FLY6584

Yep, what he said. I would just speak with your loan provider about it. Unfortunately you may have to go through a ton of agents until you find one that knows what the heck they are talking about. I was lucky to get a former military guy on the phone with Sallie Mae and he knew exactly what I was talking about and was super helpful.

Actually if you have any private student loans that are over 6% you can have the rate reduced to 6% for the rest of the term of the loan and the government pays the difference. In my case I had a Sallie Mae private loan that I used for my flight program and it was at 9.25%. After commissioning and finding out about this program I called up Sallie Mae and told them about this and they immediately reduced my rate to 6.00% and then credited me back the 3.25% of interest that my loan accrued from the time I commissioned to the time I made that phone call. I think I just had to fax them a copy of my orders and that was it. Unfortunately that doesn't apply to Federal Loans, but Federal Loans should be below 6% anyways. Also I believe that 6% program can be applied to any other debt that you accrued PRIOR to commissioning, but I'm not positive about that.

Don't worry about bags, gloves, etc. If your casual base will give them to you then great, if not don't worry about it. IFS will provide you with 2 flightsuits, one pair of gloves, one flight jacket, and all of the patches/nametags that you need. Just show up with blues and your boots and you should be good to go. My casual base was a UPT base and they refused to issue us any gear and told us to get our gear when we got out there.

Nope you do not get flight pay at IFS, but you do start receiving it as soon as you hit the flight line in phase 2.

Sorry to get off topic, but how are you exempt from TAMI?

First off I did do a search, but I could not find any threads that talked about the life as a tanker guy. Found plenty of threads about replacing our aging fleet, etc, but couldn't find anything about what a typical day in the life of a tanker pilot is like. I'm really hoping to hear about 135's, but definitely wouldn't mind hearing what the 10 guys had to say either. I'm just hoping to get some information about things like... - What would your typical day(stateside) entail? - How are the missions and what would be your typical mission stateside/deployed? - What are the deployments like? - How is the community? Is it pretty close and are the people pretty laid back? Is there still a lot of partying going on like you would see on the fighter side? Anyways I would definitely appreciate any advice ya'll could offer. Thanks!

Sounds good. I appreciate it. Does anyone know if there is a standard order you do these events in. I took a practice FACT the other day and passed it easier than I thought I would, but I'd like to take a few more practice one's between now and then and I'd like to get used to the order you perform the events. After taking that practice one I'll agree that the hardest part definitely seems to be the Leg Press followed by the Chest Press. The arm curls are a joke and I'm not even the type of guy with very strong biceps.

Does anyone know what the different ratings are for the FACT. I know that an Outstanding is a 200 or higher, but what are the other categories and ranges?

"2" I couldn't agree more. Basically you can tell your instructor you just want to get the training you would need to solo. That pretty much covers everything you'll do at IFS minus a few things like some VOR work and flying an arrival/departure. The only thing I wouldn't have them teach you is Short and Soft Field landings because you don't do any of that at IFS. They're a good thing to know how to do, but if you're on a tight budget I wouldn't worry about it. Heck you might even be able to solo before you even get to IFS which will do wonders for your confidence. I might also consider getting a little bit of ground instruction from the instructor about topics such as Airspace, Cloud Clearance and Requirements, Weight and Balance, Basic Aerodynamics, and SYSTEMS!!! If you can get very familiar with the DA-20 and it's systems that will help you out a ton. I'm sure the mx dudes's at the FBO probably wouldn't mind if you popped in the hangar and checked out the Diamonds when they're taken apart for their 50/100hr inspections. Heck you might even be able to find a friend of yours who has their PPL and could probably give you a good run down on all of those topics so you don't have to pay the instructor. If you're feeling really ambitious pick up a PPL book or read the AIM. It might be a little difficult to understand some things on your own so having an instructor/rated pilot would help. I'm not saying you have nothing to worry about, but if you get 10-15 hours in a diamond you'll be in much better shape. Just be prepared to quickly ditch a bad habit/technique that was taught to you by your local FBO. At IFS they DEFINITELY want it done their way. good luck

I wouldn't worry about it. I hadn't flown for about 2 years before I got to IFS and it all came back very quickly. At least you're going to understand the concept of maintaining an airspeed and glidepath on your final approach. Like I said that is by far the hardest thing for people to grasp. It definitely wouldn't hurt to get a few hours in a Diamond. You could probably get checked out in one in about an hour and then rent one for about $100 an hour. As far as things to study prior to IFS this would be my list of priorities: 1. Boldface/Ops Limits (not just the red ones) 2. Tiger Standards (To include knowing the radio calls by heart) 3. Emergency Procedures Training Guide 4. Memorize all in-flight checklists 5. Learn how they want you to accomplish all of the maneuvers (these procedures can be found in the Tiger Standards) That's pretty much all I would study before I got there. You'll have plenty of time to study once you're there. I'd say I studied hard for the first week and a half then it was pretty much smooth sailing from there. Best of luck to you at OTS and IFS.

