Airplanes

[The Real Bingo]

I just got back from a local airport. They were holding this event where children from 8-17 can take a free plane ride. I like planes myself, so naturally I went.

Today was windy, which made the flight even more exciting. I was taken up in a 1969 Cessna 172 Skyhawk. Old and cramped. My legs were in a predicament: either my feet were in the way of the rudder pedals or my knees were in the way of the yoke.

Long story short; this flight renewed my interest in flying and aspiring to be a pilot.

Just felt like sharing.

[daveleau]

Sweet! The seats in those 172s do adjust, so when you fly w/o someone in the back, you can move the seat back. If you know anyone that can get you into an Air Force base to fly at their aero club, you can save a lot of money. Instead of paying a ton at the local private flying school or so per hour, you can often get the aircraft and training for a lot less.

[Warthog]

Cool. Sounds good.

My first love was flying...I wanted to be a USAF pilot for years....(hence the name "Warthog", ala A-10 Warthog).

If you're ever in DC, go to the Air & Space Museum...not only are there a million kinds of aircraft (obviously), but they have simulators there where you can 'fly' an F-18 or P-51 Mustang. The graphics are mid90s era - I'm surprised they can't just plug in some computer game....anyway, the real kicker is being able to fly upside down and all over the place just like real life...it's freaky man...totally different experience. It's also a total ripoff @ $6-7 for 5min but worth it at least once.

[The Real Bingo]

Dave, you mean joining the Air Force? Because I actually was thinking about that.

[daveleau]

You don't have to be part of the USAF to fly at the aero club. It is a club of instructors that can teach students to get their PPL.

If you want to join the USAF, I must say that there is no finer branch of the military to join. (No offense Wart. ) Best facilities and the best toys. Whether you go in enlisted or as an officer, it can be either a great career springboard or a great career. I am a B-52 navigator, myself. I make 1st LT in March of next year and get rid of this butterbar stink. If you want to talk more about it, I'd be happy to help weed out the BS that the recruiters and ROTC folks hand out to prospective applicants. PM me and I'd be happy to talk about it in depth.

[Matrix28]

Wow, lucky you!

[The Real Bingo]

Originally posted by Matrix28
Wow, lucky you!

Indeed.

[Warthog]

Dave is right, as far as facilities and quality of life go, the USAF is the best. On the other hand, you want to get down, dirty and personal, there are other services available. Talk to moi if you want Army...besides Dave, Martoch is also a great source. If you ever decide you want to fight with the squids, NavyDood is your man.

I might go to the USAF after my 5 year contract is up and join their para rescue guys....that's if I don't go Army Spec Ops next year (another story).

Any service can be good for you, all depends on what your job interests are. You've still got plenty of time to decide, right? How old are you?

Warthog

[The Real Bingo]

Oh yeah, I'm 16. So time is on my side. I really like flying though. Safest place you can be, IMO. What about AFA? Do you have to be brilliant and wealthy to get into the AFA like Westpoint Academy, or is it like any other college? And I am under the impression they pay your way if you dedicate four years to them. Am I correct?

[RADAR1797]

You don't have to be wealthy to get into any service academy, but you do have to have the best grades and demonstrate breadth with outside activities. Also that SAT score would need to be in the 1200s or above. If you have the stats, getting an appointment from your Representative or Senator is as simple as putting in a package and getting selected.
Now if don't want to mess with the Academies (there are pluses and minuses with them) your next best bet to getting a pilot slot is going to one of the "Prefered schools": Texas A&M, Virginia Tech, Citadel, VMI, and Norwich. I believe there is one more but i cannot remember it. These schools get more pilot slots than other regular universities.
For the academies they pay you to go to school. Not much mind you, but it is the cheapest way to go. With ROTC you can get a scholarship (3 or 4 year), but the AF will dictate your degree most likely something techincal.

-RADAR