Becoming an Army Aviator
Vložit
- čas přidán 18. 01. 2019
- Welcome back! I'm Jacob and in this video I go over what the process is like to become an aviator in the U.S. Army.
If you're interested in my ebook study guide, check it out here:
itunes.apple.com/us/book/id144...
or on Kobo for Android, Windows and Desktop users: www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/heli...
Want to buy me a beer or coffee as a thanks? www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr...
If you are not in the Army, the place to start is talking with a recruiter first. This video covers the gap between here and starting flight school. Now there are 2 paths to choose from here because there are 2 types of aviators. There are your regular commissioned officers (lieutenants, captains, etc.) and then there are Warrant Officers. While both are aviators, their jobs differ. Commissioned officers lead and manage soldiers. To become one you are required to have a college degree. They receive orders from higher, direct soldiers, and fly when they can. Warrant Officers, on the other hand, don't manage personnel. Their job is to be the most technical and tactical experts in their aircraft and are, in most cases, the most proficient pilots. So while an officer goes to meetings and directs training/scheduling, warrant officers are continuously flying and studying their aircraft systems, missions, etc. That is, unless they are doing additional duties. Overall 1/5th of pilots are Commissioned Officers while 4/5ths are Warrant Officers. So there are 2 paths to choose from.
To become an officer you must go through Officer Candidate School (OCS), Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC), or a military academy such as West Point. These schools are whats known as your "commissioning source." After completing one of these you are ranked on an Order of Merit (OML) where you compete against peers for your service branch. After selecting aviation you move to Ft. Rucker, Alabama for flight school. The alternate route is becoming a Warrant Officer. Here you have to first complete what is called a WOFT (Warrant Officer Flight Training) packet. This packet has a few requirements:
1. You must be eligible to join the Army. This includes passing Heigh/Weight standards and a basic physical exam. For flight packets you have to have a High School diploma and be 18-32 years old.
2. You must be able to pass an Army physical fitness test.
3. You must be eligible for a secret security clearance. This includes looking at things like previous criminal history, excessive debts, foreign ties/influences, mental health, drug history, etc.
4. You must pass the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery). This is similar to the ACT/SAT in high school and is used to determine what military jobs you qualify for. The important part here is to not only pass but get at least a 110 GT (General Technical) score.
5. You must pass the SIFT (Selection Instrument for Flight Training) Test. This exam is to verify candidates have the mental aptitude for flying.
6. You must pass a Class 1 Flight Physical ensuring you are medically fit to fly. A big part is ensuring your vision and hearing are top notch and that there is nothing medically wrong that could prevent you from flying (seizures, blackouts, etc.).
7. You need Letters of Recommendation (minimum of 3). These can be from employers, teachers, public figures, or anyone who can speak to your character. If you're prior enlisted, you can get some of these from your chain of command.
All of this will be compiled into a WOFT packet and then submitted to a selection board for review. This is why it is important to make your packet as competitive as possible. You want the best scores you can get to make your packet look the best. Ultimately, if the board gets to accept 100 packets in a quarter and there were 150 submitted, you want your packet to be in the top 100. Once your packet is accepted you ship out to Basic Training (skip this for prior enlisted) and then Warrant Officer Candidate School (WOCS), located at Fort Rucker, Alabama. Afterwards, you proceed straight into flight school.
Both Commissioned Officers and Warrant Officers have to meet these basic requirements prior to flight training. For officers, you complete different parts at different times throughout the process whereas Warrant Officers do everything up front in the WOFT packet. As these officers arrive at flight school a new class starts every 2 weeks. Keep in mind that this is the current process at the time of this video and is subject to change as the Army changes policies.
Well that wraps up this video. If you have any questions or comments leave them below. Be sure to hit like and subscribe as well. Once again, I'm Jacob and this is Helicopter Lessons in 10 Minutes or Less. Safe flying!
Sounds like Warrant Officer is the best path if you want to spend as much time as possible in the air.
Tom Mendenhall. Warrant Officers fly the most by far. But ultimately it’s whether you want to lead/manage or focus of flying.
