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"This page was designed to give a break down of the basic route for the LDO to NFO program. I hope this will give others an idea of things to expect and look forward to in the future. I have also designed this page to allow those that will be going through the program to post good gouge for all. As always I encourage any input on making this a more helpful product." Send all recommendations to: The Flying Mustangs
| LDO/CWO to NFO Board Info |
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| Aviation Preflight Indoc | |
| TRAWING 6 (VT-10/4) | |
| 562nd Training Squadron Randolph, AFB | |
| VP-30 "The Rag" |
In case you have not seen the message and are interested in the NFO program, here it is: I highly encourage all interested to apply. JDM
R 232047Z MAY 01 ZYB MIN PSN 987672I39
FM CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1//
TO NAVADMIN
BT
UNCLAS
NAVADMIN 126/01
MSGID/GENADMIN/N1//
SUBJ/ANNOUNCEMENT OF AVIATION OPERATIONS LDO AND CWO (632X AND
732X)
/VP NAVAL FLIGHT OFFICER (NFO) PROGRAM AND SELECTION BOARD//
REF/A/DOC/MILPERSMAN 1542-030/14MAR2001//
AMPN/REF A PROVIDES GUIDANCE/PROCEDURES FOR SUBJECT PROGRAMS.//
RMKS/1. PER REF A, APPLICATIONS ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED
FOR THE FY-02 AVIATION OPERATIONS LDO/CWO (632X/732X) TO VP NFO
PROGRAM.
2. REF A CAN BE ACCESSED VIA THE WEB AT
HTTP:/BUPERSCD.TECHNOLOGY.NAVY.MIL/BPNEWMIL.HTM OR THE LDO/CWO
HOMEPAGE AT HTTP:/WWW.PERSNET.NAVY.MIL/PERS43/HANCOCK.HTM.
3. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR ASSISTANCE IN PREPARING YOUR
APPLICATION, CONTACT LCDR KRIS B. HANCOCK, AVIATION LDO/CWO DETAILER
(PERS-432M), AT (901) 874-3948/DSN 882; E-MAIL:
PAGE 02 RUENAAA0392 UNCLAS
P432M@PERSNET.NAVY.MIL OR FAX (901) 874-2721/DSN 882.
4. RELEASED BY VADM NORB RYAN, JR., N1.//
BT
#0392
NNNN
RTD:000-000/COPIES
I wanted to take this opportunity to congratulate our newest selectee's for the LDO to NFO program.
CWO2 (sel) Mike Bremer
ENS Jim Suckart
CWO2 Steve Richard
You guys are about to embark on one of the most rewarding/challenging
times/adventures in your career. Needless to say you guys will
do great.
For those that are considering applying next year, the AVIATION
SELECTION TEST BATTERY (ASTB) can be taken twice a year until
you score high enough to pass, so don't hesitate to take the test
as soon as you can.
Again, Mike, Jim, Steve, congrats and good luck. Please let me
know if I or any of us can be of assistance.
John Miltenberger
The message is on the street for the next NFO board...
ADMINISTRATIVE MESSAGE
ROUTINE
R 172011Z MAR 00 ZYB MIN PSN 261324J18
FM CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1//
TO NAVADMIN
UNCLAS //N01200//
NAVADMIN 055/00
MSGID/GENADMIN/PERS-43//
SUBJ/ANNOUNCEMENT OF AVIATION OPERATIONS LDO/CWO (632X/732X) VP
/NAVAL FLIGHT OFFICER (NFO) FY-01 SELECTION BOARD//
REF/A/MSG/CNO WASHINGTON DC/252235ZMAR99//
REF/B/DOC/BUMED/4JUN97//
NARR/REF A IS NAVADMIN 086/99, ANNOUNCING THE RETURN OF SUBJ PROGRAM.
REF B IS BUMEDINST 1532.1K WHICH PROVIDES GUIDANCE FOR THE AVIATION
SELECTION TEST BATTERY.//
RMKS/1. THIS NAVADMIN ANNOUNCES THE FY-01 SELECTION BOARD FOR
THE
AVIATION OPERATIONS LDO/CWO VP NFO PROGRAM FOR OFFICERS ALREADY
COMMISSIONED (632X/732X).
2. THE AVIATION OPERATIONS LDO/CWO VP NFO SELECTION BOARD WILL
MEET
IN SEP 00 TO SELECT THE FY-01 CANDIDATES PER REF A. AVIATION
OPERATIONS LDO/CWO'S (632X/732X) INTERESTED IN PROGRAM SHOULD
SUBMIT AN APPLICATION TO COMNAVPERSCOM (PERS-432V), 5720 INTEGRITY
DRIVE, MILLINGTON, TN 38055-4320 NLT 31 JUL 00. APPLICATIONS SHALL
BE FORWARDED VIA COMMANDING OFFICER IN THE FOLLOWING FORMAT:
A. I REQUEST TO BE ACCEPTED INTO THE NFO PROGRAM FOR FY-01. MY
QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE PROGRAM ARE: (FILL IN)
B. I AGREE TO OBLIGATE TO SERVE FOR SIX YEARS UPON
QUALIFICATION AS A NAVAL FLIGHT OFFICER.
