<p>Hi everybody, I was wondering how the selection process is for graduates interested in aviation. I understand they do some kind of test your junior year to see if you're qualified and do PRK if necessary. But do they base the selections on something else (academics, military performance, etc.)? Anything would help, thanks!</p>
<p>another question to add on to this one:
is there a way to service select helicopters specifically or do you just select naval aviation and find out what kind of aircraft you fly in flight school?
are there certain dates for flight school that you can select so you get helos?</p>
<p>I think USNA69 can be very helpful in your questions regarding helos and the navy, I am positive that he would be a fountain of information, try PMing him, he typically responds quickly and can walk you through the process.</p>
<p>Sorry 69 if I overstepped with my suggestion(clogging your mailbox) ---Pima</p>
<p>There are lots of factors that go into service selecting Navy air. Overall Order of Merit (combination of academics and military grades), ASTB scores, physical qualification, and other factors all go into the mix. Sometimes there is an interview. Usually there are enough pilot slots to give out that as long as you're in the top half of the class and you're physically qualified, you've got a good shot of getting one. This year, I understand that the only community that USNA didn't fill is the Navy FO community. So pretty much if you want to fly as either a pilot or FO then you've got a good chance. Some people diss the FO community but it's just as awesome as pilot if you really want to be in the air.</p>
<p>You service select "Navy Pilot" or "Navy Flight Officer." Platform assignments are done during flight school based on your performance there and the needs of the Navy that particular week. If you go pilot you will fly either jets, props, or helos; FOs fly either jets or props (no FOs in helos).</p>
<p>Hope this helps.</p>
<p>haha hi dan!</p>
<p>FO all the way!</p>
<p>As far as helo goes... you won't select helos until the end of primary flight school. However, if you want helos, you'll get it. Keep in mind that this isn't a knock on helos; its more just a statement reflected by the fact that over 50% of navy pilots fly helos.</p>
<p>awesome! thank you!</p>
<p>thanks fiterace, that helped a lot!</p>
<p>Glad I could help...another forum to check out is <www.airwarriors.com>. There are quite a few current Navy pilots and FOs that are regulars on the site, which is dedicated to naval aviation and all the intricacies of the application process and life in the training pipeline and beyond.</www.airwarriors.com></p>