tgonzo29

I did!

Dm me

Hello all, I have spoken with some of you on the board regarding the Exception to Policy Request Package process. I am a Civilian OTS Pilot Select Overview: I was dq’d following my IFC-1 due to only being outside the cycloplegic refractive error limit. I was able to pass every other vision test. I have taken the following months to research the process, seek multiple medical opinions and have compiled what myself and other qualified people feel to be a very convincing package. I have submitted my package to my recruiting office. Before it is sent up the chain, the commander would like to see an example of a previously submitted and approved package to use as a comparison. I have contacted various ROTC detachments to find an example and I haven’t had any luck thus far My background: - Civilian, 27 years old - Private Pilot working on instrument with almost 100 hours - FAA 1st class medical zero restrictions - Nearly two years working in aviation industry - 10+ years playing competitive hockey at high levels - In extremely good physical condition What I am seeking: - an example of a successful ETP package to compare with mine. - advice from anybody with experience with this scenario - a list of contents what needs to be included in a package to make it extremely convincing. Any help would be extremely appreciated. Thanks!

Yes I did. Thanks. Keep plugging and do whatever it takes to make yourself as competitive as possible Sent from my iPhone using Baseops Network Forums

Thought I would add my experience to this topic in hopes it could help somebody. I failed depth perception (uncorrected) at MEPS on letter B. It was extremely alarming and decided to go see my civilian doctor who told me difference of refractive error within eyes can negatively affect your depth perception. I let the doctor dilate my eyes and he was able to write me a prescription for corrective lens, which are ALLOWED to be used to take the Depth Perception test during your flight physical. I took the DP test again during my flight physical and was able to pass through letter F (perfect). If you ran into this issue, don't stress but make an appointment with your civilian doctor to get a glasses prescription.

Does anybody know the approval chain of command for the active duty side for somebody who has been selected to go to OTS and UPT? Sent from my iPhone using Baseops Network Forums

Hey guys, Great news! I was selected to go to UPT! thanks for all the help!

To remain on active duty, would that mean separating from the Guard Unit, or would having an AGR position qualify the pilot? Sent from my iPhone using Baseops Network Forums

I am currently in the process of rushing units, and have submitted an application to the active duty rated board. It may seem like I am getting a little ahead of myself with this post, but I am thinking about what goals I would like to achieve if I can be hired to fly for a guard unit. I have an interest in going back for an Aeronautical Engineering degree in order to qualify for Air Force Test Pilot School eventually one day. I didn't rediscover my passion and enthusiasm for aviation until I was into my final year of college. Is this possible to apply for USAFTPS if you are a Guard pilot with all of the educational qualifications? Or is only available to AD pilots?

I should know March 17!

I just spoke with my recruiter. He said that I was ranked 3/31 in Officer interviews with everything marked all the way to the right and the addition of 8 bullet points. Hopefully this can push me over!

Yes, I definitely want to look more into those jobs as a plan b ahead of time. If I ultimately couldn't be a pilot, being an aircrew would still be a great job. RPA pilots also acquire their civilian ratings through their version of flight training so its also a good option. I'm going to look into the process. Like you said, I have nothing to lose. I may get surprised. I just want to prepare well ahead of time. I know some people who do have some connections so its definitely an avenue worth considering, especially with the pilot shortage. Will I likely meet more high up officers who could write on my behalf as I go through OTS? From what i've heard, speaking with a congressman/senator does very little. Is that accurate?

Thanks you too! that would be awesome

Just submitted my package to the Oregon Air National Guard to be an F-15C pilot. Wish me luck!

Would anyone with knowledge and experience be about to steer me in the right direction? My Story: I am currently in the holding pattern to be selected for OTS in the upcoming AD rated board as a pilot only, and have also just applied for a UPT slot in the Oregon Air National Guard. My ultimate goal is to be a fighter pilot, which we all know is what the Air Force is in dire need of at the moment. I am a 25 year old civilian. Being a former junior and college hockey player, I am in excellent physical/mental condition with no history of injuries or anything that could raise a concern. I have been going over the IFC1 requirements and meeting with my doctors in order to be as proactive as I can so if I hit a snag, I will have time to address it. Well, I hit a snag with my vision. I am able to see 20/15 distance and 20/20 near with the snellen chart. When it came to the cycloplegic test, my refraction error is over the waiver limit of +4.00. Mine are +4.50 and +5.00 Being rather farsighted, I can read small text without glasses, but after a while (say if I'm reading a chapter or an article) it becomes harder to focus and I require the aid of reading glasses. It has never affected me in the cockpit when it comes to reading kneeboard checklists, gauges, PFD/MFD, etc. I have a valid FAA 1st Class Medical. The doctor said that with glasses or contacts, I am able to be corrected to 20/15. My eyes are meet the requirement in every other category. Ultimately, the reality is that I'm in a tough spot and will I'll most likely get DQ'd for excess refraction error. With the needs of the Air Force taken into account, I've heard that they can bend their policies a bit on a case-by-case basis. With the current need for fighter pilots, would you say that I have a shot with my situation? ETP: If I will need to apply for an ETP, I was wondering if anybody could tell me more about the process and how I need to prepare my letter/package. I will have my Private Pilot License and working towards my instrument rating by the time of the IFC1 Physical. I've put a ton of effort, money, and time into preparing for this career and I'd like to make sure that I am not leaving any stone unturned. Thanks Guys!

