What to expect in Naval Flight School

[@sdcoinshooter]

Brings back memories. VT-3 primary and earned my wings May, 1986

[@butchp568]

Former Capt. in the USMC and F-4 Phantom and F-18 Hornet driver. Its not easy and requires full commitment on your part.

[@jhill4071]

its doable but some will find their lunch in their lap first time they get off the ground and or during the first loop or roll experience. Kind of hard to fly and barf at the same time. Fail mark maybe.

[@MrMotocross23]

Thanks for the info! I'm going to NFS in May and i've heard one of the biggest reasons people don't make it through the pipeline is due to failing a flight in primary. I was wondering what failing a flight exactly entails and what things you saw people struggle with the most in primary. Also what things do you think I should be doing now to best prepare? Thanks again!

[@AV4Life]

How’d it go man? Any updates?

[@HH60]

Hey curious, how many people tracked jets in your class and how many people tracked rotary. How many people had jets as first preference?

[@eliasney]

Hey Anthony, Good Question. Here are the factors that come into play with selection. Grades - Typically the higher your grades the higher consideration is taken for your preference. Jets require a minimum of a 50 NSS which will Require you to be at least better than half of your peers. Timing - Every platform has different needs at different times. Sometimes there is what we call a Jet draft or a Helo draft. Where the Navy really needs pilots in a specific platform and therefore your wants maybe sidelined by the those needs. Typically you’d like to select just after the new fiscal year when the new money starts. This allows all squadrons the capability to pick up more fresh pilots. Class Size - Training command has the comprehensive set of the navy’s needs in a large list Rank ordered by platform need. IE 1. Helo 2. Helo 3. P8(Navy) 4. Helo 5. Jet 6. Etc If your class size is let’s say 3, NATC will try and fit you into the first three. However if your class size is 6, your class will be selecting from the first six. NATC can skip this line up if you have Good grades and give you something lower but if you are in a Helo draft and all six are Helos and you have a 50 NSS and a class size of 2, Chances are you will get Helos. Strike recommendations - If you have a killer flight and the instructor knows that you want jets they can give you a strike recommendation on your grade sheet. They can also give you this recommendation without knowing what you want so it can be a double edged sword. The degree of which this effects your selection is unknown. ----- My selection preferences were 1.Helos 2.P8s and 3.E2/Cs. When I was selecting there was a Jet draft. I had a 56.5 NSS and 1 strike recommendation. I got my first choice and most people got their first or second. With all of this being said. Selection is a pretty stressful time in flight school regardless of if you get what you “want”. My recommendation for selection preferences is to think about who it is that you want to be in the next 5 to 10 years without regard of how people may judge you. I’d keep a journal during flight school and I would regardless of what platform you want STUDY HARD, CHAIRFLY, and HIT THE SIMS. Fly safe, Elias

[@HH60]

AstroBioNow hey thanks for the reply. Did you have no interest flying jets? What was your gpa, astb score, and major going into a pilot slot? Did you have any prior flying experience when going in? If so, do you think it benefited how you did in training.

[@heythere1115]

Anyone have any tips on upping the volume of Thai video? Even with headphones I can barely hear 😂 thanks- former aircraft mechanic with hearing loss

[@eliasney]

My B man

[@heythere1115]

All good sir! I never know if the volume is actually low or if my tinnitus is acting up again 😂 too many years launching jets for sure. Great great info in the video man seriously this is extremely helpful as I finish up school

[@eliasney]

@@heythere1115 you’re welcome! Crush it! Ill be around for any questions

[@joshuadelacerda7380]

By and change do you know if the Navy and Air Force still exchange students during Pilot Training?

[@eliasney]

AviationDisneyUSAF TV I never got to work with any Air Force student pilots. My understanding is that program, If it does exist is extremely rare.

[@president_solo2603]

Yes, they do. Don't know how the AF pipeline works, but Navy side, under the once in a blue moon opportunity it comes up, student(s) from API will be sent over to San Antonio to train with the USAF

[@violaconcerto123]

Hey so I happen to stumble by your video because I was looking for a video on the entire process from being selected as an officer to primary to selecting which pipeline I would fall into and I must say this video by far is the most informative out there. I’m currently a undesignated pact sailor and I’ll be rated in the next few months. My dream is to become a Fighter Pilot but I wanted to know a sure way to get selected for T45 from Primary I know you mentioned getting a high NSS score higher than 50 but what are the odds and chances even after expressing to the instructor your interest to fly F/A-18. By the way what’s your call sign? Very Respectfully AN Alonso.