Actually to be honest the DA-20 is quite a bit different than a 172. The sight picture is obviously completely different and if you're tall it's probably going to take a little getting used to. Straight and level will probably feel like a slight nose low attitude. The biggest difference I saw was in the way the DA-20 forward slipped. It was nothing like a 172. If you let the nose drop at all on a forward slip you can very easily and quickly overspeed the flaps which happened to multiple studs there. Overall though I enjoyed flying it. Some said they felt it ballooned too much on landing, but I didn't think it was that much of a problem. I also really liked the stick in your right hand and throttle in your left. I got used to that very quickly. As far what they focus on mostly... Academics are a joke. The test you take at the end of academics is word for word the same questions that are at the end of the chapters. If you don't get a 100 you're an idiot. The EPQ's are also pretty easy. Just make sure you study for them! Some people failed them, but no one was sent home for academics. As far as the flying portion goes it's actually quite extensive. The maneuvers are very easy and they include stalls, slow flight, steep turns, SFL's, turns around a point, S-turns, etc. The landings you'll have to learn which gave people the most trouble are Normal, No-Flap, Forward Slip, and Pattern SFL landings. That was definitely the hardest part for most people. People just could not grasp the concept of energy management in the pattern. That is one area that the instructors are starting to focus more on and the Lt. Col there actually held some special help sessions trying to help people grasp the energy management concept. I'd say the hardest part is probably the arrivals/departures and the radio calls. There were times where the workload depending on whether you're behind or ahead of the aircraft at the time felt similar to an instrument flight. Don't get me wrong it was still very doable, but I was thinking to myself that it's pretty incredible that the zero time guys were picking this stuff up so fast. They are also very strict about the radio calls. That was probably my hardest thing to get used to. I was so used to the way I made radio calls that it took a little while to get rid of my old habits. My advice is know the Radio Calls in the Tiger Standards by heart. That will make the flight a lot easier on you. Hope that helps.

Just got back from IFS so I figured I would share my experience with it. Overall I thought it was a great program. It was definitely a lot easier than I expected. To be honest I had a really good time and didn’t want to leave. With that said if you don’t have any hours GET SOME IMMEDIATELY! I’m not trying to scare anyone because in the end about 8 out of 10 people who don’t have hours will still do just fine. The thing is that the only people that washed out were the zero time people that could not get the flying skills down. The sad part was that the people who washed out were the hardest working students there. No one really washes out because they don’t try hard or work hard enough. If you’ve gotten to this point then you probably have a little bit of work ethic and drive so all of the academics, standups, epq’s, etc. are very doable. Now I know ya’ll are thinking if someone can’t figure out how to fly the Diamond in 10-15 hrs then they have absolutely no chance at UPT. Though I partly agree with that statement I also understand that many people have different learning curves and all of a sudden it will just click for them(we saw it happen to a few dudes on their 88’s). Then you also have to take into account that most of those that did wash out spent their first 4-5 rides with their heads stuck in an airsick bag (obviously not going to learn anything on those rides). Now like I said I think the program is very fair and is a great learning experience. They really DO NOT want to wash people out. They do everything possible to help you succeed, but some people just can’t pick up the flying skills that quick. My advice to the zero time guys is to get 10-15 hours in a Diamond/Cessna before you head out to IFS. Like I said more than likely you will have no problem with the program, but is it worth it to even have the slightest possibility of washing out? If it were me I’d spend the $1500-2000 just to guarantee that my dream of becoming an Air Force Pilot would not be ended at IFS. As far as going to IFS with hours I’m here to tell you not to worry at all. Realize that you will still have to work hard, but the flying part of it will come to you very easily. I went to IFS with my Private/Instrument and about 175 hrs and had a pretty easy time with the program, but still learned A LOT while I was there and had an awesome time. Also understand that no matter how many hours you have you can still hook rides. I knew people with Commercial and CFI ratings that hooked a checkride. It’s not a big deal because once you get to your 88/89 they’ll understand it was probably just a stupid mistake and advance you on. That was my case on my final checkride. I had done very well throughout the program then on my last ride I came up high on an Area SFL and my check pilot hooked me for it. I then went for my 88 with a military IP and he basically laughed that I was even on an 88 and I passed my 88 no problem. Anyways that’s my take on the whole IFS program. Be prepared to work, but also be prepared to have some fun.

What is the typical radius and how is that radius defined? For an example would a 200mi radius mean that you are allowed to drive 200mi or would it mean that there is actually a circle surrounding the base with a 200mi radius? Thanks By the way does anyone know what that radius is at Columbus during Casual and during UPT? Are they the same/different?