Tom, if I could do it over, I would go commissioned. They fly roughly the same amount. However once you hit senior captain or major flying will slow down. Things that are not mentioned in the video are that every new Lt that comes into the unit will hog the flight time from the young warrants. His excuse.”you are able to fly your entire career. I need to get my time now”. Also, the Army ruined the warrant officer Corp when they made us all commissioned. We became cheap labor. We now can hold staff jobs that were previously only held by traditional officers. That means less flying and more duties. Staff jobs are not additional duties. They are your job. S1,S2, etc. Battalion and company level. there are warrants that are leaders some company commanders but that is seen more in the fixed wing arena. You can also be, for example, battalion safety officer which puts you in charge of the company safety officers below you. There are many more. At some point you might be wishing you went where the money is. Commissioned.
@@philipdias5106 Hey Philip, I am trying to make this decision myself and your comment captured my interest. I'm at a University with an Army ROTC that I really want to join, but I also want to be flying at least for a few years. Would you recommend joining the ROTC instead of dropping out to try to get into WOFT?
@@helicopterlessonsin10minut10 Can you be aged 17 at the time of joining Army Flight School having a parental consent and meeting all other requirements?
I can’t wait
Listen guys, because of this channel, I passed my SIFT with a 66.
Study up, and understand everything in the FAA heli guidebook chapters 1-5, and the Amazon SIFT study guide.
(Red and yellow one with a Blackhawk on it)
I thank this channel!! Thank you
Go warrant!!! Best decision of my life. They picked me up right out of high school, I did have a two year degree and a PPL at that time however my stick buddy did not and he still got picked up no problem. If you have made the mistake of going Commissioned don’t worry you can always revert to become a warrant. Fly safe my dudes!
@Ryan Foster how you taken the asvab yet. Or before you got picked up
JoMa Took the ASVAB when I enlisted 2 years ago I had a 124 GT score. I wouldn’t say the test is hard but it probably depends on the person and how much you prepare for it.
@@ryanfoster1451 What books did you study. Also did you speak to a recruiter before you enlisted?
vJOMA not sure if you still need help, but I’ve heard that “ASVAB for Dummies” is a pretty good study source. Honestly, just a quick google search will give you lots of free resources to help you study. My favorite was the Army’s March2Success. It’s kind of like Khan Academy. You take an initial test and the program determines your weak points and has you study those more than the other areas. Lmk if this helps. And keep me updated on your decision of joining or not
do i go in out of high school and warrant or do i get my degree. i’m stuck and i want to enlist so bad but i want too make sure i’m cj doing the right thing
I just FEDREC'd two days ago! I could've used this like a year ago! Love the vids, keep it up sir!
Thank you for this 🙏
I've been researching my options for the last month or so before I go into my senior year of highschool and this has been the most helpful tool so far
Super informative, articulate and straight to the point. Solid vid - thanks dude!
Great video! Thanks for explaining the process so well.👍
Very well done!! So much different than when I was in, 1963
Well made and informative video! Really appreciate it, much love from Bragg
this guy really breaks it down, especially about recruiting. you
have to have your stuff together
just to get through all of what he’s explaining.
I always wanted to join the Air Force and fly b52s. But now in hs, I’ve noticed that flying in the army is so much easier to get to than the Air Force. My jrotc instructor flew ch-47s and he’s a big supporter. Thank you first sergeant Bynum.
Just got selected in the May board from the street. Thanks for the video!
Hey Logan, congratulations on being selected.
I am interested in this, and I have a few questions if you would not mind.
About how long did the whole process / WOFT packet take?
Did you have anything that really set you apart from the other applicants?
How did you go about getting LOR’s? I dont really know any former pilots are high ups in the Military.
Thanks
This isn’t a bad path to becoming a pilot, but understand you are a soldier first in the army and a pilot last. So most of your time isn’t spent flying unless you are an instructor pilot. Instructor pilots tend to fly the most in a unit. Please make sure you do your research and talk to lots of warrant officers and branch officers.
The Simpler Life. Well said and completely accurate. When I first became a pilot the flight time was minimal and additional duties took the majority of my time. Now as an instructor pilot I fly my ass off. It always pays to do your research and really understand what you’re getting yourself into.
