<p>To those interested in becoming aviators that have received an offer of appointment to both the USNA and USAFA and have made the choice; which did you choose and why?</p>
<p>I chose USAFA because I see myself as an Air Force officer more than a Navy officer. I also like the USAFA more than USNA, and I have more motivation to attend USAFA.</p>
<p>I also want to be a pilot, and there is a better shot from USAFA. I also have bad vision, so more slots means easier to get a pilot slot since I am "less qualified".</p>
<p>Anyone know how many pilot slots the class of 2005 received?</p>
<p>Usually, from what I understand, about 50% of the class goes onto Pilot Training, so around 500 I'd say, give or take 50-100. Also, if you look at the numbers of people in the graduating class who are actually Pilot Qualified medically and that want to be Pilots, the percentage is technically much higher than 50% (meaning that your chances are much higher if you fall into a certain category). Basically, if you want to be a Pilot, are Medically qualified, and don't end up at the very bottom of your graduating class, you will get a Pilot slot (this of course for USAFA, you'd have to ask the people over in the Navy forum about USNA and their Pilot slots).</p>
<p>My cousin who graduated in 2005 went onto pilot training. I asked him about this and he said in his class, there were roughly 550 pilot slots, and that a little over 900 graduated. He then said that after all the other options, only about 600 or so wanted to go to pilot training.</p>
<p>I'd say that those are pretty good odds. As long as you are medically qualified and within the top half of your class, you would have no problem getting a pilot slot.</p>
<p>I think he said that about 50 or 60 people had PRK to make themselves pilot qualified. Also, they allow you to fly with glasses and a waiver, my SS element leader is doing that and his perscription is -2.75 in both eyes.</p>
<p>Thanks for all the good info.</p>
<p>falcon, that was awesome info! Lifted my spirits a tad more!</p>
<p>Posted this on another thread -- still worth the read</p>
<p>Interesting stuff on where to fly</p>
<p>NAVY vs AIR FORCE</p>
<p>Bob Norris is a former Naval aviator who also did a 3 year exchange tour flying the F-15 Eagle. He is now an accomplished author of entertaining books about US Naval Aviation including "Check Six" and "Fly-Off." In response to a letter from an aspiring fighter pilot on which military academy to attend, Bob replied with the following: </p>
<p>12 Feb 04 </p>
<p>Young Man, </p>
<p>Congratulations on your selection to both the Naval and Air Force Academies. Your goal of becoming a fighter pilot is impressive and a fine way to serve your country. As you requested, I'd be happy to share some insight into which service would be the best choice. </p>
<p>Each service has a distinctly different culture. You need to ask yourself "Which one am I more likely to thrive in?" </p>
<p>USAF Snapshot: The USAF is exceptionally well organized and well run. Their training programs are terrific. All pilots are groomed to meet high standards for knowledge and professionalism. Their aircraft are top-notch and extremely well maintained. Their facilities are excellent. Their enlisted personnel are the brightest and the best trained. The USAF is homogenous and macro. No matter where you go, you'll know what to expect, what is expected of you, and you'll be given the training & tools you need to meet those expectations. You will never be put in a situation over your head. Over a 20-year career, you will be home for most important family events. Your Mom would want you to be an Air Force pilot...so would your wife. Your Dad would want your sister to marry one. </p>
<p>Navy Snapshot: Aviators are part of the Navy, but so are Black shoes (surface warfare) and bubble heads (submariners). Furthermore, the Navy is split into two distinctly different Fleets (West and East Coast). The Navy is heterogeneous and micro. Your squadron is your home; it may be great, average, or awful. A squadron can go from one extreme to the other before you know it. You will spend months preparing for cruise and months on cruise. The quality of the aircraft varies directly with the availability of parts. Senior Navy enlisted are salt of the earth; you'll be proud if you earn their respect. Junior enlisted vary from terrific to the troubled kid the judge made join the service. You will be given the opportunity to lead these people during your career; you will be humbled and get your hands dirty. The quality of your training will vary and sometimes you will be over your head. You will miss many important family events. There will be long stretches of tedious duty aboard ship. You will fly in very bad weather and/or at night and you will be scared many times. You will fly with legends in the Navy and they will kick your ass until you become a lethal force. And some days - when the scheduling Gods have smiled upon you - your jet will catapult into a glorious morning over a far-away sea and you will be drop-jawed that someone would pay you to do it. The hottest girl in the bar wants to meet the Naval Aviator. That bar is in Singapore. </p>
<p>Bottom line, son, if you gotta ask...pack warm & good luck in Colorado. </p>
<p>PS: Air Force pilots wear scarves and iron their flight suits.</p>
<p>I like both and wish I could go to both.</p>