup plan. There are some instances where cadets were medically disqualified from flying and couldn’t pursue aviation as a career. If something were to go wrong would you rather be in the Air Force or Navy?
Best of luck to you and hopefully you get into both!
It also depends what you want to fly. Fighter Jets? Helicopters? The Air Force has more options but both will be difficult to obtain a fighter slot.
You also have to take into consideration that you might not get a pilot slot at all and it depends on what you would want to do as a backup plan. There are some instances where cadets were medically disqualified from flying and couldn’t pursue aviation as a career. If something were to go wrong would you rather be in the Air Force or Navy?
Best of luck to you and hopefully you get into both!
4theFlag
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I am no expert on USNA, but you have a good shot at being a pilot if you go to USAFA, provided you are medically qualified. With the pilot shortage, everyone in the class of 2019 who wanted a pilot slot (and was qualified) got one. 460 slots, I think? And that number is projected to go up. It's likely that my class (2021) may have more pilot slots than people who want them. So, although it's never guaranteed, I'd say USAFA is the way to go to be a pilot.
As @HB2019 said, however, any number of things could happen between now and then. You might not get into both academies, or you might not get into either. You could be medically disqualified for a pilot slot. You could change your mind - no matter how set you are on pilot now, it's possible. Definitely consider more than just "what's the quickest route to a plane."
As @HB2019 said, however, any number of things could happen between now and then. You might not get into both academies, or you might not get into either. You could be medically disqualified for a pilot slot. You could change your mind - no matter how set you are on pilot now, it's possible. Definitely consider more than just "what's the quickest route to a plane."
MidwestDad
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Many threads here about alternative [and even better] paths to specific flight options - ROTC and Air National Guard for example. From what I have read you can join a specific ANG unit to increase odds of a specific aircraft type etc.
But being medically qualified is key - there are dozens of DQs apart from vision [hayfever for example.]
Do some research here and good luck !!
But being medically qualified is key - there are dozens of DQs apart from vision [hayfever for example.]
Do some research here and good luck !!