How to Be an Army Helicopter Pilot

Army helicopter pilots are highly skilled, highly trained officers.

From transport to enemy engagement, Army helicopter pilots must be experts in basic combat skills and aviation tactics. Both warrant officers and commissioned officers can train as Army helicopter pilots. However, because warrant officer selection does not require a college degree, it remains the most popular track for Army helicopter pilots, especially for those who want to be behind the controls, not behind the scenes. The road to flight school is one of the most difficult in the Army and not all who embark reach their destination.

Instructions

1. Enlist in the U.S. Army. Prospective warrant officers must fulfill all general recruitment criteria, including citizenship, possession of a high school diploma or GED and a clean medical and criminal history. Candidates must be between 18 and 33 to be considered.

2. Obtain a secret security clearance. The process includes a background investigation and personal interview that is more in-depth than those conducted during enlistment. If a candidate does not earn a secret security clearance, he or she is ineligible for service as a warrant officer or helicopter pilot.

3. Earn top test scores. Warrant officers must score 110 or higher on the General Technical (GT) portion of the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). Those applying for flight school must also score at least 90 on the Alternate Flight Aptitude Selection Test (AFAST).

4. Maintain top physical conditioning. The Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) is required of all personnel. Helicopter pilots must pass the Class 1A Flight Physical Examination and present with at least 20/50 full-color vision in each eye without problems in depth perception. Army height and weight standards must be met without exception.

5. Appear before the Centralized Warrant Officer Selection Board. Helicopter pilots must designate Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) 153A Rotary Wing Aviator on the application and submit all testing results and written recommendations. According to Military.com, these endorsements influence the selection board more than any other component of the application package.

6. Complete the Warrant Officer Flight Training (WOFT) program. This involves nine weeks of Basic Combat Training (BCT) followed by six weeks of Warrant Officer Candidate School (WOCS). Warrant officers then report to the U.S. Army Aviation Center at Fort Rucker, Alabama, to earn their wings as Army helicopter pilots.

Tips & Warnings

• According to the 2010 Military Pay Scale Chart, Army warrant officers can earn between $2,683.50 and $8,802.60 per month depending on grade and time in service. Helicopter pilots are also eligible for flight pay and other bonuses.

References

• U.S. Army: Warrant Officers
• Army Warrant Officer Selection Process
• 2010 Military Pay Scale Chart

Resources

• U.S. Army Recruiting Command's Warrant Officer Recruiting Information Site