Soldiers first. Sir, yes, Sir. New Soldiers were told West Germany was just a battle ground to fight the Warsaw Pact. If things went horrible wrong in combat and all our aircraft are broke down or burning we will fix bayonets and become an ad-hoc infantry battalion. Spearhead Steel! 3rd Armd Div ( before being disbanded the 3rd fought in Desert Storm using combined arms tactics)
Helicopter Lessons In 10 Minutes or Less, I’m late to this so I hope to hear back, but what can one do to improve their chances of tracking IP? My passion has always been teaching others and I can’t imagine a track I’d enjoy more.
@@Dr.JamesJohannson I think the biggest way to ensure that you end up tracking IP would be to make PIC quickly, study hard, and make sure your CWOB knows your career goals. Keep in mind that most people track during a PCS and that duty location and track don't always align. So if you want to be an IP you have to be ok going anywhere.
If ur commission do u have to be a helicopter mechanic first before u can get the chance to be a warrant officer
I enjoy your videos! Just commissioned as a 2LT last September in the WVARNG. I've made it through the entire BATS (Basic Aviator Training Selection) process, now I'm just waiting on a date for flight school. We don't have Apaches in West Virginia, so I'll most likely be flying a Black Hawk. So excited.
Do officers have to take the SIFT sir?
Sure do. Everyone will have to take it in order to be accepted. But the good thing is, it’s a pass/fail thing. It honestly doesn’t matter how well you do, you really just need to pass.
Michael Salters Thank you sir!
Michael Salters sir, what about Class I flight physical? Is it hard to pass sir ? Am I eligible if I’m currently wearing glasses
TRUC TRAN the physical is really thorough, but as long as you don’t have any serious problems you’ll be fine. And you actually don’t have to have perfect vision to be a pilot. There is a certain amount of leeway in what it can be. They might require you to get lasik though if your vision is too poor to meet the requirements, but correctable. That will be out of your pocket.
Excellent! Great, detailed, succinct, video and transcription in the comments. Matter-of-fact, no BS, just the facts. Very well done and should be handed out to all recruiters, ROTC, etc. When I was a Junior in HS, an Air Force recruiter came to our class with a 15 min talk and then Q&A. I asked if I could be come a pilot, "no 'four eyes' " was his answer (I wear glasses for myopia).
shazam. Unfortunately some recruiters don't communicate all the facts. Generally poor vision can limit a pilot application but there are ways to still get accepted. I know of at least 3 people personally who had PRK eye surgery and are military pilots now. Thanks for the feedback!
Helicopter Lessons In 10 Minutes or Less it was my understanding that in addition to PRK that u can still get LASIK done and be eligible to, have u heard of this being true or know of anyone who has had LASIK done and is an aviator?
@@alexlong9085 yes you can still get accepted. Prk and Lasik are practically the same thing with small differences.
Loved seeing this video, I’m currently at Ft. Rucker now, the army is in serious need of pilots right now, so as far as needing all of these you’re 100% accurate on this, however there’s plenty of waivers to go around as they need to fill the spots here. (Obviously within reason) but spot on my friend 🙏🏼🙌🏻
Hi! Can you help me?
Will they waiver an ASVAB GT score?
I’m currently a PFC in the army. Is there anyway that I can contact you to have some questions, sir?
Building packet right now, thank you for the book Sir, it will help my studies.
Hey quick question so if you build your packet and dont make it can you do you still have to enlist?
@@danielbrannon1520 no
Any advise on how i should start?
thank you, this was super helpful!! I'm a Flight Instructor but always wanted to swap to Rotor wing!
I Just pushed my Conditional Release forward yesterday.
Thank you for your videos..both of my sons are in MCROTC, my senior son, just hot his asvab, and is considering..thank-you for this valuable information.
Very clear and easy follow, thanks
Very good and informative videos: thank you very much
Tq sir... It's helping me a lot
Thanks for the videos. I couldn’t have passed my test today with a 56 if it wasn’t for these.
Passed my test with a 54, Thanks for the knowledge.
Good info brother.
I was accepted to flight school 2 days ago! So excited and honored! Thanks for your videos, they really helped out in my prep.