Hey guys just wondering what kind of time off you typically get in an active duty flying unit during the holidays? Lets say for example Christmas is on a Wednesday. Would you get the whole week off or would you just get Christmas Eve and Christmas Day off? What about Thanksgiving? Also is it easy to travel and see family during the holidays? Thanks

Yeah after thinking about it some more more than likely I would probably wait to attend any races until after UPT and use those leave days during Casual for wedding/honeymoon/etc. It just wouldn't be worth it to hurt myself and ruin my career. I did have one more question about leave though. Like I said I am reporting to Columbus for casual on 14 July. The thing is, every year since I was a kid I have gone down to the Florida Keys for the opening day of Lobster Season. It has always been a tradition with my family and friends. The opening day of Lobster Season is always the first Sunday in August so this year it will be 5 August. Now I realize I am not always going to be able to go on that vacation with my family and friends and I am perfectly fine with that. What I was wondering was would it be ok to ask my Commander so soon after being on Casual to take a week off and go on this vacation being that I would definitely be missing next years trip because of UPT? I mean I report for Casual on 14 July then I would be leaving for a vacation on 5 August. Is that out of line and would it be bad for me to ask my Commander to do that? I mean I figure you usually don't do much on casual anyways, but at the same time I want to make a good impression on my first Commander and get my career off to a good start. Ya'll please be honest. If you think I am being too self-centered and I should just shut up and color as soon as I get to Columbus please feel free to tell me that. You're not going to offend me.

and for those of you that are interested in what the racing side of it is like here is a pretty cool helmet cam video: https://www.davearnoldlive.com/video/flores.wmv

Yeah man, did you think they don't make those anymore? Everyone always comes up to me and says they can't believe they still make those things and thought they stopped making them over 10 years ago. They are actually making a huge comeback and the sport is really starting to grow.

I appreciate all of the advice guys. I definitely wouldn't try to attend any races during UPT. UPT is far too important to me. Like I said racing would be more of a hobby that would work around the Air Force. Let's say once I'm in my Flying Squardon and if I knew I had off for the weekend and there was a race within 5 hours or so I would try and make it for the weekend. I wouldn't never let any of it affect my career. Heck if I could attend 2-3 races a year I'd be perfectly happy. It definitely wouldn't be an every weekend kind of thing. Going back to the rules for leaving for the weekend while not at UPT. Do you have to take leave if you know you're off Saturday and Sunday and you want to head out of town Friday night and come back Sunday night? Now if you wanted to take off Friday or Monday in addition to a weekend you knew you had off would you have to take 3 days of leave. Thanks again

By the way for those of you that don't know, this is what a standup jetski looks like. They are 1000x's more fun than the sitdown type. If any Lt's are looking for some cheap fun out at the lake for the weekend give one a try and pick yourself up one. They are a fraction of the price of the sitdown type and use a whole lot less fuel. Heck come 14 July anyone at Columbus can give one of mine a whirl. The guy on the right is definitely not me, but that'll give you an idea of what the pros can do on these things.

Hey guys I was just wondering what the rules are about going out of town for the weekend on Active Duty. In about 4 weeks I graduate and commission and then I'm off to ASBC on 29 May and then to Columbus for Casual on 14 July and then I start UPT 26 Feb 08. You see I'm thinking about getting into standup jetski racing and I was wondering if this would be possible with my career? I would basically like to attend races within 5-7 hours of my base occasionally on the weekends. It wouldn't be another career or something that I would be trying to make money at. It would just be a weekend hobby type of thing. What are the rules about going out of town for the weekend on casual/regular active duty and what are the rules for going out of town for the weekend during UPT? I think I've heard that you aren't allowed to leave within 150mi of the base during UPT. Is that true? Now I know UPT is very busy and while I'm there UPT will DEFINITELY be my #1 priority, but I've been told that on the weekends you really need to kick back and have some fun out at the lake with your classmates. More than likely I won't even try to attend any races during my year of UPT and just use that year to practice at the lake on the weekends. So I guess I'm really just wondering what are the rules about travelling on the weekends for regular active duty flying not during UPT. If you leave town Friday night and are back by Sunday night are you required to take leave? Now I've heard if you wanted to take off Friday and be back Sunday you would still need to take 3 days of leave. Is that true? I know being in the Air Force is a huge commitment and the Air Force will always come first for me, but I'm just hoping I can still do the things in life that I've always wanted to do. Do many of you feel that being in the Air Force has kept you from doing some of the things you wanted to do? Now I know the answer to that is going to be yes, but the Air Force has also allowed you to do things in life that as a civilian you would never be able to do. So honestly does anyone feel that there has been hobbies or activities that you have wanted to do that the Air Force has prevented you from doing? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I know I sound really selfish, but you only live once. Most importantly I wouldn't trade anything for my chance to be a United States Air Force Officer and Pilot and I just want to make sure that getting into outside hobbies such as racing will not affect my career. Thanks