C. PERSONAL STATEMENT FROM APPLICANT WITH REASON(S) FOR
APPLYING.
D. PROVIDE COPIES OF ALL FITNESS REPORTS AND PERSONAL AWARDS
SINCE COMMISSIONING.
3. COMMAND SHALL ADMINISTER U.S. NAVY AND MARINE CORPS AVIATION
SELECTION TEST BATTERY (ASTB). REF B PROVIDES GUIDANCE ON
ADMINISTRATION/PROCUREMENT OF ASTB.
4. COMMAND ENDORSEMENT SHALL INCLUDE A STATEMENT CERTIFYING THE
OFFICER HAS A CURRENT NFO FLIGHT PHYSICAL, MEETS NAVY PHYSICAL
READINESS STANDARDS AND PROVIDE SCORES FROM ASTB (MINIMUM SCORE
REQUIRED TO PARTICIPATE IN NAVY'S NFO PROGRAM: AQR-3; PFAR-4;
AND
PBI-3).
5. SELECTEES WILL RECEIVE INDIVIDUAL NOTIFICATION. OFFICERS WITH
MORE THAN 19 YEARS TOTAL ACTIVE DUTY AS OF 1 JAN 00 WILL NOT BE
CONSIDERED FOR THIS PROGRAM (NO WAIVERS WILL BE GRANTED).
6. UPON SELECTION FOR PROGRAM, SELECTEES WILL REPORT TO NAVAL
AVIATION SCHOOLS COMMAND, PENSACOLA, FL FOR FLIGHT TRAINING. ONCE
DESIGNATED AS A NFO, THEY WILL REPORT TO THEIR ASSIGNED VP SQUADRON
VIA FLEET REPLACEMENT SQUADRON (VP-30).
7. FOR ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR ASSISTANCE IN PREPARING YOUR
APPLICATION, CONTACT AVIATION LDO/CWO DETAILER LCDR HANCOCK
(PERS-432M) AT (901) 874-3948/DSN 882; E-MAIL P432M@PERSNET.NAVY.MIL
OR FACSIMILE (901) 874-2721.
8. RELEASED BY VADM N. R. RYAN, JR., N1.//
BT
27 Jan 00
I talked to LCDR Kris Hancock this morning and he wanted me
to pass the following information on about this years LDO to NFO
board:
The official message is expected to hit the streets in March 00.
It still needs to finish going through the chop chain, but that
is the anticipated time for release.
The deadline for submission will be July 31st 00 (as long as the
message comes out in March as expected).
The LDO to NFO board will be in Sept 00.
There will be no waiver for time in service. (19 years is the
cut off).
The ASTB test will be required. It needs to be completed prior
to submission for the board. BUMED 1532.1K governs that test/requirement.
I have been told it can be downloaded from BUPERS.
A point of contact for the ASTB is Jean Hurrley (850) 452-2257
Ext 1080. She works at NOMI and grades the tests every Monday.
The results are given that afternoon.
An NFO Flight Physical is also required.
LCDR Kris Hancock wanted to ensure that the info got dispersed
as soon as possible to allow applicants time to get the ASTB test
taken and all other requirements met. Please pass this info on
to all in the community. If I can be of any assistance or answer
any questions please feel free to drop me a line.
Keep em flyin'
John D. Miltenberger
LTJG John Miltenberger FCTCL Dam Neck
LTJG Rob Huntington HSL-40
CWO2 Monte Willey CVN-72 Lincoln
LTJG Rick Poole CVN-70 Vinson
LT Billy Burch NATTC Pensacola
LTJG Scott Boisevert FASO Det Jax
LCDR Kris Hancock said he expects the next board to be around Sept 2000 and will more than likely be done in conjunction with the Command Screen Board.
4 Oct 99
News Flash!
According to CDR Norton (NOMI) if you report here with a
current R2 and RP2 then you will not have to attend N1 or D1 which
is the last week/week and a half of API. In other words, if your
Water Survival and Pressure Chamber quals are current and are
for fixed wing props, then we/you will "not" have to
do the Bay Ops, Pressure Chamber, or Water Survival (dunkers)
with the those that have never done it before.
Also, I had told some that we would not have to attend Land Survival,
but that is run by NASC and not NOMI. Sorry, but we have to attend.
However, Land Survival is now a three hour power point lecture.
No big deal.
CDR Norton said if you can report here current it will help both
you/us and his folks out. If you are going to try and schedule
a requal here then it needs to be scheduled either before you
start or possibly when the class is doing their initial training.
