What tips or insight anyone can share on the path to becoming an Army helicopter pilot? I've been wanting to throw my hat in ring.

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 03:20:56 -0400

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2016 3:34 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 03:34:37 -0400

Pull out the old phone book and call the career counselor. You could also call up to Katterbach and find a pilot that is willing to help you out with the process. But best be would be to talk to the career counselor for your battalion or brigade

Response by SPC Troy Garcia made Jun 17 at 2016 3:34 AM

SPC Troy Garcia — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 03:34:54 -0400

I hear most would reclass to an aviation MOS, get connected with warrant officers, then go down the path of warrant officer school. Getting in with CWOs is key since you need references in order to get into warrant officer school. But that's just me putting some of the puzzle pieces together.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2016 4:17 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 04:17:43 -0400

I was in this process while I was a E5. I just contacted a warrant recruiter and started a packet. But because of the stupid year long tattoo policy we had I was shit canned. Then became a E6 and decided I no longer wanted too. But it's easy man, look up your local recruiter. He/she will tell you the number to call.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2016 5:41 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 05:41:24 -0400

I think Ansbach is the closest aviation unit to you. Although Dustoff does medical rotations in Graph near where the NCOA is. You need to find a Pilot to talk to, I suggest offering to buy them lunch or if you can connect to the Dustoff guys, they are stuck in the house on the airfield for 2 week stints, if you can find their number call them and offer to bring them food/drink if you can talk to them for a bit. You will have to get a letter or two from a pilot and the higher the WO rank the better, take the flight test and a few other things but the pilots will explain everything. Also realize that "the grass is always greener" pilots do cool shit in helicopters about 10% of the time, they fly boring instrument flights quite a bit and do a shit tone of paperwork and flight planning for the majority of their jobs. Good luck

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2016 6:18 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 06:18:56 -0400

I am in the process of transferring to the aviation to become a 15T and you can put in you Waoac packet and go to Ft. Rucker to go to flight school. Let me know if you have questions.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2016 6:37 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 06:37:57 -0400

Go to the USAREC website. On there will be the checklist for your packet which includes a resume, various forms you need, information on how to apply for any waivers you might need (moral, age, TIS). Get your packet started and then connect with an Aviation Warrant Officer. There are Medevac units from 12thCab that do rotations to Graf, or your other option is Katterbach where elements of the Brigade (1-214th and 1-3 ARB) are located. I left Katterbach two years ago so I don't know anyone still there, sorry. But definitely go to the USAREC warrant officer recruiting page first and begin there.

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Jun 17 at 2016 8:58 AM

SSG Carlos Madden — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 08:58:38 -0400

What kind of helicopters are you wanting to fly? And are you talking civilian or military?

Response by PO3 Steven Sherrill made Jun 17 at 2016 9:05 AM

PO3 Steven Sherrill — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 09:05:18 -0400

SSG Private RallyPoint Member I looked into it, but did not jump. It was expensive to get certified, job market is limited, and unless you are wealthy enough to embrace the cost of ownership cost prohibitive to keep up. I will say I wish you luck in your endeavor. Hope you find success.