What happens to you if you complete WOCS but fail flight school? Do they separate you from the army or do they change your MOS and keep you as a warrant officer in a different field?
@@sjski8413 good question, I'm not sure.
@@q1o2well how’s it going
@@crazywormy5869 going good! Flight school is no joke, but I'm about halfway through. Definitely takes a lot of studying!
@@q1o2 good to hear I hope you well and thank you for your sacrifice.
Searched this because today I took a helicopter tour around the Statue of Liberty... was a little shocked when the opening clip was what I saw in real life earlier today
I just wanted to drop by and thank you for all your videos. I used your channel to study for the sift, got a 68, then recently got selected for flight warrant. My dreams are quite literally coming true. Massive thank you 🙏
Hey man, how is it going one year later? Ive always dreamt in the back of my mind to be a pilot, and the WO route seems like a no-brainer
@@bakenny7842 best decision I’ve ever made, one that I wish I had made sooner. I spent 7 years with this idea in the back of my mind but never thinking I was good enough to make it through, let alone get selected in the first place. I’m currently 2/3 of the way through the training pipeline loving every second of it.
Been retired for almost 40 years, but I remember the HS to FS Huey pilots we had in VN. These guys were not much more than 20 years old. They were good and fearless. If you were in trouble and needed an extraction they would come and get you. Hot LZ or not!
its my dream to be an army helicopter aviator. i loved this video
Cool video!
Right now I am a freshman in high school and I can’t wait to graduate and apply to be an army aviator in the warrant officer route
Did it work out?
I got a 126 GT score on the asvab. Just took the sift today and scored a 53. Going to the board soon.
Did u get selected?
Hope you got it, and if it didn’t happen yet, don’t quit!
Any updates??
I would love to see the SIFT test prep videos, please!
Still compelling information for videos but keep a lookout for it in the future.
Things sure have changed since I graduated in 82 (Class 81-45). There was so many forms to complete, interviews, and tests that I honestly don’t remember everything. Of my class of 42 students on start day, 38 graduated. But of the original 42, there were only 12, the rest were holdovers and setbacks. I’d just turned 20
soon 🙏☝
Please do a video about the army aviation physical test. I would like to know more about that aspect of the process.
Unfortunately I try to keep this channel tailored to helicopters and aerodynamics. The Army PT test is always changing and it’s probably best to search for videos tailored to the most current test.
Been in 2 years, currently an E-4, hoping to put in a packet later this year :)
It’s been a year since I graduated high school and I’m not the brightest when it comes to ASVAB, and I’m not physically fit to do any of those requirements, which is why I’m changing my life around and try to become a army aviator. But the hardest obstacle are the Written tests. I’ll post updates of my journey.
Update?
Update
Update?
Tanx for the info! 🚁 👍 😎 🍻
Doing ROTC right now and am interested in the mh-6
Great video. Wish canada did this. Very hard and long journey to get in as a pilot in the RCAF. Time to get my green card lol
I'm planning to take the SIFT soon. Do you have any suggestion on what to study? Thank you Jacob!
Warrant Officers absolutely lead. It's called "Flight Lead" for a reason.
Please do a video that's goes through transverse flow to translational lift to flap back step by step.
MATHIAS Giermindl. I think I have just what you’re looking for with my Aerodynamics of a Takeoff video.
Any prep courses you’d recommend for the SIFT test? Thanks!!
Hello Jacob, first off i wanted to thank you for making this video and educating us on the aspects of this career. I have not spoken to a recruiter yet, as i am still doing research, but i am prior enlisted. I enlisted in the U.S. Navy and got out of active duty back in 2016. My question is, will i need to attend the Army's BCT before shipping off the WOCS or straight into WOCS? thank you
You’re gonna have to go through army basic before you progress seeing as thing aren’t the same as the navy
Best video you could do that would make my day: AH 64E PPC pretty please!!!
Unfortunately I don’t put anything specific about Army helicopters. Sorry.
@@helicopterlessonsin10minut10 ahhhh true that. No worries, I appreciate your vids tho. Definite help here at rucker
You got clearance to fly that close to lady liberty!? I’ve always assumed you couldn’t get anywhere close to her. I need to get that sectional chart.