[@eliasney]

Thanks for the comment. I’m moving right now so it’s hard for me to sit down and write anything worth reading. You can email me at [e-mail]

[@cw5894]

Hey man great video. going to start studying for the astb soon any tips on study gauge? Also I heard the Navy started to get some ospreys, did anybody get that platform for selection?

[@eliasney]

c w Happy Easter Bud! There is an ASTB book you can buy online. The test is pretty straight forward so what is most important is to be well rested. The Navy Osprey pipeline exists. There were production issues the last time I checked and therefore selections were limited. But this may change by the time you get there. Keep me updated!

[@cw5894]

@@eliasney for sure, thanks man. Your living something most people can only dream of

[@cw5894]

@@eliasney hey man, just to update you i got the pro rec Y for NFO. Thanks for the info and video

[@larryboy25]

Audio is down :/

[@eliasney]

lArrY BoY sorry brother! I’m in the middle of a move and can’t fix it until my computer arrives! Thanks for letting me know

[@larryboy25]

AstroBioNow no sweat, you can actually hear it better with headphones

[@Avofan]

I dont what are the chance of you seeing this comment....I'm 32 and the Navy website said there are waivers for high demand jobs (Naval Aviation). The recruiter won't let me continue through, any advice? Thanks and good luck in your career!

[@eliasney]

Dr. Love 1987 I reached out to my contact in recruiting and am waiting for him to get back to me. Where do you live? What do you do? What is your Degree in? I’ll keep you posted when I hear back. Stay safe

[@Avofan]

@@eliasney currently unemployed due to Covid-19. I currently live in Phx where I completely my BS in 2016 in Exercise Science from Grand Canyon University. I took the ASTB back in 2017. Same to you!

[@Lead1121]

How hard was primary? And where did you go? Sorry if I missed it if you already said it

[@eliasney]

I did primary at VT6, Pensacola. (The Shooters) Having a meaning in life can prepare you for any hardship. I had a very good group of friends that I met and studied with. I don’t know how to tell you how hard it will be for you but I will say that it is worth it.

[@Lead1121]

AstroBioNow I'm excited but nervous, I requested Whiting but with covid pushing NIFE back, I've been teasing the idea of going to Corpus (obviously at the end of the day, I'll be sent where they need me). Just wondering what your thoughts about Milton vs Corpus are. Heard course rules are more elaborate at Whiting but that's a minor obstacle. Thanks again

[@captaincoleslaw174]

Did you or anyone you know have a private pilots license before they went? If so how much did it help? Also what about IFR or commercial?

[@eliasney]

FantasticMrColeson yo! Lots of prior pilots will come in. It allows you to skip IFS All together. IFR and Commercial is not required.

[@captaincoleslaw174]

AstroBioNow Thanks for the quick response! So if I have the time and money to get an IFR rating before I am sent to Pensacola, would it be worth it? How far ahead would it put me compared to someone who didn’t have one?

[@eliasney]

FantasticMrColeson getting an IFR rating will not put you ahead of anyone but yourself. If you have the money to blow you can go get the rating but the Navy will give you the training regardless of if you have the card or not.

[@Dog-je5le]

i’m 18 about to enlist, is it fairly realistic to enlist navy, get a degree while enlisted and become a pilot? it’s something i’m willing to put in the work for, just want to know my chances. i’m deadset on flying.

[@doc_pyro_av8r105]

I can answer this for you. I am currently enlisted as a Hospital Corpsman in the Navy and i can tell you without a doubt in my mind that your goal 100% attainable. I am currently finishing up college myself while active duty and i have 2 other friends who were also corpsmen who are in Naval Flight School right now.

[@Dog-je5le]

Stephone Strong thanks! i really appreciate this, good luck. 👍🏻

[@doc_pyro_av8r105]

LogicPunch good luck to you as well! When you finally hit the fleet, don’t lose sight of your dreams and don’t let anyone ever tell you no! There’s a lot of misconceptions about qualifying to be a pilot so do all the research yourself!

[@ridem87]

It definitely can be done! I was enlisted just short of 10 years, became a NFO on the P-8 because I was too old for pilot at the time. I got selected for the NFO to Pilot Transition and heading to Primary in a few months. Get qualified in your job and start knocking out your classes. Good luck!

