Intro
Take to the skies as an Army helicopter pilot! Learn the rigorous requirements, intense training, and specialized skills needed to join the elite ranks. Discover the path to becoming a U.S. Army aviator, including education, flight experience, and Officer Candidate School. Elevate your career and serve with honor.
Joining the military as a helicopter pilot is a challenging and rewarding career path that requires a great deal of skill, dedication, and hard work. As an Army helicopter pilot, you will be responsible for operating and maintaining complex aircraft, transporting troops and equipment, and providing critical support to ground operations. If you're interested in pursuing this exciting career, here's what you need to know about the requirements and training involved.
Basic Requirements
To become an Army helicopter pilot, you must meet certain basic requirements. These include:
- Being a U.S. citizen
- Being between the ages of 17 and 35
- Having a high school diploma or equivalent
- Scoring a minimum of 110 on the Army's Aviation Selection Test Battery (ASTB)
- Having a valid driver's license
- Passing a physical exam and meeting the Army's body fat percentage requirements
- Being willing to serve a minimum of 6 years on active duty
Education and Training
To become an Army helicopter pilot, you will need to complete a series of education and training programs. These include:
- Basic Combat Training (BCT): This 10-week course teaches new recruits the basics of Army life, including combat skills, first aid, and map reading.
- Warrant Officer Candidate School (WOCS): This 6-week course teaches prospective warrant officers the leadership and technical skills they need to succeed in the Army.
- Aviation Warrant Officer Basic Course (AWOBC): This 15-week course teaches students the basics of Army aviation, including aircraft systems, weather, and navigation.
- Initial Entry Rotary Wing (IERW) Training: This 32-week course teaches students how to fly the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter.
- Advanced Individual Training (AIT): This 10-week course teaches students the specific skills they need to fly a particular type of helicopter.
Flight Training
Once you've completed your education and training, you'll begin flight training. This will take place at the Army Aviation School at Fort Rucker, Alabama, and will include:
- Ground school: This is where you'll learn about aircraft systems, weather, and navigation.
- Simulator training: This is where you'll practice flying in a simulated environment.
- Flight training: This is where you'll practice flying in an actual helicopter.
Types of Helicopters
The Army operates a variety of helicopters, including:
- UH-60 Black Hawk: This is the Army's primary utility helicopter.
- AH-64 Apache: This is the Army's primary attack helicopter.
- CH-47 Chinook: This is the Army's primary heavy-lift helicopter.
- TH-67 Creek: This is the Army's primary training helicopter.
Life as an Army Helicopter Pilot
As an Army helicopter pilot, you can expect to face a challenging and rewarding career. You'll be responsible for operating and maintaining complex aircraft, transporting troops and equipment, and providing critical support to ground operations. You'll also have the opportunity to travel the world, see new places, and experience new cultures.
Gallery of Army Helicopters
Army Helicopters
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the basic requirements to become an Army helicopter pilot?
+To become an Army helicopter pilot, you must be a U.S. citizen, be between the ages of 17 and 35, have a high school diploma or equivalent, score a minimum of 110 on the Army's Aviation Selection Test Battery (ASTB), have a valid driver's license, pass a physical exam, and meet the Army's body fat percentage requirements.
What kind of education and training do I need to become an Army helicopter pilot?
+To become an Army helicopter pilot, you will need to complete a series of education and training programs, including Basic Combat Training (BCT), Warrant Officer Candidate School (WOCS), Aviation Warrant Officer Basic Course (AWOBC), Initial Entry Rotary Wing (IERW) Training, and Advanced Individual Training (AIT).
What kind of helicopters does the Army operate?
+The Army operates a variety of helicopters, including the UH-60 Black Hawk, AH-64 Apache, CH-47 Chinook, and TH-67 Creek.
If you're interested in becoming an Army helicopter pilot, we encourage you to learn more about the requirements and training involved. With dedication and hard work, you can achieve your goals and serve your country as a skilled and respected helicopter pilot.