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Hey everyone, I am looking at options to increase my PCSM. I am flying as much as I can to build hours and am trying to get my score up that way, but the highest I can get it to with 201 hours is 87. Although that’s a decent number, I am striving to get it in the 90’s, as I am dead set on fighters. I recently retook the AFOQT, nearly doubled my my pilot score, and more than tripled my PCSM. While that’s great, my PCSM with my current flight time is sitting at a 67. Aside from continuning to build hours, my best option at this point, I believe, is to retake the TBAS. My question is for those who have retaken the TBAS. How much of an impact did retaking the test have on your PCSM? I know this will vary depending on each individual’s performance, but I’d really like to get some idea about what to expect from a well-performed retake. Responses are welcome from everyone, I appreciate any input!

So I’m not sure if this has already been posted but this was a very helpful video i came across when looking for study aids. https://youtu.be/pFlkY_dreGo It’s a short video but very helpful. I took a mock test using the method and scored 98%. Again sorry if this has already been posted but i hope it helps someone.

Question on providing the correct # hours to the PCSM folks. The PCSM worksheet requests "instructional and/or pilot in charge private flying hours". The "instructional" here refers to hours where I have been instructed, correct? Not hours where I have instructed someone else? (The latter wouldn't make sense to me as your logbook doesn't track hours where you are instructing someone, and the former does make sense since your logbook tracks ground / flight training received.) Want to confirm so I provide the right figure. Thanks!

ATTN: Experts and Professionals that know everything about AD Rated Boards! (Posting for S/O)Here is my personal rundown: I am a non-tech major with a 3.6 GPA, I made a 78 on my Pilot and an 85 on my Nav. All of my AFOQT Scores are a 78/85/57/37/23. I took my TBAS Friday and made a 40 for my PCSM with no flight hours. I really am confused about how I made a 40 or how it is scaled because I thought I only missed 10 or less. I have a lot of leadership experience, community service, managing positions, etc. I am worried that my PCSM is going to ruin my chances despite the other scores and my personal packet. I really don't know if I would even be able to get enough flight hours before boards for it to count, or if it would be worth it? Most of the posts I have seen are people with 200+ flight hours and so they make an overall 80 on their PCSM which would put their PCSM lower than mine to begin with. How do my scores compare? Do you think I have a shot? Would it be worth it to show the board that I cared enough to shove some flight hours before boards to show that I really want this? Am I freaking out about this for no reason or should I just wait the 6 months, miss this board, and apply for the next one? Thanks in advance!

Is scratch paper given to you at the test? Taking it tomorrow.

Taking the AFOQT next week. Any practice tests online I can take? I have a test prep book but already finished the practice test in it. Preferably free but I'll pay if I have to, appreciate any help. Seems like all the practice tests I've found are 20 questions long...total

Right, so here are my numbers, AFOQT: 96/89/76/95/49 PCSM: 93 GPA: 2.82 Bachelor of Applied Science: Technology and Management. All my bachelor's classes were taken online while I was working on my parent's farm. I also have an associate's in professional aviation with a GPA of 3.2 if that means anything. Flight Experience: 299.2 hours. Private, multi, instrument, commercial, with high horsepower and complex endorsements. I'm also enlisted (E-3) with the unit I'm applying at. I work as an Airfield Manager in the OPS department, so I know the majority of the pilots on a friendly basis.

Hey everyone, I recently took the TBAS and feel kinda bummed about my PCSM score of 52. My AFOQT scores are 82 (Pilot) / 72 (Nav) / 64 (Acad Apt) / 83 (Verbal) / 45 (Quant) I only have 1 flight hour, and if I were to get my PPL (41+ hours) my PCSM would go to 71. However, I knew after taking the TBAS that I didn't do great. I did well on the directional orientation and multi-tasking, except for the math. I feel that if I practiced with the same incredibly stiff joystick and got faster on simple math problems, I could improve my PCSM score by retaking the TBAS. However, I've been gearing up to apply for the active duty board in June 2016. I can't retake the TBAS before that. My recruiter is not turned off by my scores. My recruiter also told me I would have to list Pilot, Combat System Officer, Air Battle Manager, and Remotely Piloted Aircraft in order of choice on my application. I would rather just apply for pilot. Has anyone else had to apply for all 4? I'm wondering if applying with these scores will hurt my chance to get a pilot slot - or worse, get me an RPA slot. Obviously the "whole person concept" comes into play, but I don't have an abundance of extra-curricular activities to list in my application. I have a good GPA from Virginia Tech, 3.63 / 4.00 overall (3.77 in-major), but it's in English. I've worked a lot of computer jobs (including some employed by VT and some while self-employed), and I took computer programming classes. I feel that a Private Pilot License (and volunteering) would greatly enhance my application. There just isn't time to get a PPL before June. Should I wait and apply later? On a side note, I just turned 26. Obviously applying is the only way to know how things will go, but I'd like to hear your thoughts. Thanks in advance.

Hello all, I am new to the flying squadron community. I am a current army helo pilot, CH-47s with 1000 hrs (two deployments - Afghanistan). I am approaching the end of my contract with the army in a couple of months and I've been looking at going Air Force Guard/Reserve. Would love to be able to transition to a heavy/cargo squadron. Looking for advice, suggestions or if someone would like to share their experience on going the unsponsored route. Unfortunately for me, I am 29 years old. I've been looking into going unsponsored, but I don't really know much about it. I recently took the AFOQT and TBAS. PCSM of 77 with a 87 Pilot. I have the hours so I am guessing I must of done really bad in the TBAS for my score to decrease by 10 points. My college GPA was a 2.6 (Civil Engineering). I would hate to think my GPA is the reason why my PCSM score was low. My understanding is that squadrons like to see mid 80's for a sponsorship. My main concern now is that I am 29 years old and time is quickly ticking away. Should I retake both the AFOQT and TBAS or go ahead and apply as a unsponsored applicant? Am I gambling with what airframe I would get by going unsponsored? I would love to track C-17s or C130s. Any other suggestions or advice out there would be greatly appreciated it. Thanks!

My ultimate goal is to become a mobility pilot with an ANG unit, but am open to the AFRES, and lastly AD. Here are my stats: P/N: 93/93 PCSM: 71 Hours: 36(w/ solo endorsement) Prior Service(6yr AD, 3yr Res) 3.43 Grad end of year w/ BA 20% VA Disability: GERD(no meds, diet controlled), Tinnitus(Rgt ear, only around loud noises, doesn't effect me in the cockpit currently) Age: 28, but non-commissioned and I'll be 30yo in SEP2017 What are my chances?

Any suggestions on games to use before you go for your TBAS? It's been a while and I was wanting to warm up a bit before going in.