[@dustintaber]

Hey Elias, What are the chances you're the Elias that knows Mike Caruso here in San Diego? All I typed into KZbin was "naval flight school" and your video is the first one that came up. What are the chances?! Everything he told me about you matches what you say here, like your name, that you fly helicopters, and your graduation time. I'm looking to become an aviator in the Marines or Navy. Mike was the first person I got to talk to about that. He also told me that he did the same for you, that is if you are the same Elias.

[@eliasney]

Hey Dustin, I’m one and the same. Mike was and is a great mentor in this process. I am definitely always available for questions. Hope all is well. Elias

[@dustintaber]

AstroBioNow Hello again Elias, I've been pursuing becoming a pilot in the Marine Corps, one main reason being that I found another Navy pilot here on KZbin that said he only got to fly for 3 years after earning his wings and will most likely not be able to fly for the rest of his 10 year contract. He even went as far to say that 40% of Navy pilots get assigned a different job that doesn't allow them to fly anymore. That turned me off to the Navy big time and I've gotten into the mindset that I really want to be a Marine and a pilot. I just took the ASTB and scored OAR 49, AQR 6, PFAR 7, and FOFAR 6. However my college GPA is lacking (2.59). With odds stacked against me, I'm reconsidering applying for the Navy as well, and even Army. My questions are, from your experience, do you think that statistic (40% don't fly after 3 years) is correct? Do you know anyone that has happened to? And I forgot if the Navy has a guaranteed pilot application like the Marine Corps does, like OCS - Air, do they? Or does everyone go to OCS and compete for pilot slots? Thank you, sir! Hope all is well.

[@mrpug2794]

@@dustintaber Hey, I'm not a pilot like Elias is here, but I might be able to help you a bit, and sorry this is a year after your comment so you may not even be concerned about it anymore. I'm not sure about the statistic of 40% don't fly after 3 years, but as you rank up, you fly less as you become in a higher and higher leadership position. Example being you're a wing man, then a flight lead, then a squadron leader, so and and so forth. Obviously that's not exactly the pipeline, but as you go up, you do more managing of the squadron and less of the actual flying. With a college GPA of 2.59, it depends on your route in. I'm guessing you're looking at OCS, which yes, your odds will be stacked against you. While your GPA may hold you back, I recommend reaching out to an OSO and some other person who knows the application process to OCS, and getting their opinion on the matter. I hope to also become a pilot in the Marines, and my high school GPA (2.7) was quite low. Despite that, I've found studying for my private pilots license quite easy because of my interest in aviation. My main tip for you is, if you can afford it, get your private pilots license. You don't need flight hours, all you need is the license. What it proves is that you not only have the aptitude for learning how to fly, but you can buckle down and commit to something that most don't finish, and get your license. If you lack the funding to get a PPL, talk to someone in the OCS pipeline and hear what they believe is a good way to show your dedication and that you're able to buckle down and study hard. Cheers!

[@doublechinultimate3394]

do you think the navy will have human piloted jets in 2030? i want to be a naval aviator and thats when i will probably finish everything

[@eliasney]

I don’t think that we are going to have F35’s sitting around in 10 years. Touching on a deeper topic. What aspect of being a Naval Aviator is more important to you, The platform or the military service?

[@doublechinultimate3394]

AstroBioNow a bit of both I have always wanted to serve but i have always loved aviation.

[@islandblood58]

double chin ultimate we actually had air boss come in and talk to us when I was in API and someone asked that same question. From Air Boss himself, it’ll be a very very long time until the military is alright having AI fly all our aircraft if at all

[@williamclark1827]

-B.S in Mechanical Engineeing (US Naval Academy) -M.S in Informations Warfare Systems Engineering (Naval Postgraduate School) -Former US Navy Submarine Warfare Officer -Currently a NASA Flight Director

[@eliasney]

Good Afternoon Sir! Thanks for commenting, how are things at NASA? -Elias

[@williamclark1827]

@@eliasney NASA is cool man ! I saw that you want to be an astronaut ! If you want to join the space industry to become an astronaut or a test pilot for NASA I highly recommend you to go to test pilot school and get a M.S in Engineering ! As you may know becoming an astronaut or a test pilot for any space/aeronautic company is extremely competitive but with a good background and and a great experience, you can do it !

[@partyboy4535]

Volume is super low

[@dusitthehtoe3333]

Can i major as a non stem?

[@eliasney]

Dusit Thehtoe yes. Get High Grades and do well in your math courses.