What is the process for fixed wing selection at WOFT?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Dec 2020 17:14:57 -0500

Is it based on class ranking? How far into training would you find out? Would it help to have FAA credentials (private pilot, instrument) prior to attending to up your chances?
Thank you

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2020 5:16 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Dec 2020 17:16:56 -0500

You find out at the end of primary flight school. FAA ratings are not taken into consideration, only your performance in WOBC/BOLC and primary.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2020 5:20 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Dec 2020 17:20:22 -0500

Its based on class ranking. If you already have your civilian ratings, your additional knowledge will help you get a high ranking. If you dont have civilian ratings, unless you just want to, it won't help how you actually place. I would recommend against it because it is going to cost a lot, again unless it's something you want to do anyways

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2020 5:21 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Dec 2020 17:21:56 -0500

Same as every other aircraft. There are only like 20 FW slots per year though, so each class only gets a couple slots and some classes don't get any. FAA creds don't help with anything but prior knowledge in classes, and which aircraft you get is based on your position in the OML. "Selection" is more or less a misnomer, as there are a set number of each aircraft to pick from, and if your bottom of the OML you get assigned whatever is left, trend seems to be 64. If you want FW, you need to be stellar in academics and PT, get a leadership role at some point, and have a little bit of luck on your side.

To be brutally honest, if your mindset is FW or bust, Army Aviation probably isn't your best bet..I'm in Common Core now, selection coming up in May. 64 dreams for me.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2020 8:10 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Dec 2020 20:10:52 -0500

Based on class rankings and needs of the Army. You could be top in your class but if none are available... I fly fixed wing as a hobby so I enjoy my blackhawk at work.

Response by LTC Erik Spike Thiesmeyer, Sr. made Dec 29 at 2020 4:14 AM

LTC Erik Spike Thiesmeyer, Sr. — Tue, 29 Dec 2020 04:14:42 -0500

I've been retired a few years, but I got a fixed-wing slot in the USAR after 10 years of flying OH-58s. There was a position open and USARC called me up to see if I wanted it. There was an O-3 vacancy and I was an O-3. That vacancy extended my career another 8 years of flying C-12s. So for me, it was pure timing and luck. Having said that, I would say go where the Army sends you at first and then see about a FW transition when you have some experience. The best pilots in the FW community (IMHO) were rotary wing first and spent a few years, 5 or more, learning Army Aviation from a helicopter. That is to say, the learning curve was much steeper for the new aviators who went from IERW to FWMEQ right out of the chute. FW units don't do much training, it's all real world missions. You hit the ground running! Best of luck at WOFT!

Response by MAJ Ronnie Reams made Dec 29 at 2020 9:35 AM

MAJ Ronnie Reams — Tue, 29 Dec 2020 09:35:05 -0500

Do not know if still true or not, but back in the day pilots told me that when you graduated there was a table with FAA guys there and you showed them your Army ratings and they gave you civilian ratings, except for tactical IFR, for which there was not civilian equivalent. I was told that a regular IFR rating took a long time and since chopper pilots not have a long life expectancy they could get after first tour.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Dec 29 at 2020 4:16 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Tue, 29 Dec 2020 16:16:45 -0500

You understand that the service has a lot more rotatry craft than fixed wing right?