Thanks for the heads up! Its a waiting game now and its taking forever!

I'm always a guy for jokes, but I appreciate the constructive feedback. My goal was to have my PPL finished by the time my package was submitted, but winter weather has slowed my training down quite a bit since the fall. I do plan on retaking the TBAS to further boost my PCSM and am confident that I can do much better. I felt comfortable with the multitasking but it took me getting the first 20 spatial orientation questions wrong after getting a bit confused by where the directions said the nose was supposed to be pointing. 62 is still decent, but ill do better if needed. I feel strong about the rest of my application. I absolutely knocked it out of the park with my interview and I still feel rather confident given the needs of the air force at the moment. Thank you for your condolences and encouragement! I'm sorry about yours as well. I am also about to try my luck with some Guard Units. Hoping to learn something new that will help with each application that proceeds it. I'll make sure I get in a cockpit

haha truth

Just have to go out and do the best i can. Right now i'm just waiting and hoping my application qualifies for OTS. Fingers crossed!

Great to know. Just have to wish for the best!

thanks good to know! From what I've heard when they select raptor pilots, they look for a higher pilot aptitude. Does that mean with my current numbers it will be difficult to end up strapped onto an F-22?

I just put 1 next to pilot and left the others blank. My recruiter said i could do it.

Hello All, I am new to the board. I have just applied for OTS (as a civilian) for the upcoming rated board. I have only applied for a pilot slot as I plan on being a third generation pilot in my family. My recruiter has been great to me throughout the entire process and seems very optimistic about my selection, especially considering the need for UPT candidates. The board is in May. I believe its 17OT2 Age:25 AFOQT Scores: Pilot: 79 Nav:41 AA:37 Verbal: 56 Q: 23 PCSM: 62 (1st attempt) Flight hours: 49 FAA Student Pilot Certificate FAA 1st Class Medical I am scheduled to have my private pilot license check-ride in February. (mentioned in my application) GPA: 2.59 B.A in New Communication Media from SUNY Cortland Since graduating, I have been working full-time as Operations Manager of a flight training school (yes, i get to fly on my lunch break :D) and working part-time at a restaurant. Private hockey instructor Volunteer Volunteered at church packing lunches for unfortunate kids, 2 mission trips to help rebuild houses for people living in poverty, helped boy scouts get their ice skating merit badges with one of my hockey teams and about to start volunteering at Pax River Naval Air Museum. Assistant Hockey coach on my little brother's hockey team. Personal: Athlete with a 10+ year competitive hockey career (including college and canadian junior hockey) and have been in leadership roles on many teams. Excellent Physical Condition Infractions: (all waivered) 3 speeding tickets 1 Public Intoxication 1 Disorderly Conduct (The most recent infraction was 06/2015) Officer Interview: Couldn't have imagined it going any better. We hit it off. It was supposed to be a 1 hour interview and we ended up talking for 3 hours. We spent most of talking about military aviation with some serious questions throw in between. I wore my best suit, which is ironically the same color as an Air Force service dress uniform. I had the option of doing a skype interview and elected to buy a plane ticket up to Syracuse (from Virginia) to do my interview. The officer told me I made an excellent impression, and that he doesn't see my GPA being too big of deal when they look at the whole person concept LORS: 1 from a former O-5 and my primary flight instructor who was former an F-15E WSO and Fighter Weapons instructor. He vouched for my flying skills, decision making, situational awareness, and said that I have potential to be an excellent candidate for UPT. 1 from an O-6 who is a former F-16C pilot and IFF IP. He vouched for a lot of the qualities mentioned above and said that I have the potential to finish at the top of the class in UPT. He talked about a lot of my personal qualities and that I would make a great well-rounded officer. 1 from a former Army Warrant Officer/ US Customs/ Army National Guard Blackhawk pilot who has known me my entire life. He wrote about how i've had a passion for military aviation ever since I was a little kid and have worked very hard to get where I am now in my flight training 1 from a former Air Force enlisted F-16 maintainer who is also a CFI at the flight school and now an FAA Inspector. He talked about my proven ability to manage the flight school, as well as my passion for learning as much as I can about aviation, as well as being a good student 1 from my guidance counselor whos known me for a long time and knows me very well. Low GPA/Infraction explanation: I went through a very rough patch after my mom was diagnosed with cancer, where I racked up both infractions and most of the traffic violations, as well as struggled to put up a 1.5 GPA immediately following. A year later, she had an aneurysm/stroke which made me get my act together and make this life changing decision to change career paths to become an air force pilot. She recently passed in october. Its been my primary source of motivation which has been discussed in my interview and is in my package. I know these areas could hurt me, but I feel like i've done a lot to add to the whole person concept which could really help my chances. I know i've given you all a lot of information. My package has been submitted Do you think I have a good shot? Any ways I can improve if I am not selected? I'd appreciate any help or advice. Thanks :)

Has anybody done their FC1 or been told that you will be taking it at Dover? My recruiter has recommended sending me there because he said there is a huge wait at WP and Dover is ran better.