School of Aeronautics to train junior Air Force cadets as private pilots | Liberty University

This is great! Huge shortage of pilots. My grandson just got his license at 17 and wants to become a commercial pilot. Long way to go. Thanks for sharing.

Speaking from my own aviation experiences...this is solid gold.

A student military aviator has a lot to learn in a short period of time, and the attrition rates reflect the fact that getting in is hardly the same as getting out. Most of the "washout" that occurs post "pre-flight" (i.e. water survival, class room, etc.) is due to getting "behind the airplane" and never really getting back in front of it. I know...it happened to me.

Obtaining a PPL before commencing on that journey would do two important, cost and career saving things: 1) it would "weed out" those candidates who have no flight aptitude, allowing them to be focused on other paths. In my case, they should've tied my keaster to a sloop and then a YP and forced me to "go SWO"...that's where I showed the most ability. 2) It would give qualified "STUDs" a leg-up on the basics, provide them some insight into the training, and probably cut the time to get through Primary in half.

As to the whole "religious" angle...Liberty is hardly Pensacola Christian College (though I like that place; used to be the only 20 year old ensign in an auditorium of about 300 lady college seniors when I attended church there as a STUD). Besides, they're there to learn to fly...whether they believe a prayer before going up is a good idea or not ;)

Great share shipmate.