Theodore Irelan. All of the rules are specified in the New York Class B Hudson River Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA) (www.faasafety.gov/files/gslac/courses/content/79/775/kneeboard.pdf). Generally you want to stay below 1,000’ MSL, counter clockwise, and look out for other traffic. If traffic is near you then you may want to come down lower for vertical and lateral separation.
I plan to go warrant officer path, but before that, is there any MOS you suggest to give me an upper hand in being selected for warrant officer program. I am planning to enlist as a 15T but to be honest working on any helicopter would be an honor. I understand you don’t HAVE to have an aviation background to be selected but it was my understanding that having that background can give you a nice boost.
Don't forget crewchiefs! We keep them in the air
I know it's quite off topic but do anyone know a good site to stream newly released movies online ?
@Adrien Dakota Flixportal =)
@Ricky Harrison Thank you, I went there and it seems to work =) I really appreciate it!
@Adrien Dakota Happy to help :)
CPL-Helicopter holder here, and seriously considering the WO route. The only confusion for me is how do I take all the tests for my WOFT before swearing in? For example, If I find out I don't medically qualify, am I stuck and just forced to pick a different job? Am I free to go? Also, LOVE the videos! Keep it up!!! thanks
You do everything before board, and even if you get selected, you can turn it down until you ship to Basic. Dont quit your job, you might be waiting a year to ship after being accepted though.
By being selected you're guaranteed a shot at flight school. If you fail, you will be discharged from the army.
Hayden Bingham you’re a gentleman and a scholar. Thank you.
Hayden Bingham said it best. You take all tests before the board and before swearing in.
Nice
Would having a private or commercial helicopter pilot's license help a lot in this process?
Also, was this all stuff that happens prior to enlistment where you are guaranteed a flight slot or do you have to already be in the Army before you can start the process? My previous understanding was you start the process after being in for a few years.
After talking to a recruiter, yes having a PPL or a commercial one makes your application look a lot better. You’re competing against all the other applicants and having that makes you already look better regardless of everything else.
If you had a private pilots license would the Army/Military like that you had that training before hand? Or would that help your chances with selection in to warrant officer training?
Is it different applying to be WC in aviation for active duty and National guard?
Taking the SIFT in 2 weeks. Been studying with the guide and using your videos. Any idea when those SIFT videos will be posted?? Thanks!!
Rj Davis. I’ve been extremely busy the last couple months and for the next foreseeable month as well. I’ll crank some out as soon as I can. Thanks for being patient though.
@@helicopterlessonsin10minut10 I appreciate your help. I took it Friday and passed! Next step is packet submission! Your videos helped out IMMENSELY! Thank you!
@@rjdavis3002 Do you have any input on how you would prepare differently? Or how you studied?
Oof 32 is creeping up.. just got my E6 and looking to get a WO packet in.
I hear there’s a pilot shortage.
Been watching all your videos and am planning on taking the SIFT and submitting my WOFT packet when I get home from deployment. My one question is what would be the best way to get a Letter of Recommendation from a CW3 or greater? I'm currently not in the aviation field at all. Should I just walk into one of the Aviation units back home or is there a better way? I appreciate any information on this.
We have people walk over all the time asking about packets and write letters for them as well. I’d recommend just go visit an aviation unit and let them know your intentions. Many are happy to write letters after getting some face to face time.
I know that you mentioned going the Officer route is competitive, but is the Warrant Officer competitive? My recruiter said that only reserve warrant officers are guaranteed one of these positions if they pass everything; he said that some people try to go active duty warrant officer and don't get selected, and then get just any job that the Army has a need to fill. Is this correct?
Hey thanks so much for the video! Dan the recruiter tell you if you are Elinor for a SC based off of your criminal record?
Do they allow pilots to have glasses or do you need to have good enough vision to the point you can safely pilot without them?
For warrant officers, at what point do you sign a contract?, the reason I ask is because I wouldn't want to be stuck doing something unrelated for years if I were to not pass one of the requirements or tests required to be an aviator.
Am I allowed to take the SIFT test at OCS? Or do I have to take it before?
