The boy is considering a career as a military pilot

DavidI · 10-01-2010, 07:33 PM

Being a former Marine, I introduced my son, Alexander -14 years old, to my beloved Corps as a toddler. He is now in high school and is considering a career as a pilot in the military. Tomorrow, we are headed to the Welcome to MCAS Miramar Air Show to spend the day. I'll post some pix when we get back! Another old man, son day. Should be great!

89-944NA · 89-944NA's Garage

Semper Fi David, bring your son up right and he'll make a fine F-18 or AV-8 Harrier pilot. Another former Marine, and DAMN PROUD OF IT!!!!!!!!!!

KevinP73 · 10-01-2010, 09:21 PM

It's hard enough watching them go off to college, watching him go off to join the service must be beyond words. But then again, USMC? You know he couldn't be in better hands,
Good luck what ever his decision.

sscates · sscates's Garage

My son is in the process of applying to the Naval and Air Force Acadamies with hopes of being a pilot. He and I have went to the Miramar Airshow many times over the years, it's probably one of the best, if not best in the nation.

Not a military guy myself, I fly with many active and retired pilots and am so proud of my son's desire to serve.

Good luck with your son and have fun at the airshow, we'll be at the autocross. I'm sure we'll hear the jets.

Mrmerlin · 10-02-2010, 04:09 AM

FWIW its a good idea to get the private pilot certificate before getting into the service it will give him a leg up on flight experience

pavulon · 10-02-2010, 04:47 AM

How far into the future are pilots expected to be required for flying combat missions? It seems drones are doing more and more each year.

Joe Bob · Joe Bob's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by pavulon

How far into the future are pilots expected to be required for flying combat missions? It seems drones are doing more and more each year.

One word.....videogames.....

Seahawk · 10-02-2010, 07:51 AM

First, well done David. Your son has a tough road ahead, but I'd bet on him to get his wings.

My Son, love Him, wants to be a Marine ground-pounder...there is little discussion between us, it is his goal, not mine.

All I ask, which you no doubt do, is that he take care of his men, be an officer of note and be brave, thinking.

sscates · sscates's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mrmerlin

FWIW its a good idea to get the private pilot certificate before getting into the service it will give him a leg up on flight experience

That's what I've heard. He just got his PPL on his 17th bday and will be taking glider lessons and aerobatic lessons to learn energy management. I train quite a few military pilots and they have all reccomended gliders/aerobatics to learn energy management to best prepare for fighters.

I know fighters are hard to get into, but that's what dreams are for and it looks like our son has a decent shot at the Academy so we'll keep our fingers crossed.

sscates · sscates's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by pavulon

How far into the future are pilots expected to be required for flying combat missions? It seems drones are doing more and more each year.

UAV's are definitely the future for the most dangerous missions, but manned aircraft will still be around for another generation or so. The pilot is the limiting factor on g tolerance now, so the writing is on the wall for the fighter pilots of the future.

DavidI · 10-03-2010, 07:20 AM

Thanks gents! We had a great time and were blown away by our military.

DavidI · 10-03-2010, 07:23 AM

More photos

DavidI · 10-03-2010, 07:27 AM

Notice his gun discipline - Finger off the trigger.

Noah930 · Noah930's Garage

Is this the son I met a couple years ago at the TRE Hangover Run?

The other thought, particularly if your son is serious about going to a military academy, is to see about getting that congressional letter of recommendation necessary for the application. IIRC each congressman/senator (and the VP) is only allowed 2. It could be very easy for those to get "used up" if you ask too late in the application season. Though I've also been told that if an applicant is strong enough, they can always find a letter for him.

My eyes are/were bad, as DODMERB reminded me when I was in HS, so flying was never a possibility for me. Best of luck to your son.

DavidI · 10-03-2010, 07:31 AM

DavidI · 10-03-2010, 07:34 AM

DavidI · 10-03-2010, 07:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Noah930

Is this the son I met a couple years ago at the TRE Hangover Run?

The other thought, particularly if your son is serious about going to a military academy, is to see about getting that congressional letter of recommendation necessary for the application. IIRC each congressman/senator (and the VP) is only allowed 2. It could be very easy for those to get "used up" if you ask too late in the application season. Though I've also been told that if an applicant is strong enough, they can always find a letter for him.

My eyes are/were bad, as DODMERB reminded me when I was in HS, so flying was never a possibility for me. Best of luck to your son.

Great to hear from you! Yes, this is the same boy. He is stretching and is about 5'10" at only 14 years old. Thanks for the advice. When are we going to meet up again?

Oh Haha · 10-03-2010, 08:42 AM

Somehow I think your son is going to be successful at whatever he does.

I suspect he has great parents.

Embraer · Embraer's Garage

I did the Naval Academy application....had the congressional nomination which turned into an Appointment. Turned it down for different reasons, but the big piece of advice I could give for the interview board (there will be an interview to get the nomination) is to do as many TEAM activities as possible.

The board consisted of a local school superintendent, a rep from EACH of the service academies, a CIA officer, as well as the assistant to the Congressman.

My academics helped big time. I somehow managed to score almost a perfect on the SAT, as well had a 3.95 GPA going into the board. I played varsity golf throughout high school, academic team, as well as wrestling, and I was in amazing shape. The Academy reps ripped me about not playing football..or another TEAM sport.

I felt like my only "buds" in that interview were the CIA officer and the superindendent, but still managed to get "the letter" from my Congressman.

Noah930 · Noah930's Garage

Good advice about team sports. Leadership, in general, is what they're looking for. Sports, student government, etc. They're trying to groom military leaders, after all.

I didn't have any real interview for the congressional nomination. I think I wrote a letter to my congressman, and it was done. I don't think military academy applications are as competitive in SoCal as they might be in New York, Maryland, and Colorado, for example. It didn't seem like a big deal, at least. And like I said, I've been told that if you're an impressive enough of a candidate, they'll find you the nomination if all of your local options are "used up."