How to Become a Navy Helicopter Pilot
The job of a Navy helicopter pilot is rarely a dull one. Whether conducting search and rescue missions or tracking submarines, helicopter pilots must be able to multitask and remain vigilant, even under stressful situations at home and abroad. Being in the Navy, helicopter pilots must learn to land on a moving boat. The path to becoming a Navy helicopter pilot is a grueling one and must be approached with dedication and perseverance.
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Instructions
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Preparation
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1
Earn a college bachelor's degree and receive a commission from the U.S. Naval Academy or through an ROTC program or Officer Candidate School.
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Take and satisfactorily perform on the Aviation Selection Test Battery, which tests your knowledge and physical ability to be a pilot.
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3
Select aviation as your naval career field.
Training
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4
Attend the six-week Aviation Preflight Indoctrination program in Pensacola, Florida. You must successfully complete all survival training and engineering tests.
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5
Go to NAS Whiting Field in Milton, Florida, NAS Corpus Christi in Texas or Vance Air Force Base in Enid, Oklahoma, for Primary Flight Training. Learn to fly the T-34 Turbo-Mentor or the T-6A Texan II and attend ground school classes.
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6
Choose and be selected for the helicopter pipeline. Student Naval Aviators are asked for their choices, but the current needs of the Navy as well as a student's grades and performance are given highest priority.
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7
Go to Milton, Florida, and check into Helicopter Training Squadrons Eight, 18 or 28. Here you will receive advanced training in the TH (training helicopter) 57 Sea Ranger.
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8
Receive your wings of gold and your helicopter platform selection. You will be assigned the SH-60, the CH-46 or the H-53. You will also receive your orders to a Fleet Replacement Squadron in either California or Florida, where you will train on your specific helicopter platform. Receive orders to your first fleet squadron.
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Tips & Warnings
Naval aviation is a highly competitive field, so careful studying and thorough preparation for each flight and test is vital.
