The Life of an Army Helicopter Pilot
Flying helicopters is one of the most complex jobs in the Army. However, for those who make the cut, the rewards are plentiful. Army aviators provide fire support and transport for ground forces. The life of a Army pilot can be difficult, with intense training and long deployments. However, Army benefits ease some of these burdens both for the pilots and their families.
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Training
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The training pipeline for Army helicopter pilots is long and requires a serious commitment. Newly commissioned second lieutenants must first complete the basic aviation course flight operations and the Army Aviation Branch structure. Then they move on to Initial Entry Rotary Wing (IERW) training. This is where they actually learn how to fly helicopters. After IERW, students proceed to Advanced Aviation Transition training where they learn to fly their particular type of helicopter. In total, the Army helicopter pilot training process can take up to two years.
Assignments
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Generally, a helicopter pilot's first assignment is to a flight company in an aviation regiment. The function of the flight company depends on which type of helicopter is in use. Blackhawk companies transport troops and casualties to and from the battlefield. Apaches provide fire support for ground units. Kiowas perform reconnaissance missions. Finally, Chinooks are used for heavy cargo transport. Pilots assigned to aviation regiments that are apart of Brigade Combat Teams and Combat Divisions train with infantry and armor units also in the brigade or division.
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Benefits
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Army helicopter pilots are eligible for the same benefits as other officers in the Army. Their base pay is determined by rank but they also receive flight pay. They are also eligible for on-base officer housing which is larger and nicer than the barracks. Pilots and their families have access to the TRICARE health care plan that provides medical services at little to no cost. Lastly, there are several recreational options on base such as movie theaters, bowling alleys, campgrounds and golf courses.
Deployment
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Pilots are in high demand because of their flight training and technical expertise. They often deploy overseas with combat arms and combat support units. Deployments can last up to 15 months. Afghanistan is a common deployment location. However, the Army has soldiers stationed all over the world including posts in Eastern Europe, Korea, South America and Africa.
After the Army
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Army helicopter pilots often transition to a civilian pilot career. Since private flight training is incredibly expensive, Army pilots start their civilian careers ahead of the game. They already have a helicopter flying license and any additional training they need is covered by the G.I. Bill. Also experience in command positions tells employers that Army pilots have valuable management skills.
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References
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- Photo Credit Helicopter image by Bube from Fotolia.com
