How to Become a Helicopter Pilot in the Army
Among the many military services, being a helicopter pilot in the Army is probably the most coveted career. Unlike pilot services in other fields, being an Army pilot requires that you must be a commissioned officer. Not only will you be flying helicopters, you will also have to know how to respond during combat situations.
An Army pilot does not necessarily have to be a college graduate, nor does he need prior enlistment to apply. But he needs the right mindset to be a helicopter pilot in the Army.
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Instructions
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To be allowed to enlist in the Army, you must be at least 18 years old but not older than 33 at the time you're scheduled to appear at the military board, which will assess your eligibility for flight school. If you're older, you'll need to get a waiver to qualify.
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Accomplish the other eligibility requirements for training. For instance, you must have good eyesight (nothing worse than 20/50), and you must be physically fit. Every program has its own set of requirements, so make sure you have the right information for the one you want to join.
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You can choose from two career paths if you want to become a helicopter pilot in the Army. Training is different for each. Warrant officers will also be trained for the technical side, such as maintenance work for aircraft. Commissioned officers will have more advanced combat training so they are eligible for promotion to higher ranks.
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Get application forms for the program you choose: ROTC, West Point, Warrant Officer Candidate School or Officer Candidate School. These days, you can easily get your applications started by visiting the websites for the program of your choice.
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To get into the Army, you must undergo medical examination as well as a Flight Class I physical exam. Pilots cannot be colorblind. The physical exam is usually done 18 months before the assessment of your eligibility for pilot school.
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Once you're accepted into a program, you must undergo flight training. Pilot school will include classroom instruction, so you must have a good aptitude in physics and math. You will not get your hands on a helicopter in your first few months. You'll mostly be working with flight simulators and practicing combat maneuvers using those.
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Tips & Warnings
At the end of your training, it's still the Army's call where you'll be assigned. Before you apply, make sure to be in good physical shape. You'll have to undergo service obligation after training to become a helicopter pilot in the Army.
