Over the past months we have had many people enquire when we are going to be opening recruitment and/or when they are likely to hear from us regarding their existing application. During that time we have been working on a new recruitment and training process, and we have now reached a point where we feel it appropriate to start putting things in motion. To that end we would like to let everyone know what is going on behind the scenes and what will be happening in respect of future recruitment.
It has been taking an unacceptable amount of time to get new pilots through our training process, there are many reasons for this, but regardless of the reasons it was a situation that could not continue. The 476th Command Staff therefore decided to rewrite our training syllabus and how it is delivered, and also review and amend our recruitment process.
As part of this process, we came to the conclusion that we would have to start from a clean slate as it would not be appropriate to change our requirements for new pilots, with so many who had applied under different rules still waiting. So to this end, we have "rejected" all currently queued applications. We believe that although not something we particularly wanted to do, it was the only fair way to move forward. As many of the over 30 applicants submitted their applications months ago, and many have not been active on our forums in that time, it is likely that many will have moved on and/or no longer wish to join the 476th especially given the changes outlined below.
Hopefully that goes some way toward describing what has been happening recently, now I will outline the new process that will become active once the current trainees complete their MQT, which will happen no later than 15th March.
Stuka is currently working on a new application system, which makes use of a php based application form, this will automate several actions performed manually until now, which will help streamline the process and reduce Command Staff & IP workload.
In addition to this new application system IQT and MQT has been totally rewritten, and will be delivered in a class format. The class format will mean that groups of new members will be brought into the 476th and undertake their training together on a fixed schedule involving weekly training classes. The new IQT and MQT will take place over a 2 month period, with any trainees who are unable to complete the class and pass their check rides being re-coursed to the following class. This system will prevent some people taking an excessive length of time to complete training, which has been a major cause of delays in accepting new applicants. Additionally the new system will reduce IP workload, while also improving the quality of training delivered.
In the process of developing the new training syllabus, it became apparent that much of our time was spent teaching things that new pilots really should be able to learn on their own prior to joining the 476th. Basic knowledge such as starting the aircraft, taxi, takeoff, landing and basic weapon employment are things that can be learned by the individual making use of the training missions and sim flight manual, as well as the wealth of training material provided by the 476th and other groups in the community. Another such skills is in-flight refueling, at the 476th we consider this a skill essential for an effective virtual combat pilot, but it is a skill that can only be developed by the individual pilot rather than something that can be taught by an IP. Therefore we have decided to make in-flight refueling a skill required of all pilots wishing to join the 476th to fly an IFR capable aircraft.
This page outlines the initial requirements for new applicants, and this page gives an overview of the IQT and MQT training process.
Lastly I and the other members of the 476th vFG Command Staff would like to apologise to those of you who have been so patiently waiting to hear from us regarding your applications. We sincerely hope you appreciate the reasons for the above, and that you will once again apply to join the 476th once we reopen applications.