There doesn't appear to be any other free time. The number for
scheduling here is (850) 452-2141. They are all ready scheduling
thru Nov/Dec.
One last thing, when you check in here at NASC the people at the
pool (bldg 3828) will tell you that you must do everything over
again except for the mile swim, however they only handle the
initial swim qual part and NOMI does all the rest (so don't
let that bother you). I only say this because the instructors
have a habit of calling all quals "intial quals", and
it seems to cause some confusion. So you may need to help keep
it straight.
For everyone that this helps out, CWO2 Monte Willey is the one
to buy the cold ones for. He got the ball rolling. Thanks Monte!
Keep em flyin'
John Miltenberger
24 Sept 99
Sorry for the delay in writing, but it gets a little busy once class begins. I have attached a rough of the API schedule for the entire time here. Unfortunately, it is an MS Word Document. I found it difficult to convert for some reason. The schedule that you see, may vary slightly from class to class, but it will give you a fairly accurate representation of things to come.
I have taken the Aerodynamic's midterm & Final, Weather,
and Aircraft Systems. The Aircraft Systems Final, for me, has
been the easiest so far. It is more straight forward. There is
a lot of theory involved with Aero and Weather. My only suggestions
for the tests are to study. They say if you know all the EO's
in the chapters then you should not have any problems with the
tests.
You will need to have a thorough understanding of the material.
The tests are written to be very thought provoking. They are not
the standard Navy tests. I would suggest keeping all the distracters
covered until you have formulated your answer. If you try to do
the old "I will recognize it when I see it" you will
probably have a hard time (at least it didn't work for me). They
write the distracters so that it is very difficult to just recognize
the correct answer. Also, if they teach you the theory one way,
look at it from all directions. For example, if they tell you
something increases with a decrease of another variable, then
realize what it will do in reverse. If more than two factors are
involved, then understand what happens when you change all parts
around. The questions you get on the test will be that way. This
will make more sense when you are introduced to the material.
Bottom line is still studying. My classes failure rate has been
about 1 to 3 individuals per test. Out of a class of 54 that is
not bad.
Well I guess that is about it. Let me know if I can answer any
questions.
Don't let it scare you. It is a lot of studying in a short period
of time, but then it appears to let up. Believe me, if I can make
it anyone can :-)
Keep em flyin'
John Miltenberger
12 Sep 99
Just a quick update on what to expect after class begins.
As mentioned before, the subjects that are covered are: Aerodynamics, Weather, Aircraft Systems, Navigation, and Joint Physiology. All school work is basically completed in the first four weeks with the remainder of the time being used for the water survival devices, mile swim, etc.
The basic day so far has been: 2-3 hours at the pool and the remainder in class. You start with Aerodynamics and Weather (together). In the first four days of class we were taught 6 chapters of Aerodynamics and 4 Chapters of Weather. The tests start on the second week and they are broken up so you have about 2 per week (one at the beginning, and one near the end). The material is not overly difficult to understand, but it is the amount of data that seems to be the problem for most (me included :-) ).
There is a web site for API practice tests and other info: http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/Runway/1547/
A WORD OF WARNING. THE TESTS ARE GREAT FOR GETTING QUESTIONS TO WORK ON OR FOR GETTING A FEEL ON HOW THEY MIGHT PHRASE A CERTAIN QUESTION, HOWEVER NOT ALL ANSWERS ARE CORRECT. The questions will be good studying tools, but get the answers out of the book.
I suppose that is all for now. If I can answer any questions
please drop me an email.
Keep em flyin'
3 Sep 99
First Day: The first day consists of a personnel
inspection and about five hours of intro lectures.
The personnel inspection will be in khaki with garrison caps.
Be ready. I had a brand new uniform (from top to bottom) and still
got hit for IP's (former Irish Pennants) and because my new brown
shoes were not shiny enough (although polished). Not a big deal,
just an irritation to avoid.
The intro lectures discussed drop policies, mother hood, admin,
a Tricare Brief, a lecture by the Chaplain, and a brief from water
survival.
- The drop policy is: 1 failure=retest; 2 failures(during entire course)=PRB; 3 failures=Personal with CO and more than likely drop from class.
- Water survival confirmed we would not have to do the mile swim (since previously qualed), but everything else is required. Unfortunately, we seem to blend in with the other ex-aircrew guys going through (I have two in my class and there are at least that many in the class behind mine).
- They also confirmed PRT times for 30-39 (male): 40 situps (100 max), 36 pushups (67 max), and 13:45 (min) for the 1 1/2 cross country course.
I hope this helps shed some light on things to come.
keep em flyin'
John Miltenberger
1 Sept 99
Flight Physical: The NOMI Flight Physical seemed allot easier
then it did years ago. You are scheduled for your flight physical
approx. a week before your class begins. It starts at 0645 at
the NOMI building auditorium. When you arrive they will hand you
a packet containing your record and paperwork to be filled out.
