If you “drop” a T-44 or C-12 after Phase II of UPT, you will be PCSing down to NAS Corpus Christi. On your way to Corpus, you will be scheduled to attend Water Survival at NAS Pensacola, Florida.
Water Survival at NAS Pensacola
Here’s the (not so) quick run-down on water survival. When you get there, either call the BOQ or the Suburban Hotel (850-453-4140) to see if you have a reservation. BOQ (building 600, even if the USO tells you 3910–Enlisted Quarters) will give you a non-availability slip or have your reservation. If you are somewhere else you can hold your cab until you get the slip or a room when you first arrive to save an extra cab ride. All officers attending SV-86 had been staying in the Suburban Suites until my class (May 2006). There’ll be a van there to pick you up between 0630 and 0730 (yeah, it sucks) on Monday morning. Have your medical records and your orders. That’s really all you need for the day of death-by-PowerPoint.
Tuesday will be half a day in the bay (very brackish, and it stinks like pee) with half a day of PowerPoint. You’ll just need a towel, sun-tan lotion, and swimsuit to wear under a wetsuit or issued flight suit (they’ll give you both if the weather dictates it and you just need something to wear in a co-ed environment underneath). There’s a shower in the locker room, and you’ll probably want to use it before you put your uniform back on.
Wednesday is parasailing, dragging, and 20-man rafts. (Same stuff you needed for Tuesday) You’ll be out on the water all day, and they’ll give you a pretty good SUBWAY lunch for $5.00. Buy two if a 6″ sub won’t fill you. You’ll be hungry.
Thursday is on the water for a second parasail with a real seat kit. You’ll deploy the seat kit and float in the one-man raft for an hour or two. They’ll work the helo hoist into this (rumor has it they’ll take you all the way up if you bring a beer out with you). Written exam is as easy as Aerospace Phys exams. Just pay attention to the foot stompers. You’ll complete the survey, get a certificate, and you’re free to go.
If flying to Pensacola, Don’t book a flight too early (before 1800 is the rule). We were released at 1420 but the week before it was 1630. Most people fly out the next morning, which makes for a very relaxing dinner/evening. If you rush to Corpus Friday the best you can expect is to check-in, get a squadron, and start in-processing on Monday.
Flight Gear
Oakley Aviator Sunglasses
Atomic G-Shock Watch
Camel Bak Gear
First Week at Training Wing FOUR
Report in your FLIGHT SUIT (no need to draw attention to yourself) in Bldg 1824 at the STUCON (student control) desk by your show no later than date (Probably a Monday.) To in-process you must have your ORDERS, H2O SURVIVAL Certificate, and any records (flight or personnel) you are hand carrying from primary. Formal TW-4 IN-Processing is held every Tuesday/Wednesday. You’ll be mixed with people from your class, some primary students, and people from future classes. Currently most of the AF openings are in VT-31 (T-44), but there are normally 3 or so openings in VT-35 (TC-12).
ou’ll need blues for the Tuesday in-processing, Flight suits for Wednesday. You will spend a good two days doing the in-processing checklist. So you should be off the hook for “watch” (12 hr FIDO shift for the whole wing) unless your class doesn’t start for a few weeks.
Report in your FLIGHT SUIT (no need to draw attention to yourself) in Bldg 1824 at the STUCON (student control) desk by your show no later than date (Probably a Monday.) To in-process you must have your ORDERS, H2O SURVIVAL Certificate, and any records (flight or personnel) you are hand carrying from primary. Formal TW-4 IN-Processing is held every Tuesday/Wednesday. You’ll be mixed with people from your class, some primary students, and people from future classes. Currently most of the AF openings are in VT-31 (T-44), but there are normally 3 or so openings in VT-35 (TC-12). Check out the multi-engine turboprop syllabus.
You’ll need blues for the Tuesday in-processing, Flight suits for Wednesday. You will spend a good two days doing the in-processing checklist. So you should be off the hook for “watch” (12 hr FIDO shift for the whole wing) unless your class doesn’t start for a few weeks.
