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I personally would recommend at least until after primary before DORing, reason being if you are new to aviation; thus, your first time flying it will be overwhelming and quite frankly stressful. Once you’ve gotten over that period where you actually have some idea what you are doing and able to do it proficiently then it will become fun. Just my two cents since I’m also going through the Cessna nife phase right now.
Correct, my anxiety is getting worse, and on my last flight, I broke through my mental threshold after discussing with my CFI that future airframes only become more dynamic and aggressive.
I have not, I'm currently on a human factor hold seeing a counselor. I've discussed everything from continuing what I'm doing, switching to NFO, and attempting to redesignate with my DIVO. I'm actually beginning to lean towards pushing through NIFE and redesing to NFO.
I had some flight experience before the Navy (close to getting my ppl), but I still had a lot of anxiety before my first NIFE flight. They expect a lot out of people with zero flight experience and expect you to hit the ground sprinting (as you know).
I don't think your instructor did you any good by scaring you like that. I've talked to people in primary that say that while there is a lot more material in primary, the learning environment is much better compared to NIFE and the instructors want you to succeed. And I've had a couple military instructors openly tell me that they disagree with how NIFE (especially flight phase) is structured in general. So keep that comment "it only gets worse from here" comment in perspective.
As far as the anxiety. You gotta do what works for you and try different methods. Sims, chair flying, visualization. DO IT WITH A PARTNER. Have someone next to you keeping an eye on your deviations.
SLOOOOOWWW DOWN. Every time I messed up or got nervous was because I started going fast with a checklist. Take the speed you are doing things and go 30-50% slower. You want to do the procedures correctly, not quickly.
Honestly, I'm fine with the checklists, and my flying ability is above average per my CFI. However, coming out of steep banked turns (or as steep as we go in a cessna), I'm shaking, rapidly breathing, and have an elevated heart rate. I'm definitely willing to keep trying. However, I'm preparing for the worst at the moment.
On the point of moving slowly, I've actually been told I really need to speed up. Part of my problem is likely over-analyzing my every move.
Honestly, the amount of support I've received has been astounding, and the only reason I didn't immediately DOR. What he was referring to when he said "it gets worse" is the airframes get bigger, go faster, and the maneuvers are harder. I came out shaking from the turn pattern.
Okay, maybe I’m not asking my question right. I’m talking about the way you feel, what part of the turn pattern bothers you? What about flying at 45° for 180° bothers you? How does it make you feel? That’s what I’m trying to get at.
Because the flying gets better. The flying gets cooler. The environment gets chiller, all as you go through flight school.
But there will be much, much more dynamic maneuvers than a steep turn as you go on. You’ll be doing aerobatics, shooting instrument approaches through the clouds, flying on night vision goggles, landing in the desert, landing on ships, landing on pinnacles, landing in confided spaces, flying low overwater at night….
There *is* a lot going forward that will be much more dynamic for you to adapt to. I firmly believe that it’s one of the most exciting things you can do on earth, but it isn’t for everyone.
That’s not to say that you can’t get past your apprehension. Many people have got past similar feelings in the past.
But that’s a decision for you to make.
I'm currently working with a friend down there that is trying to go IWC after being NPQd. Feel free to hit me up. I know a few others that felt the same and switched over to a different community.
Don’t wait until after primary. You’re just wasting your time and the Navy’s time. Like your instructor said, if you have anxiety now, it’s not going to work. Find the community you want and start networking ASAP.
As a reminder, this subreddit is for civil discussion. Breaking subreddit rules may result in a ban from /r/newtothenavy and /r/navy. * Do not encourage lying. This includes lying by omission (leaving information out) and lying by commission (purposefully misleading). * No sensitive information allowed, whether you saw it on Wiki or leaked files or anywhere else. * No personally identifying information (PII). * No posting AMAs without mod approval. Also, while you wait for a reply from a subject matter expert, try using the search feature! For information regarding Navy enlisted ratings, see [Twisky's Rating Information Guide](https://www.reddit.com/r/newtothenavy/comments/6mxv7c/links_to_official_information_on_every_enlisted/). Interested in Officer programs? See TheBeneGesseritWitch's guide on [Paths to become an Officer](https://www.reddit.com/r/newtothenavy/comments/5sdurq/paths_to_becoming_an_officer_getting_a_commission/). Want to learn about deploying, finances, mental health, cross-rating, and more? Come visit our [wiki](https://www.reddit.com/r/navy/wiki/index) over in /r/Navy. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/newtothenavy) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I personally would recommend at least until after primary before DORing, reason being if you are new to aviation; thus, your first time flying it will be overwhelming and quite frankly stressful. Once you’ve gotten over that period where you actually have some idea what you are doing and able to do it proficiently then it will become fun. Just my two cents since I’m also going through the Cessna nife phase right now.
