What is the day-to-day like, through each week and phase, of flight school?

2022-03-16T02:22:51-04:00

I have been accept to attend flight school after I commission. I will not be PCSing with family and would like to remain on post close to where I need to be. Should I consider being my truck or motorcycle while I am there?

Response by CW3 Chuck Eastman made Mar 16 at 2022 9:40 AM

2022-03-16T09:40:04-04:00

First, congratulations on your opportunity to attend flight school! It seriously was the best experience of my career in the Army. Lot of work and long hours, but you'll never experience anything else like it.

First phase is called Primary Phase, and you will focus half of your day in academics learning the basics of aviation (weather, flight planning, weight and balance, etc.) and the other half of your day on the flight line. Flying in Primary focuses on the very basics of helicopter aviation. And don't worry, nobody can hover for a couple of weeks. It'll come in time.

Next phase is called Instrument Phase, and again half of your day will be in academics, and the second half is either in the simulator (at first) or on the flight line. You'll learn about instrument flight rules, and will get plenty of time flying either in the clouds or with a "hood" which will block your view so you have to focus on instruments. After this phase you'll pick - based on OML - your primary aircraft for advanced skills / Flight School 21.

The next phase has changed several time over the years, so you'll get the full scoop once you're at Rucker. For me it was called Basic Combat Skills, and the focus was planning flights on 1:50k maps and navigating using dead reckoning to LZs. It was pretty pointless, hence why it has changed so many times. You'll figure out what it's called now once you get there. It's only a few weeks long.

The last phase is called Flight School 21 (or at least it was when I went through), and your sole focus will be learning anything and everything about your primary aircraft. Current tracks available are for the AH-64 D/E, UH-60, CH-47, and I believe there is a fixed wing track now. Put some thought into what you want your mission to be. They're all very different, but I honestly don't know anyone that has regretted their platform choice.

Finally, at first you won't have a ton of time to use your truck or motorcycle, but as the phases progress you'll get more time to enjoy going to Destin on the weekend, or poking around Dothan. There really isn't much to do around Rucker, so some wheels will be a must. And staying on post is helpful during primary and instrument phase when the bus going to the morning flight line leaves stupid early...like 4:30am. But I ended up moving to an apartment during the later phases just to change the scenery a bit. Up to you, though.

Hope this helps. Hit me up if you have any questions, or if I can clarify anything. Have fun!!

Response by COL Gregg Clark made Apr 4 at 2022 10:02 AM

2022-04-04T10:02:06-04:00

Don't bring your motorcycle, you will have restricted use if you do. They consider it high risk. As a "single" down there, you will probably need to live off post; just a heads up. You will be busy but it is not overwhelming. Make sure you study 5 days a week during the course and then pick either Saturday or Sunday to study too. There is a lot to learn and you do not want to get behind. With that said, it will be a lot of fun so enjoy it!

Response by LTC Ray Buenteo made Apr 4 at 2022 11:58 AM

2022-04-04T11:58:25-04:00

Take your vehicle