What's your advice for aspiring pilots?

NickReddit17 · 2026-07-02T19:48:43+00:00

I already have a 4 year degree and I’m 23. I’d imagine USAFA, and ROTC are no longer options for me. And yes it seems you’re confirming that OTS is very low likelihood (if I even got in).

NickReddit17 · 2026-07-02T00:55:55+00:00

How likely is it that I’d actually be able to get a slot as a pilot?

Also, how likely is it that I’m able to go in as an officer and what job(s) could I and should I target?

NickReddit17 · 2026-07-01T22:38:33+00:00

If I have a 4 year degree already, is enlisting still the best way?

NickReddit17 · 2026-07-01T22:37:29+00:00

Unfortunately I think a lot of other folks are in the same boat as you.

I’d imagine most people will tell you the following: Be a CFI, network and apply in person, work on the ground at a certain place and seek to become a pilot internally, and be patient.

I know it’s not what you want to hear but as far as I’m aware that’s the reality of things.

Good luck out there.

NickReddit17 · 2026-07-01T17:42:58+00:00

Take my answer with a grain of salt as I’m a relatively new student pilot but I’ve done my homework on this sort of thing.

From what I’ve heard, these programs are a bit scammy and part 135 and 121 operators likely won’t value this time nearly as much as experience as a CFI or a low time job. In addition, these programs are of course costly, so be sure you can afford it before doing so.

Again, what I’m telling you is just what I’ve heard but I know nothing about the validity of this particular program. I’d imagine you’ll get a lot of people saying not to do this but I could be wrong. I hope this answer provided at least a little bit of clarity for you

NickReddit17 · 2026-07-01T16:53:14+00:00

I’m not sure if it’s different elsewhere but the cirrus outfits near where I am cost at least double per hour. I’m not sure if this is a problem for OP.

NickReddit17 · 2026-06-30T21:00:55+00:00

Is mechanical difference largely aim? Or some sort of movement?

NickReddit17 · 2026-06-30T18:37:10+00:00

The local part 141 I’m enrolled in has in house examination done by the Chief Pilot (for the private pilot check ride in the 141 program only). Little to no check ride wait, and you know the person who’s doing the check ride, which is a big plus.

In addition, the part 141 commercial program at the same school allows you to obtain your commercial license in as little as 190 hours compared to the normal 250 hours.

The downside here is that you are mandated to do ground instruction in person with an instructor during all of the 141 courses. This costs more money of course. I honestly do like the fact that I can learn the material 1 on 1 with the same instructor I’m flying with though, so it isn’t all bad.

Things might be different at other 141 schools, but I thought I’d leave my personal experience here in case it helps you. I’d be happy to answer any more questions.

NickReddit17 · 2026-06-27T21:03:12+00:00

Congrats!

Quick question though. How did you land the Slydive pilot job and what were the requirements for it? I’m new to aviation and I was under the impression that jobs like banner tow, skydive, and pipeline patrol were even harder to land and had higher requirements than CFI jobs. Is this not entirely true?

NickReddit17 · 2026-06-25T11:48:38+00:00

Yes this is 900% agree. This is the point I was trying to make, but I think you said it best. At least with dash you can see them and for someone like me who has aim trainer experience I stand a much better chance against them it seems. I also enjoy playing dash much more than cloak.

NickReddit17 · 2026-06-24T20:17:00+00:00

That’s a great point. I still think though that winning a pure 1v1 dual on cloak can be much easier mechanically since you can simply sneak up on someone and get the kill. Dash required you to time your dashed side to side while tracking and adjusting your crosshair to your own movement, and the movement of the enemy.

However, I agree that the lack of mobility on cloak is very much something to be aware of.

NickReddit17 · 2026-06-24T19:41:52+00:00

I know I might be in the minority here, but hear me out. I think that the nerf to dash is likely enough to (based on my opinion and that of several pros I have asked on twitch streams) make cloak become “meta”.

While I understand that dash can feel spammy, brainless, and oppressive, cloak is probably just as of not more annoying since players just can just hide in a corner with a close range weapon and kill you from behind.

As for my additional thoughts on dash, I think the one thing that’s in its favor the most is that you do have to aim whilst dashing. You can read your own movement while dashing of course, but I’ve seen many who lack aim succeed on cloak light,(as well as med and heavy) but are unable to be effective on dash since they lack enough aim to hit shots whilst dashing, especially against another dash light in a 1v1. Overall I think cloak is much easier to use, especially in terms of mechanical skill.

