how to become army helicopter pilot

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How To Become a U.S. Army Pilot

If you’re interested in aviation and want to pursue a military career, consider becoming a U.S. Army pilot. As a U.S. Army pilot, you have the opportunity to undergo a variety of missions, get paid a generous salary and have the opportunity to relocate from time to time. Knowing what this job entails and how to pursue it can help you meet the requirements more easily. In this article, we explain what U.S. Army pilots do, how to become a U.S. Army pilot, their salary and job outlook, the required skills for this profession and answer frequently asked questions.

What is a U.S. Army pilot?

U.S. Army pilots are highly trained aviation experts in the U.S. Army. They fly advanced aircraft and lead a variety of aviation missions. U.S. Army pilots also help their fellow soldiers with both field and technical support.

What does a U.S. Army pilot do?

U.S. Army pilots have a wide variety of responsibilities that involve leading aviation missions and their fellow soldiers. They also help with day-to-day operations and military missions. Whether you’re an aviation officer or a warrant aviation officer, here are some of the common duties you can expect for this U.S. Army profession:

  • Command flight platoons.
  • Lead operations with U.S. Army helicopters.
  • Complete a variety of missions such as hauling troops or engaging in strikes.
  • Educate recruits on aviation practices.
  • Transport fellow troops and important personnel.
  • Distribute supplies and equipment.
  • Direct U.S. Army search and rescue missions.
  • Provide combat support to fellow troops or military branches.
  • Use aircraft to conduct intelligence.
  • Perform aviation special operations missions.

How to become a U.S. Army pilot

To become a U.S. Army pilot, you need to join the U.S. Army and meet the various requirements needed for this aviation career. Given the nature of the job, you’re required to complete education and training programs to ensure you can complete your duties successfully. Use these steps to become a U.S. Army pilot:

1. Join the U.S. Army

Visit a recruiter to join the U.S. Army. As an aspiring U.S. Army pilot, you can finish your education and become a commissioned officer, or you can enlist in the U.S. Army and meet the qualifications to become a warrant officer. If you enlist, you need to be younger than 35 and have a high school diploma.

2. Meet the requirements to become a U.S. Army pilot

Once you’re in the U.S. Army, report to a Military Entrance Processing Station to complete your physical and written exams. After you pass your FBI fingerprint checks, you’re considered U.S. Army personnel. Here are some of the additional requirements you need to meet to become a U.S. Army pilot:

  • Complete high school or the equivalent
  • Complete basic and flight training
  • Pass the physical and written exams
  • Pass a background check with fingerprints
  • Have U.S. citizenship
  • Meet the age criteria of 17-35 years

3. Complete basic combat training (BCT)

Complete a basic training program that helps you learn the skills you need as a U.S. Army pilot. The first phase of this training involves classes that teach you a variety of things including U.S. Army values, weapon basics and land navigation. During the second phase, you can expect rifle qualification drills and obstacle courses. During the last phase, you get exposure to advanced weapon systems.

4. Attend officer candidate school

Attend Officer Candidate School in Ft. Benning, GA, and the Officer Candidate course before you move on to pilot training. If you’re enlisted U.S. Army personnel and want to become a pilot, you need to qualify to become a warrant officer and attend Warrant Officer Candidate School in Fort Rucker, Alabama. You also need a score of 90 on the Alternative Flight Aptitude Selection Test and need to pass flight physicals.

5. Enroll in aviation school

Attend aviation school as a commissioned or warrant officer. Aviation school teaches you the skills you need to become a U.S. Army pilot. During your training, you can expect to operate helicopters as you learn different flight maneuvers. You’ll also use flight simulators to teach you how to use aircraft instruments in a variety of weather conditions. Your last 14 weeks of training prepare you for combat missions.

If you’re a commissioned officer, you become an aviation officer after training. If you’re a warrant officer, you become a warrant aviation officer after training.

Salary for U.S. Army pilots

U.S. Army pilots make a national average salary of $35,613 per year. Keep in mind that your salary depends on your experience. Pilots in other military branches make different salaries.

Job outlook

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects ample employment opportunities for all branches of the Armed Forces through 2028. According to the BLS, the military tends to have higher recruitment goal during times of war.

Skills for a U.S. Army pilot

U.S. Army pilots need a variety of skills to perform their duties with ease. Whether you learn these skills prior to pursuing this career or learn them during training, having these skills can help you find greater success in this career. Here are some skills U.S. Army pilots need:

  •  Given the nature of the job, U.S. Army pilots need to remain physically fit and have good physical stamina in order to conduct military strikes and provide combat support.
  •  U.S. Army pilots need strong survival skills to make it through highly dangerous missions and combat situations. They use their survival skills to protect themselves and their fellow soldiers from harm.
  •  U.S. Army pilots use a variety of tactical skills to complete their duties. Some of these skills including loading and firing a weapon, rappeling and marching in formation.

Frequently asked questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about becoming a U.S. Army pilot:

How long does it take to complete aviation school in the U.S. Army?

To become a U.S. Army pilot, you need to complete extensive training to prepare you for your role. As an aspiring aviation warrant officer, you need to attend Warrant Officer Candidate School for six weeks, followed Warrant Officer Pilot School and flight training which lasts anywhere from 12-18 months.

How much does it cost to attend flight school?

While civilian programs or university training costs a great deal of money, the U.S. Army lets you learn how to fly free of charge. You also earn a salary and benefits during your training.

What General Technical (GT) score do you need on the Armed Forces Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test?

U.S. Army pilot candidates need at least a 110 GT score on the ASVAB test. Keep in mind that the test comprises more than just the GT component.

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