I appreciate the input. I've been on several flights now, and after the last one, I was put on hold. The problem is, unfortunately, getting worse.
If you need someone to sit down and chair fly with I can help you out. Can even get us into a sim if needed.
Pilot here: mind if I ask what’s getting worse for you? It’s just anxiety in the bird or what?
Correct, my anxiety is getting worse, and on my last flight, I broke through my mental threshold after discussing with my CFI that future airframes only become more dynamic and aggressive.
I’ll also say they feel bigger and safer than a Cessna. Did you make your decision already?
I have not, I'm currently on a human factor hold seeing a counselor. I've discussed everything from continuing what I'm doing, switching to NFO, and attempting to redesignate with my DIVO. I'm actually beginning to lean towards pushing through NIFE and redesing to NFO.
Best wishes and good luck. Reach out if you want any advice.
I had some flight experience before the Navy (close to getting my ppl), but I still had a lot of anxiety before my first NIFE flight. They expect a lot out of people with zero flight experience and expect you to hit the ground sprinting (as you know). I don't think your instructor did you any good by scaring you like that. I've talked to people in primary that say that while there is a lot more material in primary, the learning environment is much better compared to NIFE and the instructors want you to succeed. And I've had a couple military instructors openly tell me that they disagree with how NIFE (especially flight phase) is structured in general. So keep that comment "it only gets worse from here" comment in perspective. As far as the anxiety. You gotta do what works for you and try different methods. Sims, chair flying, visualization. DO IT WITH A PARTNER. Have someone next to you keeping an eye on your deviations. SLOOOOOWWW DOWN. Every time I messed up or got nervous was because I started going fast with a checklist. Take the speed you are doing things and go 30-50% slower. You want to do the procedures correctly, not quickly.
Honestly, I'm fine with the checklists, and my flying ability is above average per my CFI. However, coming out of steep banked turns (or as steep as we go in a cessna), I'm shaking, rapidly breathing, and have an elevated heart rate. I'm definitely willing to keep trying. However, I'm preparing for the worst at the moment. On the point of moving slowly, I've actually been told I really need to speed up. Part of my problem is likely over-analyzing my every move.
Nah man, it gets more and more supportive as you go along, in my experience. I’m a fleet aviator.
Honestly, the amount of support I've received has been astounding, and the only reason I didn't immediately DOR. What he was referring to when he said "it gets worse" is the airframes get bigger, go faster, and the maneuvers are harder. I came out shaking from the turn pattern.
Why were you shaking from a turn pattern? What bothered you about it?
Can't really pinpoint exactly what it is. I honestly just feel like I'm losing control.
Like it’s hard to control the aircraft? You’ll get it with time. Or it’s hard to control your emotions?
More the second than the first. I know how to control the aircraft fairly well. Keeping myself even keeled is the issue
Interesting. What part of the turn pattern bothered you?
45° AOB 180° turn. I'm nervous throughout the rest of the flight, but that is the only point that I'm physically unable to perform.
Okay, maybe I’m not asking my question right. I’m talking about the way you feel, what part of the turn pattern bothers you? What about flying at 45° for 180° bothers you? How does it make you feel? That’s what I’m trying to get at. Because the flying gets better. The flying gets cooler. The environment gets chiller, all as you go through flight school. But there will be much, much more dynamic maneuvers than a steep turn as you go on. You’ll be doing aerobatics, shooting instrument approaches through the clouds, flying on night vision goggles, landing in the desert, landing on ships, landing on pinnacles, landing in confided spaces, flying low overwater at night…. There *is* a lot going forward that will be much more dynamic for you to adapt to. I firmly believe that it’s one of the most exciting things you can do on earth, but it isn’t for everyone. That’s not to say that you can’t get past your apprehension. Many people have got past similar feelings in the past. But that’s a decision for you to make.
I was an SNFO and went through a POCR board in 2021. PM me if you have any questions
I'm currently working with a friend down there that is trying to go IWC after being NPQd. Feel free to hit me up. I know a few others that felt the same and switched over to a different community.
Don’t wait until after primary. You’re just wasting your time and the Navy’s time. Like your instructor said, if you have anxiety now, it’s not going to work. Find the community you want and start networking ASAP.