Can You be a pilot in the army?

Can You Be a Pilot in the Army?

Becoming a pilot in the army can be a dream come true for many. The Army Aviation Branch offers a challenging and rewarding career, flying some of the most advanced aircraft in the world. But, is it feasible for you to join this elite group of pilots?

Direct Answer: Can You be a Pilot in the Army?

To become a pilot in the Army, you must be a commissioned officer and earn your wings through the Army’s Aviation Officer Basic Course (AOBC). You can join the Army and pursue a career as a pilot through one of three paths:

• US Military Academy: Attend West Point and earn a bachelor’s degree, then undergo flight training as part of your commissioning process.
• ROTC Program: Participate in a Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program at a university, and then attend Officer Candidate School (OCS) or the Military Academy.
• Direct Commission: Already have a degree in a field related to aviation and apply for a direct commission as an Aviation Officer. You’ll need to go through a different commissioning process and complete flight training.

Basic Requirements for Army Pilots

Before you can apply to become an Army pilot, you must meet certain basic requirements:

• Age: Be between 17 and 35 years old.
• Citizenship: Be a U.S. citizen.
• Education: Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Score: Achieve a score of 220 or higher on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) aptitude test.

Military Requirements for Army Pilots

In addition to meeting the basic requirements, Army pilots must also meet certain military requirements:

• ASVAB Score: Earn a score of 38 or higher on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) aptitude test, with a minimum score of 40 in the pilots’ aptitude area (A).
• Flying Experience: Have a minimum of 35 hours of flight experience.
• Physical Fitness: Pass a physical fitness test, with a minimum score of 240 on the Army’s Physical Fitness Test (APFT).
• Pass a Background Check: Clear a background check and adhere to the Army’s drug and alcohol policy.

Flight Training

Once you’ve met the requirements and been commissioned as an Army officer, you’ll attend the Army Aviation Officer Basic Course (AOBC). The AOBC is a 24-week course that teaches you the fundamentals of aviation, tactics, and techniques.

During your training, you’ll:

• Learn Basic Flight: Learn to fly a commercial aircraft simulator, and learn basic flight procedures.
• Learn Aviation Theory: Study aviation theory, including aerodynamics, weather forecasting, and aircraft systems.
• Train in Rotorcraft: Train on a helicopter simulator, learning to fly a UH-60 Black Hawk.
• Train in Fixed-Wing Aircraft: Train on a C-12 Huron, a light transport aircraft.
• Complete a Simulation Phase: Complete a simulation phase, where you’ll practice flight scenarios and respond to simulated emergencies.

Career Advancement

After completing AOBC, you’ll begin your career as a co-pilot or pilot. As you gain experience, you can advance to leadership positions, such as Flight Commander or Battalion Commander. You can also specialize in a particular type of aviation, such as:

• Attack Aviation: Become a pilot of an OH-58 Kiowa helicopter or an AH-64 Apache attack helicopter.
• Transportation Aviation: Become a pilot of a UH-60 Black Hawk or a C-12 Huron.
• Reconnaissance: Become a pilot of a OH-58 Kiowa or an UH-60 Black Hawk, tasked with reconnaissance missions.

Conclusion

Becoming an Army pilot requires hard work, dedication, and a passion for flying. If you meet the requirements and are willing to put in the effort, you can join this elite group of pilots. Remember that the Army is always looking for talented and motivated individuals to join its ranks.

Table: Army Aviation Officer Basic Course (AOBC) Course Outline

Table: Army Aviation Career Advancement

I hope this article has provided you with the information you need to get started on your journey to becoming an Army pilot. Remember to stay focused, work hard, and never give up on your dreams.