Forum: Future F-16 crew

Enthusiast Joined: Jan 10, 2005 - 03:27 AM Posts: 29

It's been a while since I've posted here, but have a question that's been burning for an answer.

I was on baseops.net one day (probably for a whole day...) and saw a link to the IFT main page (clicky). there was a big notice regarding IFT/NIFT changing to IFS. I read through a bunch of stuff regarding requesting payment from the government for your flying school, instructor grading criteria, etc., and realized that the basic difference was that where as IFT gave pilot selects the opportunity to take 50 flight hours and get their FAA PPL (was that required?) and NIFT gave navigator selects 20 hours also with possible solo, IFS will join both candidates and give them 25 hours, with pilot candidates required to solo by 20 hours.

Is there anyone who knows the low-down on the reason for this change, or whether I can do this at an airport of my choosing (first assignment orders allowing), or do we all get shipped to Randolph to do this simultaneously?

My ROTC CoC wasn't to familiar with it, though she had heard of it, and two FAIPs who came by for a career day of ours weren't completely familiar with it either.

I'm hoping that since I already have hours and have soloed, I can take the 25 hours they pay for, and use my own money to buy an FAA checkride at the end. If I can take advantage of that program at any qualifying school, I can essentially pick up where my instructor left off after a bit of familiarization.

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Any info on this? Or how to go about applying to complete IFS while still a cadet? My DOC is 16 Dec and I'd like to finish IFS by then that way I can minimize my time on casual status. Also, I heard ENJJPT boards results will be early October. Anyone confirm that rumor?

I am going to IFS in Nov. What they are doing now is sending pilot and CSO candidates to Pueblo, CO for a 6 week course called Initial Flight Screening. Right now, you only have to go if you do not have a PPL. Eventually, ALL candidates will go through this program. It is designed to screen candidates to see if they have an aptitude for flight and prepare them for UPT. Students receive 25 flying hours to include 2 solo flights.

It is supposed to be structured similar to UPT courses in that there are stand-ups and you are expected to have bold face and Ops limits commited to memory upon arrival.

google "dossifs"

I'm a Guard guy but I just started orders and began IFS at my local FBO.

Enthusiast Joined: Jan 10, 2005 - 03:27 AM Posts: 29

Well, I've just gotten my orders, and this clears up the IFS question. (If anyone's interested, IFS is no longer being offered at any FBO you'd like to take it through. It's done in Pueblo CO through a contractor: Doss Aviation www.dossifs.com)

I commission on 4 May and have to report to Columbus for casual on 10 Jun before I start IFS in Pueblo on 25 Jul for 6 weeks, and then SUPT at Columbus on 25 Feb. There is an ASBC class that runs 31 May - 13 Jul, and unlike many of my classmates, I wasn't selected for that class. My Commander highly recommends asking the casual squadron at Columbus if I can get special orders to enter active duty at Maxwell for the ASBC class, and then report to Columbus for 12 days or so.

Any insight or suggestions anyone can offer?

Thanks in advance,
Jos Windu

Forum: Future F-16 crew

IFT/NITF switch to IFS