You personally WON’T be able to release for household good shipment on Tuesday or Wednesday, so be ready for a wife, friend, ect to sign for it. Everyday before classing-up you’ll have to show to “muster” (roll call) at 0830, but that’s a quick 10 minutes and easy to escape if necessary.
If you want to get something done while you’re board now, go to http://creports.capnhq.gov/ormu and do the “ORM Fundamentals–study the course” Take the CD-ROM version of the test and print the certificate. You can click through pretty easily, and they’ll want a copy of the certificate. You might hunt down your “physio card” too (proves you’ve done the chamber).
If you need more to do anyone currently in Advanced at Corpus can point you toward some CAIs that will make Systems less painful, but really you should enjoy the down weeks while you can. The Navy does things VERY different, but if you work hard, focus, and endure the first month-ish of training (similar to academics, first block of sims, and 2300 block of flights) the rest of your stay here should very enjoyable and relaxing.
Check out our Gouge: [T-44] [C-12] [C-130] [P-3] [Little Rock Schoolhouse] [Dobbins ARB Schoolhouse]
Mental Math for Pilots
Being able to easily perform math calculations in your head is a skill that every pilot strives for. If (like many!) you struggle a bit with this process, or, if you are simply looking for a way to improve your math skills in the cockpit, then ‘Mental Math for Pilots’ is a must read!
Aerodynamics for Naval Aviators
This series of textbooks and supplements for pilots, student pilots, aviation instructors, and aviation specialists presents the elements of applied aerodynamics and aeronautical engineering that directly relate to the flight training and general flight operations of naval aviators.
LIVE ON PADRE ISLAND
Corpus Christi, The Town
HOUSING:
THE 3 places to live:
On-Base
The Island (Padre Island)
South of Saratoga Blvd (or very close)
On-Base is “free”, very accessible for lunches with a spouse, and very quick for that extra trip when you forget your NATOPS (dash-1 for AF guys). There are even several houses designated for 2 single officers to share, and have some BAH left over. 2 bedroom places (for married with no more than 2 dependants, or 2 single persons) are normally available immediately. 3 or more are much more difficult to get and the Navy requires at least 6 months remaining on a tour to enter housing. In another words if you don’t get a 3 bedroom house near immediately you will not make the 6 month requirement. Margie in the housing office is VERY personable and will help you with any questions you have.
The Island is where I call home. MANY of the STUDs at Corpus live on the island especially several single “guys” renting a place and pocketing some BAH to boot. In my case we did not make the 6 month rule mentioned in the On-Base section and had to find other accommodations. Most places on the island will cost you more than the BAH the government gives us as married O-1s. You should easily find a place that the rent will be under the BAH, but electric in a 1500 sq. ft. 3 bedroom this summer is running ~200/month. Lets just say it is HOT here so far. We like it on the island. There are several churches, 4 convenience stores, 2 liquor stores, one local market, but NO grocery store. This has taken some planning and last minute trips to HEB or the commissary on the way home from base. The base is a 10-15 minute drive depending on traffic and the number of gates open. Not too bad a deal to live on an inlet and 1 mile or so from the beach.
South of Saratoga describes the parts of town Margie (from the housing office) describes as houses/apartments/townhouses where you can feel comfortable leaving your spouse and kids alone during the day. The housing office can give you more info on this area and section of town.
The best place to start your housing search, no matter your preference, is the housing office on base. They have a database of rentals available in the area, can help you find a realtor, or can set you up with base housing. Check out the Apartment Finder for Corpus Christi for an easy online search.
Here is the housing office info:
0730 – 1600 (M-F) CST
(361) 961-3336
DSN: 861-3336
FAX: (361) 961-3629
If you just showed up in town and want to get your hairs cut before you report, avoid the butchers at the exchange. Get an appointment with Sherri at “The Hangar” (361-937-0879), located outside the main gate. For ten bucks, you’ll get an outstanding haircut, a hot lather shave on the neck and a shoulder massage. She’s always been extremely professional and happy to help the boys in bags.
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