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  • Challenges flying in Military

    Posted by AustinF13 on August 21, 2023 at 1:33 pm

    Hello,

    For those who are currently pilots in Active Duty and/or ANG and Reserve, what have been some of the biggest challenges becoming a pilot in the Air Force as you went through UPT/training?

    Any responses are greatly appreciated. Thanks!

    Unknown Member replied 1 year, 1 month ago 3 Members · 2 Replies
  • 2 Replies
  • Husky

    Member
    August 26, 2023 at 8:44 pm
    15650 BogiPoints

    Learning the mindset!


    You’re swimming in a new pond. Everyone at UPT is highly successful, the standard is high and it’s served up by with fire hose.


    You’ll get negative feedback daily (it’s like you’ve never done this before) and you’ll be vaguely aware that someone is adding up all these scores to build a rack and stack.


    Now here’s where that type A personality can work against you – if you’re too hard on yourself you’ll get into a tight mental space and second guess yourself. That can lead to poor flying and a bad attitude.


    So you gotta find that head space where you are disciplined in you preparation yet confident in your ability to rise to the situation. And you gotta be able to bust a ride, take the feedback and still stay loose and confident.


    What worked for me? Friday: hit the bar with the class and blow off steam. Saturday: rock climbing or mountain biking – mentally immersive flow experiences that had nothing to do with the USAF. Sunday? You better be studying!


    Husky

  • Unknown Member

    Deleted User
    August 27, 2023 at 6:27 pm

    Ditto on what Austin said.

    Mental Toughness is something that can make you an exceptional pilot and it can apply to a lot of aspects in life.

    like Austin said everyone in UPT is somewhat successful and they aren’t used to making mistakes or being told your doing something wrong. its very popular for studs to hook or bust a ride. its one of they key problems studs have; dwelling on mistakes or the fear of screwing up can cloud your judgement leading you to act incorrectly.

    I know it’s easier said than done. But, Having the Mental toughness to mess up, not let it unravel you and instead focus on your game plan while flying, will lead you to success.

    there is no need to dwell on the problem while flying. trust me, you’ll have plenty of time to be hard on yourself in the debrief.

    Have confidence in your abilities.

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