gtflyer

It really depends on how far you got in your initial training. If you're only a few hours away (less than 10) from getting your PPL and already have the written knocked out then do it. Flight hours can help only so much. The quality of the training is what can really help. You don't want to develop any bad habits that will be hard to lose if you're selected. The only benefit will be slightly increasing your PCSM, about 1 point per 3 flight hours, and the fact that if you have your PPL then you don't have to attend IFS and can do straight to UFT (formerly UPT). I hope this helped a little.

HuggyU2

Not to derail, but I believe "UFT" is the catch-all for UPT, UCT, RPA training, and ABM flight training.

UPT is still UPT (or SUPT in some circles).

blastoff

It's still UPT (S-UPT).

Hilltopper89

When I applied out of active duty the PPL didn't really matter. It was hours in intervals of 20 that upped the PCSM. But that was 20 years ago and the average PCSM of selectees was 95...I have no idea what the process is today.

MikeF16

I went from nonrated to UPT via the active duty board a long time ago. Back then ratings meant nothing, all that mattered towards your PCSM was your hours. I don't know how competitive it is these days, but back then there was a significant break point at 100 hours. I got my 100 hours (happened to get my PPL along the way, but that had no effect on my PCSM) and called it good enough.

You probably have a better feel than I do, so if 62 hours is enough to make your PCSM competitive then unless you feel uncomfortable with your recency I wouldn't spend any more money. If you can get over 100 hours, then get the hours and don't worry about the license.

A couple points to ponder
1. I got a kick out of how you capitalized commander and supervisor.
2. Nobody will check your logbook when you tell the USAF how many hours you have...

I know, I know, we won't lie, cheat, or steal... unless we have a chicken or stars on our shoulders, or are your Commander or Supervisor...

2old2fly

Excuse my ignorance, but how many hours does it take to get a ppl these days? I thought the min was 40 or 50. With 62 hours a ppl shouldn't be that far away. I went from no rated to UPT with no hours at all, but that was 40 years ago.

Tippy

Min is 40 hrs. but average is in the 70 range. Having been a few years since those hours it will take a handful to get up to speed and then continue with things one doesn't know. depending on what those hours consisted of I do think a PPL would be attainable in a reasonable amount of time.

If you do decide to go for the PPL i would suggest taking a reputable home study course and take the written before you jump back into the plane. that will get your head back into it and refresh the knowledge you have forgotten over the years

Hoser

What! AF base without a pool or golf course!

kme9418

If you get to UPT and graduate, you will qualify for an FAA commercial multi-engine instrument rating (after some paperwork at the FSDO) so don't worry about the FAA PPL if you don't need it to get selected for UPT.

Flyingforce

Thanks everyone for the insight, I ended up just turning in the package without the PPL, but from what I got out of most of you having 62 hours will help tremendously. To add on to that, I received a 1/1 wing strat for Space Command, not sure if that's good or not. I turned in my pilot package on November 20th and I find out sometime in February. Wish me luck! I heard it's pretty competitive, so we'll see!