Aviation Preflight Indoctrination-url

Pensacola beach is a lot of fun. Consider spending your time before you pick up enjoying and getting to know the region. If you do decide to study ahead for API, don’t do so at the expense of fun. You won’t have much time for it in API so get it while you can.

API can be tough and people do wash out, but not many and it is over quickly. They don’t really seem to care if you retain the information so much as if you can quickly assimilate a lot of information. The tests are not tough because the information is difficult but because they ask tricky questions on trivial details. If an instructor stomps his foot, or says something over and over, write it down and make sure you know it. That and reading the book are the best preparation you can get. There is some pre-API study information available.

+++Equipment you might want before starting Primary+++

API is organized like this:

 * Aerodynamics 1
 * Weather
 * Aerodynamics 2
 * Navigation
 * Engines
 * Flight Rules and Regulations

There is a also a Navy PRT (1.5 mile run, sit-ups and pushups) at the beginning. There is a lot of water training with all the gear on. Most of it is fun except treading and floating with all the gear on and the mile swim (36 laps).

The last two weeks are taken up with Physiology and survival training, including red neck parasailing behind a pickup truck in southern Alabama. Once you make it to the last two weeks you should be fine, the bulk of the academic work is behind you.