What is the best way to meet helicopter pilots?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Jun 2018 06:07:50 -0400

I am trying to start my Warrant Officer Application for flight warrant and know I need a couple letters of recommendation. I'm currently in a signal unit with no real contact or affiliation with aviation. What's the best way for me to find some current flight warrants to build a rapport with?

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2018 7:32 AM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Jun 2018 07:32:43 -0400

Have you filled out your 4187 and taken the SIFT, yet? Those come before any letters of recommendation.

Response by CW5 Ranger Dave made Jun 1 at 2018 7:58 AM

CW5 Ranger Dave — Fri, 01 Jun 2018 07:58:53 -0400

Eons ago when I was still a SSG wanting to go to Flight School, I went to an aviation unit and spoke with the 1SG. 10 minutes later, I was drinking coffee with their commander, a Major. He called in a freshly minted WO-1 Flingwing pilot. The Major told him to help me all he could. It worked. Mr. Rose was awesome in support and knowledge, helping me make it to Flight School and beyond.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2018 8:00 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Jun 2018 08:00:34 -0400

Ask people that you know if they personally know any pilots. Having that close degree of separation works a lot easier and the pilot will already have some background with you based off that person you mutually know. I have hooked a few people up that way. Especially if you articulate to your go-between WHY you want to talk to them and what you are anticipating doing in the future.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2018 11:17 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Jun 2018 11:17:51 -0400

Where are you stationed? Most Likely there is a Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB) around you. I would go down to the local CAB and ask around most likely some one will help you. However, it is important to have most if not all of your packet done before reaching out. In my experience and my own preference I dislike when Soldiers ask for help with a packet but they have not put in any leg work. It shows you care if you show up with a packet 80-90% complete looking for mentorship on your packet.

Response by SFC Greg Bruorton made Jun 1 at 2018 11:34 AM

SFC Greg Bruorton — Fri, 01 Jun 2018 11:34:33 -0400

Another recommendation among the several good pointers found here in the thread is to visit your Battalion S-3 section. In their operations, training, and other functions, they may have some helicopter contacts in mind.

When I was in the 12th Signal Group, 1st Signal Brigade in Vietnam I flew once or twice a month in a Huey to communications sites, but never considered asking the pilots of your kind of questions.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 1 at 2018 5:03 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 01 Jun 2018 17:03:20 -0400

Your commander can open doors if you have a good reputation.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2018 6:42 PM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Jun 2018 18:42:17 -0400

I hear a cav stetson and assless chaps for most attack guys work!