How to Become a Helicopter Pilot in the Army?
The United States Army Aviation Branch is a prestigious organization that offers a unique opportunity for individuals to serve their country while pursuing a fulfilling career as a helicopter pilot. If you’re considering joining the Army as a helicopter pilot, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you achieve your goal.
Eligibility Criteria
Before we dive into the process, let’s take a look at the eligibility criteria for Army helicopter pilots:
- Must be a U.S. citizen
- Must be between the ages of 17 and 35
- Must have a minimum of 20/20 correctable vision
- Must be willing to enlist or commission into the Army
- Must meet specific physical and mental fitness requirements
Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements
To become an Army helicopter pilot, you must meet the basic requirements outlined above. You’ll also need to take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test and score well in math and science subjects.
| ASVAB Scores: | |
|---|---|
| Verbal Comprehension | 40-50 |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 50-60 |
| Arithmetic Reasoning | 40-50 |
Step 2: Choose a Commissioning Option
There are two primary commissioning options for becoming an Army helicopter pilot: Officer Candidate School (OCS) and Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC).
- OCS: OCS is a 12-week commissioning program designed for individuals who don’t have a college degree but have relevant experience. OCS graduates are commissioned as second lieutenants.
- ROTC: ROTC is a four-year college program that provides leadership training and scholarship opportunities. ROTC cadets are commissioned as second lieutenants upon graduation.
Step 3: Attend Flight School
Once you’ve been commissioned, you’ll attend Army flight school, also known as Flight School Alpha. Flight School Alpha is a 22-month program that includes ground school and flight training.
Flight School Alpha Curriculum:
- Ground school (12 weeks): covers basic helicopter aerodynamics, weather, navigation, and aircraft systems
- Flight training (20 weeks): includes single-engine and multi-engine aircraft training
- Instrument rating (4 weeks): teaches you to fly in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC)
- Night vision goggles (NVG) training (2 weeks): familiarizes you with NVG operation
Step 4: Earn Your Warrant Officer Rank
Upon completing Flight School Alpha, you’ll be awarded a warrant officer rank (W1 or W2) and become a certified helicopter pilot.
Warrant Officer Rank:
- W1: entry-level warrant officer rank
- W2: senior warrant officer rank
Step 5: Assign to a Unit
After becoming a certified helicopter pilot, you’ll be assigned to a unit within the Army Aviation Branch. You’ll serve as a pilot in command or copilot and conduct various missions, such as:
- Medical evacuation
- Cargo transport
- Reconnaissance
- Assault
Step 6: Continuing Education
To maintain your pilot credentials, you’ll need to complete regular training and stay current with new technologies and procedures.
Benefits and Incentives
Joining the Army as a helicopter pilot comes with various benefits and incentives, including:
- Competitive salary
- Comprehensive healthcare
- Free education and training opportunities
- Bonuses for enlistment and commissioning
- Access to special benefits, such as priority mortgage and home loan services
Conclusion
Becoming an Army helicopter pilot requires dedication, hard work, and a passion for flying. By following the steps outlined above, you can achieve your goal and serve your country as a respected and skilled helicopter pilot. Remember to meet the eligibility criteria, choose the right commissioning option, attend flight school, earn your warrant officer rank, assign to a unit, and continue your education and training to succeed in this rewarding career.