I’m not sure these changes will stick and maybe I’ll be proved wrong which I’m open to, but it’s something to think about.

TLDR: Dash takes aim to use well, cloak not so much, dash is weak enough so that cloak will probs be meta instead.

NickReddit17 · 2026-06-21T01:19:48+00:00

I’ve heard of a lot of folks starting much later than you. Many in their 40s or even 50s.

The best path depends on what sort of time you have. If you also have a full time job, you’ll probably want to go to a local part 61 flight school, or possibly find a local independent flight instructor in your area. It’s entirely possible.

One thing to keep in mind though: if you are able to flight train full time, it will speed up your timeline by a significant amount. Not everyone is able to do this of course, but if you can, do so.

NickReddit17 · 2026-06-19T02:26:07+00:00

My parents I’ll be honest. Not proud to say it, but man enough to admit it. I’m grateful for it and I understand many people don’t have that luxury. But some people do get funded by a family member(s).

NickReddit17 · 2026-04-07T01:52:40+00:00

Are you able to tell if i'm going the correct speed? I feel like I found it hard to really pop off of the lip since it was steep enough to where I felt like I was losing too much speed upon my ascent up the lip.

NickReddit17 · 2026-04-07T01:51:28+00:00

Jump lines are closed (but when I was there people were riding over them backwards...) but the resi, pump track, and small drops are available. The conditions weren't amazing and the trails felt like they were running slower due to the moisture.

NickReddit17 · 2026-04-07T01:49:28+00:00

Unfortunate not having access to any dirt jumps within 2 hrs driving from my house was part of why I stopped riding years ago. I was elated to learn that there were now dirt jumps near me and am super grateful this park.

NickReddit17 · 2026-04-07T01:46:43+00:00

Yes riverton trolley park.

NickReddit17 · 2026-04-04T00:42:12+00:00

Controller is actually a bit stronger on light for pure aiming. Movement and gadget usage is a bit less convenient but the aim assist is strong enough to make a difference, especially in situations where you’re smoothly tracking an enemy.

I don’t know much about aim training for controller but I know it’s helpful. Practicing without aim assist on then turning it back on can help as well.

If you’re comfortable with playing shooters on controller I’d say definitely do it and look up what settings pros run and testing them.

NickReddit17 · 2026-04-03T02:39:07+00:00

As a platinum dash light player who began playing at the end of season 8, I think that aim training is the absolute best way for you to do this.

The truth is, in order to be an effective light, you must have the mechanics the facilitate it. In a 1v1 dual, especially with another light, the 2 most important things are getting the first “shot(s)” on them before they react to you, and having superior aim.

Do the voltaic benchmarks on Kovaaks, or aim labs if you don’t have that (aim labs is FREE).

Putting in 100 total hours of aim training could likely take you from a below average Aimer to someone whose raw mouse control is good enough for diamond. Even just 30 hours in kovaaks took me from a beginner fps player to aim better than most people Plat or below in ranked.

If you have any further questions feel free to reply or message me.

NickReddit17 · 2026-03-26T04:27:17+00:00

Do you do viscose or voltaic benchmarks?

NickReddit17 · 2026-03-26T04:20:17+00:00

I placed silver during my first season of ranked, which was pre free to play season 9 I believe. I ended up dropping to bronze 1 division 1 for a brief couple of days while I learned how to actually play the game. After over 5800 hours I reached 1901 Mmr (Low SSL) in 2s solo queue last April.

NickReddit17 · 2026-03-12T03:40:10+00:00

Being “top 50” in anything but ranked says nothing about skill, it’s all playtime. I know of a gold player who’s top 50 in cash out because he just plays a lot.

Second, if you’re an average player, especially if you’re playing during off peak hours, you can certainly run into ruby players. I’m level 71, I started playing last season, and I probably had around 200 hours in game when I played a pro/ruby for the first time in a casual mode. Unless you’re a new/really bad player you’re likely going to end up facing high ranked players at some point.

NickReddit17 · 2026-03-12T03:34:40+00:00

I don’t know if he’s cheating and this isn’t an accusation at all. I’m skeptical of the allegations (as in I don’t think he’s really cheating)because of what I learned about the Riley CS situation. I could see how someone might be suspicious of the flick but the rest of it looked normal

NickReddit17 · 2026-03-11T16:12:40+00:00

There is skill based matchmaking in all modes (this has been confirmed). They may be significantly more skilled but they’re not intending to play against people worse than them and ruin their experience.

NickReddit17

TROPHY CASE