They will have all ready pre-screened your record and will have
transcribed current information onto your new exam form.
In my case, my dental was all ready signed off and my lab work,
audio gram, and chest x-ray results were also annotated from my
current flight physical (3 months ago). They would not except
my current eye examination, so I had to have my eyes rechecked.
Although, it didn't seem like I had to do everything else that
the new folks were doing.
I would recommend coming here with everything as current as possible.
Since all my info was current, it took me from 0645 - 1015 to
complete my NOMI physical. I was one of the first out the door.
After your physical, your last hurdles before class are a uniform
inspection (on the Friday before class) and a PRT (the beginning
of the next week). Class will begin the same day as your initial
PRT. They are also starting a Pre-PRT screening to ensure everyone
is ready for the initial one, so you may need to complete this
as well.
I hope this helps. Drop me a line if I can answer any questions
up to this point jdmilten@hotmail.com
John Miltenberger
Check-In: You will be required to check-in prior to 0730 your day of arrival (per your orders). You must check into the quarter deck bldg 633 (the same building as the LDO/CWO University) and have your orders stamped and then report to Flight Management (student body pool) room 140. Their phone number is comm: (850) 452-3542 DSN 922-3542. They will give you a check-in sheet and have you fill out a couple of things. Base check-in takes about 2-3 hours. All pre-API students muster every morning at 0730 and unless otherwise sched for something you are free for the day.
One thing I found out, your class convening date appears to be on a first-come first-serve basis. My orders stated 1 Sep as the expected start date. However, there isn't a 1 Sep class. The soonest is 3 Sep, and it is all ready full. I inquired if I could put all the LDO/CWO students down so they would not have to wait for a start date (later than the orders state) but I was told no (I will keep trying though). If I am unable to get everyone a firm date, then I would suggest checking in as soon as you get into the area. It does not appear you will be over worked :-).
For folks doing the GEO Bach thing, as I am. The BOQ will,
upon availability, place you in a transit room ($12.00 a night
without dependents/$15.00 with) and will place your name on a
waiting list for the permanent rooms. I have been told the permanent
rooms are only a couple of dollars a night (for maid service),
but unfortunately the waiting list is quite long. I was told I
would be able to keep my transit room for 60 days and then we
will have to see. Off base housing may be needed if a transit
room is not available. If you are a GEO Bachelor and will be renting
a place in town, then you are eligible for single DLA.
When reporting to PSD, ensure you have a copy of your current
mortgage for BAH purposes. PSD will require an approved chit (from
the CO here) so GEO Bachelors can keep their BAH at the rate based
upon their dependents location. Otherwise, it will be at Pensacola's
rate.
PRT: No particular work out gear is required. So until
someone comes up with a new rule. Come as you are.
PRT times for 30-39 year olds is 13:45. I have been told the track
behind bldg 3828 adds a few seconds (30-40) on to your time because
it is not perfectly flat. You run on a grass trail and then a
course covered with wood chip (mulch). I ran it for practice,
it is not that bad. The start and finish of the trail is kind
of confusing, so ask an instructor in bldg 3828 for the exact
start and finish (Flight Management...the student pool was of
no help).
One last thing. Currently, we do not stand duty. They have watches,
but they are being filled with the junior folks.
I will add more on as I find it out. If there are any specific
questions that you are dieing to get answered, let me know and
I will see what I can do. I am kind of in a holding pattern right
now. The student pool is a separate entity then the actual API,
so getting answers is not always the easiest. The student pool
is run by students awaiting class and is not even in the same
building as API.
I hope this helps.
Keep em flyin!
John Miltenberger
I got some gouge for you. If you could, please share it with any of the other AVOPS NFO selects.
Check out some of these sites if you haven't found them already:
1) From your Flying Mustang home page links select Naval Aviation
Schools Command then Aviation Preflight Indoctrination and read
the Preflight Directors 'MEMORANDUM' to students. It has some
helpful
gouge to start with. I'm trying to get some course gouge from
a recent API grad. If I get that I'll pass it on to you and others
as you arrive. If your moving the family here there are plenty
of rental homes available, close to the base and within BAH rates
($500 - $800 range, deposits usually are equal to 1 months rent).
The housing office has a full time real estate agent that can
print a list of available rentals for you to check out. Finding
a place to live shouldn't be a problem. If you plan on being a
geo-bachelor, then you should be in the BOQ.
I hope some of this helps...there will be more to come. If you
have specific questions, let me know and I'll try to find the
answer. Also, I've heard we probably won't have to do the mile
swim again since we already did that in NACCS, but we will have
to do everything else. Plus, since we are all over 30 years old
we have to score 'good' in all PRT test areas for 30+ age group
and not have to meet the standards for 20-29 year age group as
listed in the API Directors Memorandum. If you already score EXC/OUT
on PRT's, it will be a piece of cake.
