How to Become a Military Helicopter Pilot
Joining the military in any capacity takes dedication, but a few jobs are available only to the top candidates. One such job is that of a helicopter pilot. Because military helicopter pilots often fly in dangerous situations or transport important government officials, you have to be very qualified to even be considered for this job. If you want to become a pilot in the military, start planning before you even leave for basic training.
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Instructions
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Becoming a Pilot in the Army
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Join the Army's High School to Flight School program. In most branches, you need at least a bachelor's degree to be considered for a pilot position, but in the Army, you can bypass college by joining the Army's special flight program.
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Take the Flight Aptitude Selection Test. You must earn a score of at least 90 to qualify for flight school.
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Take the Armed Forces Vocational Aptitude Battery test. Your general technical score must be at least 110 to qualify for flight school.
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Go for your physical. To become a pilot, you have to go through a physical that is different from the physicals other new recruits have. This is called the Flight Class I physical. You have to have vision of at least 20/50 in each eye, so you may need to have your vision corrected before you can go to flight school.
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Attend basic combat training, which lasts for nine weeks. All new Army recruits have to go through this program.
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Attend warrant officer candidate school. This is a six-week training course.
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Attend flight training, which is at Fort Rucker. You'll have classroom training along with hands-on learning in the Army's helicopters. You'll need between 70 and 150 hours of flight time during your training, depending on the type of helicopter you will be flying. You'll be in flight school from nine months to one year.
Becoming a Pilot in a Non-Army Branch of the Military
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Get your bachelor's degree. Unlike with the Army, you need to have a college education to become a pilot in the other branches of the military.
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Become an officer in your branch. There are many different routes. In some cases, you can combine higher education with officer's training. For example, you can apply to attend the United States Naval Academy, where you'll get your degree and become an officer. You can also choose the Marines' Basic School, the ROTC, or Officer Candidate School if you already have a degree.
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Get a physical. You'll need to meet special height, vision and weight requirements to be considered for a flight program.
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Attend flight training in Pensacola. At this point, you'll choose your specialty, piloting helicopters.
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Tips & Warnings
Strive to stand out in both physical skill and test scores. Even if you meet minimum requirements, in some years not everyone who wants to become a pilot is chosen for the job. It depends on demand. Consider getting your pilot's license before you join the military. This skill can help you get chosen for an elite flying program, even if there are a number of others applying for this job as well.
