<p>I finally have enough money to start getting fight hours for my license. Before I start however, I need to know if the academy sees pilot licenses as good or bad things? I’ve heard that they want to teach you how to fly their own way, so they’re bad, but I’ve also heard that they are very good because they show determination (plus you supposedly are 3 weeks ahead come flight school after usna). Any more info would be great!</p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>First off, I cannot imagine any Service Academy frowning upon an achievement as difficult to get as a pilot’s license. Hell, I wish I could get one!</p>
<p>As for them teaching you to fly “their” way, I can assure you that you will learn their way or be dumped. Besides, what you will be learning to fly in the Service will be light years ahead of anything you might learn to fly now.</p>
<p>The only concern I would have is maintaining your license, as flight time may be hard to come by, especially as a Plebe. At USAFA it may be easier, of course.</p>
<p>If you want to get it, GO FOR IT! :)</p>
<p>My dd found that both AFA and USNA were thrilled with her work towards her pilot’s license. In fact, AFA asks how many flight hours you have. She did her first solo the day of her LO interview for AFA–they had lots to talk about. Her B&GO sent her a specific congrats when she got her license. She did decide not to try to get her instrument rating before June–she just didn’t have time to get all the flight time in… I’d say, go for it!</p>
<p>Think about it, Dash. Right now, thousands of kids your age think it’s all the rage to get drunk and wrap daddy’s car around a tree.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, here you are studying and training to fly an aircraft solo.</p>
<p>You think they’re not going to realize that if you’re responsible enough to fly a plane, then maybe your responsible enough to attend a Service Academy?</p>
<p>Go for it, buddy! I’m really quite jealous of you! Stay safe!</p>
<p>Oh… If the blue side is down and the brown side is up, you shouldn’t try to land! ;)</p>
<p>I forgot to ask. What kind of plane(s) would you be learning to fly?</p>
<p>haha Zaphod, well, I would learn on one of the little 172’s that the company has . Wait, they actually arn’t 172’s, I remember them being tail-draggers, so actually I couldn’t tell you what airplane I’m flying…LOL. They’re real small, only 4 seats. I’ll get back to you on that. Thanks for the info guys.</p>
<p>-David</p>