Billy Burch
GOOD GOUGE BILLY, THANKS!
6 Feb 00
Well the last two weeks flew by. I began this week wondering
if I was going to be able to get all my Navigation flights out....and
now I am in San Antonio. Monte and I start class on Monday. Monte
got here about a week ago and was able to secure a spot for the
both of us. Thanks Monte!
I am really not sure what other good info I can pass about Primary.
I guess the best piece of advice for the OFT trainers and the
ANAV flights are to spend time and get well ahead of the game.
Spend a weekend doing all your Jet Cards. You will not be able
to complete them (for the actual flights) without knowing predicted
winds for the day of the flight, but you can do everything else.
If you do it that way, it will only take an hour or so to finish
the evening before and event. Otherwise, each event will take
2-3 hours to plan. There will be times were you only have 12 hours
off between events and the extra time would be better spent doing
other things.
As far as checking out, it is the fastest check out I have ever
done. It literally took me 15 minutes to check out of the base
and then another 30 mins or so for the squadron checkout. My last
flight was Thursday. I landed about 13:34 and was completely checked
out by 15:30 and was packing that evening.
Everyone else appears to be moving along at a good pace. I expect
Rick, Billy and Rob to be complete in about two-three weeks and
Scott a couple weeks after that. I look forward to having us all
out in Texas.
I hope this helps. I will give an update on San Antonio sometime
later in the week.
Keep em Flyin'
John D. Miltenberger
24 Jan 00
Well another couple of weeks down and school continues.
I have just finished the last of my FAM flights (actually my last night FAM is tomorrow...but close enough) and Monte has zorched ahead and has completed his four OFT's and as of tomorrow should be complete with all his ANAV flights as well and then on to San Antonio. BZ to Monte! VT-4 definitely seems to move a lot faster is getting people through. I would say about two weeks faster.
Rick, Rob, Billy and Scott are moving right along as well.
Rick is just getting ready to start his Fam's and is about a week
to two weeks behind me. Everyone else is about the same amount
of time apart.
Overall I have found the FAM's very interesting. Some enjoyable,
some not so. I must admit though, for a straight and level flight
kind of guy, the acrobatics were actually kind of fun. After all,
how often is an old P-3 guys going to get to do spins, loops,
barrel rolls, aileron rolls, and other wacky maneuvers. I would
say without much hesitation....NEVER. Again, they are actually
kind of fun, but extremely bad in a P-3. :-)
Monte has put together all the required
Brief's for the OFT's and the ANAV flights, so I have enclosed
them. I added a few notes to ensure everyone know's when to give
these briefs as well as what needs to be said. Hope it helps.
I hope with Monte heading to San Antonio (in the next week or
two) we will have something to post shortly for that leg of training.
Hope this helps.
keep em flyin'
John Miltenberger
6 Jan 00
Well it is the beginning of the new year and class is now in full
force. I am glad to report that all of us going through the NFO
pipeline have now successfully completed the first phase of training
and are all now in TRAWING 6 (either VT-4 or VT-10) in verious
stages of training).
I have recently been emailed a web site which is suppose contain
good gouge on what to expect on the different events while going
throught Primary http://www.geocities.com/CollegePark/3193/prigouge.html
It contains information for both Primary and Intermediate,
but only the Primary will be of any interest. It covers all material
that you are required to know for your CPT's, FAM's, OFT's, ANAV's,
Preflight etc. The info mentioned needs be memorized pretty much
verbatim. For example on the FAM's you are required to give a
brief before every flight and talk the instructor through all
items to be done during that event. The FAM's are all procedural
based. If you know your procedures cold then you will not have
any trouble.
Flying the T-34 so far seems a little like putting wings on my
300zx and "adding a lot more power". The cock pit seems
to have about the same amount of room as you would have sitting
in the drivers seat of my car. As I said before a sporty little
plane. Very responsive!
I hope the site above helps. Please let me know if you have any
questions or concerns.
Keep em Flyin'
John Miltenberger
16 Dec 99,
Needless to say it has been a busy month. I am sure everyone
around the globe feels the same way at this time of year.
Monte Willey and I have just recently completed ground phase.
The material in ground phase is fairly straight forwarded as I
have mentioned in earlier updates. It appears the hardest test
for most is the flight planning test. It is a combination of all
Bi-Nav material as well as flight planning. I am including Flight Planning Gouge Sheet that
may help. In the back of the flight planning book, there is a
one page bulletized list of things to review for the test, but
you have to search through the material to answer the questions.
I have done that, so hopefully all that will be needed after this
point is just double checking that nothing has changed. The review
is a good one. The flight planning test has a forty question multiple
choice test and then two flight planning parts/sections. The only
thing the review does not cover is figuring out Weather mins for
filing, landing, and takeoff's. Pay close attention to that in
class, there were about 8 questions on our test.
