How to become an Army Helicopter Pilot

Becoming a helicopter pilot is a dream for many, as well as for myself. In my journey to accomplish my dream I have compiled an extensive library of resources that may be of great value to you. If you have something you would like to add please email me at tjkastning@gmail.com.

First, you have to really want to become a helicopter pilot. This level of desire transcends merely thinking it would be cool. You have to want it bad enough to act on that desire. If you lack the motivation to follow through with the requirements you won't make it and your efforts will be wasted. You must want to fly and you must act on that want.

Here are the basic requirements the Army has set down for general application to fly.

1. You must score above a 90 on the AFAST (Army Flight Aptitude Selection Test).
2. Must obtain and maintain a 1A Flight Physical. Check with you doctor if you are unsure if you can pass. He may be able to prescreen you and save you a lot of time.
3. You must be between the age of 18 and 30.
4. (a) Distant vision no worse than 20/50 in each eye and correctable to 20/20. No more than one error on the Armed Forces Vision Tester or Snellen chart at 20 feet.
(b) No astigmatism in excess of +/- .75 diopters of cylinder
(c) No Hyperopia in excess of +3.00 diaopters of sphere
5. Arm reach greater than 163 cm.
6. Sitting height less than 103 cm.
7. Crotch height greater than 74 cm.

Keep in mind that waivers can be obtained. Don't quit if you are disqualified by something trivial. If you have other excellent redeeming features it is very possible that you can obtain a waiver and continue competing for a slot.

Now just because you meet all of these qualifications does not mean you can get a slot. You must qualify on a multitude of levels. This is just the beginning.

There are two routes to fly helicopters in the Army. Both are competitive and have their own ups and downs. They are the Warrant Program and Commissioned Program.

The Warrant Program is for soldiers already enlisted in the Army. You can submit an application packet to a board of aviators and compete for a slot as a pilot warrant officer. This route has some qualifications of it's own that must be met.

There are more slots available through the Warrant Program and warrant officers tend to fly more since that is their specialty. Flying. That is all a warrant officer does for his entire career. Warrant officers can amass enormous hours and qualifications, making them a very valuable player in the private commercial market.

Below are links that provide enormous information on the warrant route.

http://www.usarec.army.mil/hq/warrant/index.htm

http://usawocc.army.mil/whatiswo.htm

http://usawocc.army.mil/warrant_off/howtowo.htm

If you are looking for books to help you prepare for the AFAST test these three books are excellent.

Rotorcraft Flying Handbook (FAA Handbooks)

Principles of Helicopter Flight

Learning to Fly Helicopters