Posted on Apr 4, 2020
How helpful is a Private pilot's license (helicopter) when trying to become an Army Aviator?
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I am in the beginning stages of my warrant officer packet for 153A. I'm currently an Intel Analyst in the reserves, I'm working on a bachelors, and my private pilots license. I am still planning on finishing my bachelors, but I want to take a few classes per semester online from here out so I can start the process to becoming an active duty warrant officer sooner. I guess my main question is how competitive will my PPL make me? I have a good college GPA, high ASVAB (84 overall) and GT score (130's i believe?) and my PT scores are high. I'm open to any advice to help me along the way as well, as I am having a hard time finding credible info on the web. Thanks in advance!
Posted in these groups: 
Warrant Officers
Aviation
153A: Rotary Wing Aviator (Aircraft Nonspecific)
Flight School - Rotary Wing
Warrant Officers Aviation 153A: Rotary Wing Aviator (Aircraft Nonspecific) Flight School - Rotary Wing
Posted 4 y ago
Responses: 13
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I wouldn’t concentrate on your PPL entirely. Flight experience will undoubtedly help you in flight school but I’m not sure that the board pays too much attention to it. Having college experience is a plus and if you could finish your bachelors that would show the board that your can start something and follow through and finish it. Your GT and PT are good so if you really want to become an Army aviator there is no reason to wait (it’s a long process). Your next step would be to schedule to take the SIFT test and then get a flight physical. These are the basic qualifications to see if your are eligible. The Warrant Officer Recruiting Webpage has all the information you need about submitting your packet and be sure to follow the sample packet EXACTLY. I had my bachelors but zero flight experience and only two years active service when I was selected. Any additional questions you have I will be happy to help with.
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PFC (Join to see)
CW2 (Join to see) - I need to get one for my private license as well. At least it'll give me a better idea of if I'm medically qualified or not.
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MAJ Byron Oyler
PFC (Join to see) - If I were you, I would not pay and go for rotor on your dime as it is much, much more expensive than fixed wing. I did a part 61, used GLEIM's online ground course, did not need the guy I was flying to sign off on my written, and it worked well for me. The Army will teach you everything you need to know about flying, having a fixed wing will just make it easier. I have not done the Army's flight program but if it is like any of the programs I did do, they will shove a ton of info at you in to short of time and possibly take a written test on Monday and brain dump all that the next day preparing for the next test. That is how my Critical Care Course was, so while having some stick will help, it is not a requirement.
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MAJ Byron Oyler
WO1 Ziober, please chime in where necessary. I fly for fun and work for the Army as Critical Care Nurse.
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PFC (Join to see)
MAJ Byron Oyler - I've been flying pretty consistently lately but I'll probably take it slower here soon then and start focusing on school and getting my packet together. You are right sir it is quite expensive but I really just enjoy the stick time.
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If your package is as strong as it can be, your grades as good as they can be, your PT scores as high as they can be, then sure go for it. But, if you don't even make it in the 1st cut of the board because of the basics, then it doesn't matter if you have a PPL. FWIW, I was working on my PPL in HS with plans to be a Naval Aviator. Was told by a 0-6 FO, that it doesn't matter, they can teach a monkey to fly, and generally they don't want you to have developed bad habits. The military will teach you the way they want you to fly.
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PFC (Join to see)
I've thought about trying to go the commissioning route in air force and navy for the pay difference, but I'm not sure how well the transition would go. I'll keep doing what I can to make myself stand out. Thank you sir.
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Not certain of WO regulations. My original enlistment contract included OCS & Jump School. Unfortunately, due to injury in Basic, this career path was not an option. With a Batchelors Degree & Pilot’s license; you ‘should’ be able to ‘lock’ your career path on with your contract.
You ‘should’ have the option of Warrant or Officer. You have already completed Basic & AIT. OCS, Warrant schools are easily accessible with your current background. Pilot’s license is INVALUABLE to the Military!
Best of luck in your Military endeavors!
Connect with me if you would like assistance with your questions...Nancy
You ‘should’ have the option of Warrant or Officer. You have already completed Basic & AIT. OCS, Warrant schools are easily accessible with your current background. Pilot’s license is INVALUABLE to the Military!
Best of luck in your Military endeavors!
Connect with me if you would like assistance with your questions...Nancy
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SSG (Join to see)
Unfortunately, this is not how the military works today. You font get to “lock” anything in, you need to be selected.
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SPC Nancy Greene
Sorry to hear that! Luckily for you, your education, grades, scores, Reserve status should be an asset! Already a SGT...sounds like OCS selection. Would you like a letter of recommendation from an ‘old school soldier’?SSG (Join to see)
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SSG (Join to see)
I’m Active, and unfortunately, letters of recommendation from veterans are about as useful as a car with no wheels. SPC Nancy Greene
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SPC Nancy Greene
extremely sorry to hear that! Could have ‘penned’ an Outstanding letter. At least I offered...SSG (Join to see)
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