After ground school you will receive three cockpit trainers before
the Fam flights begin. The cockpit trainers are designed to ensure
you can perform the preflight-takeoff checklists and corrective
actions for all aircraft emergencies. It is a little nerve racking
considering you are correcting for emergencies in an aircraft
you have never flown in before, but fun all the same. The simulators
are located next to Griffith hall and can be used anytime they
are free, so if you can get a free moment just have someone there
fill you in on what to do.
The flight phase portion seems to be a very subjective and procedural
based phase. It is designed to ensure you are capable of memorizing
and performing procedures while in flight, to teach basic flight
maneuvers, and of course it is designed to make sure you are aeronautically
adaptable (ie. do you get air sick and can you work through it).
You are graded on the several things for each flight (ie., brief,
preflight, checklists, procedures, head work etc.) and are given
grades based on an Average scale (above, below, or average....and
of course the dreaded unsat).
The T-34 is a rather sporty "little" airplane. After
being around real airplanes all these years, it is amazing to
see an airplane that you literally jack up to work on and one
that can be leveled by either pulling the nose down or pushing
the tail up.
To get ready for the flight phase portion of training, get a hold
of the T-34 Natops and begin memorizing all emergency procedures
and basic aircraft systems. The rest of the procedures that you
will need to know is in one of the issued school books titled,
"Flight Training Instruction...Familiarization Primary T-34C
NFO". When possible start memorizing that material as well.
Do not wait until the last minute to look at this material. You
will not even talk about this book or be introduced to the material
until after your last test in ground phase. Then the comment will
be, "you are responsible for everything in this book starting
today, and you will need to know this for you CPT-1 and Fam 0"
(which is usually the next day). Needless to say every ones relief
of the end of ground phase quickly is replaced by a flood of anxiety.
As they say, "been there, done that, got the T-shirt".
I hope this helps!
Keep em flyin'
John Miltenberger
7 Nov 99
After completing API you will be checking into TRAWING 6. Check-in
is at Griffith Hall (bldg 3258) across from Flight Gear Issue.
Upon check in you will either class up right away or will just
be required to muster until the next Monday. Class start every
two weeks. You can get your books ahead of time at Griffith Hall.
Just ask the watch where book issue is.
You will find out your squadron VT-10/VT-4 on first day of class.
The class will be split in half (half assigned to VT-4, and half
to VT-10). There will be two class leaders (one for each squadron)
and two separate squadron chain of commands. The class however
will be attending ground phase together. It appears the class
as a whole splits up when it comes to flight phase. You are more
on an individual basis after that.
The Master course curriculm states Total Time to Train is 69.25
days/13.86 weeks:
| Academics (Ground Phase) | 20.83 days/4.17 weeks |
| Simulators | 15 (various types) |
| Flights |
8 Fam 3 ANAV |
For info on VT-10, check out this site: http://www.cnet.navy.mil/naspcola/trawing6/
It has info on the academics, etc.
Billy Burch
VT-10 consists of 3 weeks ground school. Following ground school, there are 8 FAM flights and 4 ANAV flights. There are about 4 sims prior to entry into the FAM phase, and 4 more prior to entering the ANAV phase. You fly the aircraft during the FAMs. You learn standard procedures, Emergency Procedures, and basic aerobatics. During the ANAV phase, you navigate and give reports. Upon completion of ANAV-4, you graduate from primary and select carrier aviation or heavies. Carrier aviation stays at VT-10, where they can select EA-6B, S-3, F-14, or E-2. Heavies go to Randolph, where they can select E-6, P-3, or E-P3. Billets for all but P-3 are few and far between.
23 Sept 00
I just wanted to send one last quick email from Randolph AFB.
Rick Pool and I graduated on Friday (22 Sept 00) and will soon
be in Jax to start the Rag. I will start on the 3rd of Oct (with
Monte) and Rick will start around 27 Nov, so we will be able to
start updating the info on VP-30. Rob has just completed his last
phase of training (congrats Rob!) and will be graduating within
the next couple of weeks. Billy will be done within the next month.
I promised to upload some gouge files for Randolph and I have
not forgotten. I will do that within the next week while in transit.
For those that are about to start this program, please let me
know when I, or any of us, can be of assistance and/or if there
is anything you would like to post for the next group.
John Miltenberger
28 Aug 00
I wanted to take this opportunity to congratulate Monte Willey.
He graduated Randolph, received his wings, and is on his way to
the Rag. Monte is the first of the CWO/LDO going through the program
to receive his NFO wings.
CONGRATULATIONS MONTE!!!!! BZ
I realize the info from Randolph has been few and far between.
School here has been different from P-Cola. It is still very busy,
and difficult in its own respect, but it does not appear this
place is designed to make anyone fail. I believe the only way
to fail here is to quit. I have also found it hard to pass on
any good gouge due to it seems to change at a fairly rapid basis.
I will try and upload a few files here in the next few weeks that
may benefit whoever comes next. Just remember, it may have changed
by the time you get here.
Anyway, Rick and I should be complete and graduate on Sept 22
with Rob and Billy being about three to six weeks behind us.
Again, Congrats Monte!!!!! I will pass more info on soon.
John Miltenberger
6 May 00
Well another month down and about four and
a half to go. All are doing well. Everyone has checked in to Randolph
now and have begun class. Monte is through his first two test/flights,
Rick and I have our second one coming up in about a week, and
Rob has completed his first one as well. Billy is still on his
17 day down period, but I believe he starts back up next week.
I apologize for not writing more earlier, but Randolph is a little
different. In Pensacola there seemed to be allot of info that
could be/needed to be passed along. Here at Randolph there just
doesn't seem to be that much to talk about. At the beginning of
your training here at Randolph you will learn allot of the same
things you were taught in P-Cola....with the Air Force twist of
course. The homework is either feast or famine.... you either
have way to much or hardly any. The only advice I can give, is
to keep up with it. If you do, passing anything here should not
be problem. At least, that has been the case so far.
The Air Force mentality is a little different as well. In P-Cola
you are not allowed to have gouged of any kind. Here they encourage
it. They expect you to have all your charts gouged up and if you
are asked a question that you don't know, it is perfectly fine
to pull out a book and read the answer to the evaluator. Even
on a check ride....WOW. What a country!
Anyway, I did want to pass along a web site for some gouge. It
is http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/Lab/3045/gouge.html
I hope this helps!
Keep em flyin'
John D. Miltenberger
10 March 00
Rick and I just started class and I wanted to pass
on some information from the first week. I have attached an example
of the "beginning schedule".
You will see there is about a 17 day gap from your last check-in
day and when class actually begins. The reason for the delay,
is to allow the Air Force students, who did not go through P-Cola,
to get their physicals and physiology work done prior to class.
You can use this time to take leave/house hunting etc. If not,
you will just have to phone muster.
The class, after academics begin, will be broken down into two
groups. With the Navy and Air Force students being equally split
between groups. One group will always be a couple of days ahead.
This allows for flexibility in case they need to set a student
back for re-instruction (at least from one group) and to elevate
a bottle neck with CBT's/Simulators.
On the first day of class you will go through book issue and will
be given a "large" number of books/charts. Prior to
book issue, if possible, go to student control and tell the Supply
PO you need a Nav bag and all other items that are issued with
it. They don't mention this in class, because the Air Force students
go through gear issue during our down time. The Supply PO will
either get the gear for you or give you a memo to get it from
the base gear issue. A very painless operation. You will be issued:
a Nav Bag, G-Shock Watch, Dividers, Stop Watch, Nav Computer (Wiz
Wheel), and a couple other plotting devices. Again, just remember
to "ask" for this issue, because it is certainly not
advertised.
I hope this helps.
Keep em flyin'
John D. Miltenberger
01 March 00
Just a quick update.
For those that will be looking for an apartment while in San Antonio
I have determined the following:
One bedroom apartments will run approx. $300-400
Two bedroom apartments will run approx. $600-700
Three bedroom apartments will run approx. $700-850
Of course the price will be based on location and emanates. A
good website to help locate an apartment is: http://www.aptsforrent.com
The area to look will be the Northeast. Of course all areas
are fine, the Northeast is just the closest to Randolph, AFB.
Also, one piece of advice: Try and get all advanced pay or reg
pay paperwork done in P-Cola prior to transfer. I unfortunately
did not and three weeks later I am still waiting for it to be
posted. A financial nuisance to avoid.
Hope this helps.
Keep em flyin'
John
D. Miltenberger
10 Feb 00
Howdy from Texas!
I don't have a lot to pass down yet at this point. But a couple
of check in tid bits.
The classes here are filled on a first come first serve basis.
I came here expecting to start with Monte on the 8th, but found
out the evening prior that I was number 12 on the list (they only
had room for 11). Student control even asked the CO if I could
slide into the class...but that was a non starter. So I would
suggest, the sooner you check in, the sooner you will start.
When you arrive you will be authorized 10 days of house hunting
leave, so if your class doesn't start right away, then you can
use it then. If the class does start right away, you will still
be able to use those 10 days. The class begins with three days
of indoc stuff that all have to attend, but then the Navy folks
are basically done for the next 2-3 weeks before the classroom
portion starts. The Airforce students during that time are getting
their physiology, flight physicals, ect. completed (since many
of them do not go through Pensacola). In any case, you can also
take leave (house hunting or other) during that down time.
I have been told, after the classroom portion begins there will
be NO leave authorized until the end of the training. So if you
have any special needs for time off in the middle, you may find
it difficult to do. They do not appear to be very flexible. In
fact they told an ENS here that he could not take leave to get
married and to change his plans...if they gives you any idea.
If you have dead time before class (where you are not on leave),
then all you will be doing is mustering at 0800 to make sure nothing
is going on and will more than likely be done be 0900. They have
all students do that in case odd jobs come up. Again, no flexibility
as far as the morning muster for us...but it is only an hour a
day, so no biggie.
Oh one last thing, the number to the Randolph Inn (BOQ) is commercial:
(210) 658-4621 or DSN 487-1844. You are authorized thirty days
(refundable) at the BOQ to secure housing.
Anyway, I guess that is it for right now. Monte's classroom portion
starts on the 2nd of March and my indoc briefings start on the
7th, so hopefully we will have more for you then.
Hope it helps.
keep em flyin'
For info on NFO training at Randolph AFB, Check out this site:
http://www.randolph.af.mil/12ftw/12og/562fts/index.htm
It has some gouge on San Antonio, Randolph, and the 562nd Flight
Training Squadron where we will be going thru school (JUNT training).
Billy Burch
The course of instruction at 562 FTS, Randolph AFB has just been completely renovated. I am completing the old syllabus in a couple weeks. Our syllabus included:
Fundamentals of Navigation: Tacan Navigation, ATC vectors, DRs, Log procedures, equipment operations
Systems Navigation: Radar Navigation, Weather deviations. Use of INS
Celestial Navigation: Day and Night Celestial Nav,
Grid Navigation: Day and Night Celestial Nav using the Grid coordinate system, in-flight fuel reports, position reports, in-flight replanning,
The new syllabus is supposed to be very similar to the old. It is a few weeks shorter. It does not contain Celestial, or Grid Navigation. Also, it is designed for Air Force, who will no longer go to Pensacola. It will reteach a lot of training offered at VT-10.
Upon completion of training at Randolph AFB, you are winged. Those that select P3s go to Jax. E-P3s go to Whidbey Island, and E-6s go to Tinker AFB, Oklahoma City.
Billy Burch
05/15/01
Hi,
Well first of all I must apologize to all for not writing more
about the Rag. Unfortunately, most everything I wrote prior to
this still applies. VP-30, compared to the rest of the commands/training,
was in my opinion the easiest of all. You only have approximately
7 flights (3 Nav and 4 Tac Flights). The number will very depending
on whether you go on a Nav Extend or not. You have 5 WST (Weapon
Systems Trainers) and 4 PAC (AIP) trainers. Other than that there
are a number of device sessions on the aircraft (approx. 13) for
ground training. Training in VP-30 seems to continually change
depending on fleet needs, so the numbers I just mention may change
before the next group gets there. There really is nothing to do
to get ahead prior to checking in...short of reading the NATOPS
and studying emergency procedures, but there is ample time once
you arrive to do that.
I have gotten an email from Mike Bremer. He is about to finish
up API and seems to be doing well, so the next group is all ready
in full swing.
Monte and I have finished and are in our squadrons as we speak.
I am currently in Iceland and have received a warm welcome from
the squadron and community at large. To dispel any rumors that
may have been floating around, the fleet is looking forward to
the arrival of more from our community. I heard a rumor when I
was first going through training that some were concerned that
we would only be utilized as Navigators and not be allowed to
upgrade...believe me that rumor is FALSE. The impression I have
gotten is the sooner the better to TACCO.
The rest of the first group Rick, Rob, and Billy are just about
done in VP-30 as well. Rick and Rob should be done this month
with Billy about a month away himself.
I hope what we have posted up to this point will be of some help
to all. I look forward to posting others opinions/gouge as the
next group goes through to give everyone an overall idea of what
to expect.
Again, if I can be of any assistance to anyone please don't hesitate
to email or call.
Keep em Flyin'
10/24/00
Hi all,
I do not have much to pass on the Rag so far. Monte and I started
the 3rd of Oct. Rick and Rob start 27 Nov, and Billy is not to
far behind.
By the way, I wanted to take this opportunity to say congrats
to Rob. He graduated Randolph and got winged the 13th of Oct.
Congrats Rob!
As far as the Rag: It is a much slower pace than all the other
schools...so far. We have approx 11 flights and a number of sims
while here. The training is about 6-7 months depending on scheduling.
Your graduations date seems to be more of a projected date and
is not necessarily when you will finish.
Monte and I have had two tests so far. They are open and closed
book NATOPS test, so no worries for us old AW's.
Sorry there is not much else to pass. Let me know if anyone has
any specific question.
Keep em flyin'
John Miltenberger
Further down the road, the VP-30 home page has some NFO curriculum
info on it that we can access. It includes checklists, etc.
The VP-30 student guide, which contains the syllabus can be
downloaded from
http://208.205.250.99/vp-30/pdf_files/nfo-cat1.pdf
Billy Burch