Glad you called out recruiters on their BS.
Good job. How long is the commitment after getting your wings?
Terry Fitzgerald For Warrant Officers it’s 6 years. I’m pretty sure it’s the same for Officers as well.
Do you notice any difference between pilots trained on the TH-67 vs the Lakota after they've received their advanced airframe? I'm currently in the 67 course and our IPs love to hype us up by saying we'll be better on the stick, curious to hear from another IP if you've seen anything to support that.
John O'Brien. So far I've only trained 1 new pilot from the Lakota and the rest were TH-67. Id agree with your IPs so far.
By going warrant and completing WOCS, do you get the pay bump before starting flight school? Or do you get warrant pay after schooling? (I'm active duty now)
How do you enter the 160 SOAR???
For the National Guard/Reserve components, do they do street to seat? If a person has to sign up in the ANG/AR to have an MOS to apply for WOFT, how long do they have to be in that job before they can then apply to be a 153A/M ? Finished school and have some helo time under my belt and I really want to fly locally but I think the ANG wants me to enlist/commission then at a point apply to a helo slot. Problem isI am 31, and I fear I will lose my chance to pilot if I enlist/commission, serve a few years, then move onto WOFT/WOCS. If anyone has any insight on this, I would be eternally grateful.
Any advice for someone already in the Army who wants to fly?
As an enlisted marine I have been strongly considering transferring to army WO but I’m a bit skeptical that I won’t like the army due to the “feel” that the marine corps has and I love.
What feel is it ?
Where are the sift prep videos !?
Are you currently in? I was wondering since I'm on recruiter duty right now if itd be faster for me to get out after recruiting and then immediately come back in or drop a packet now. Was told you needed a LOR from a flight warrant which I dont know any.
I am currently in. I’m not sure if it’s easier to apply while you’re in that slot or not. It really depends on your command and how much they’d support your application. As far as LORs, the people I’ve talked to recently didn’t even require one from an aviator.
Would having 30 hours of flight time help? I really want to fly for the military. I want to serve my country first, and be a pilot 2nd, so I have been trying to fly and build up hours. I come from a military family, so I am trying to coni gue the legacy and serve my country while flying!
Also, if I hold a FAA first class Medical, would that count??
Any flight time helps make your packet more competitive. You’ll still have to pass an Army flight physical prior to getting picked up though.
Any updates on those SIFT videos? Been looking at transitioning from the AF to become a WO and wanna get prepped as much as possible.
They’ve been published now! Sorry for the delay.
If you have flying experience (pp license, multi engine, rotor wing etc.) prior to going the Warrant Officer route, does that help speed things up?
It definitely helps make you more competitive in the board. I’m not sure about speeding things up any. The Army is slow to change its time table.
Thanks for making the video. I had stuck time in robinson r22 and bell 47 years ago. Only 3 hours. It seems like I remember the 47 being harder to push on the pedals to rotate. Do the larger helicopters have hydraulic boosted pedals?
Great video! May I ask a question for my son...... how long does it take to go from Basic training to the completion of advanced flight training..... doing the high school to flight school path..... ball park estimate would be great.... I really appreciate this info.. also, what is the path, say basic training then to where? thanks!
From showing up to basic training until pinning my wings as an Apache pilot took about 21 months. Every experience is different and delays can and do occur. I had at least 2-3 months of total downtime waiting on courses.
@@helicopterlessonsin10minut10 Thanks so much for the response!
What if I already have a Commercial Pilots License & then i join the Military???? Can i still make it?
Thanks Jacob for the video! 2 questions, I’m a black hawk mechanic about half way through AIT....my gt score is 108, can I retake my asvab after enlisted? And my second question is my pt test is about 243, is their a minimum required pt test score to be eligible for wocs? Thanks and I appreciate it
You can attend BSEP upon arrival to your first unit. You will need a 4187 from your Company Commander that authorizes you to enroll in BSEP. You need at least a 110 GT score to take the SIFT. For the SIFT, you’ll also need a 4187 from your Company Commander that states you have at least a 110 GT score. You need that GT score to take the SIFT. In regards to PT score, to be competitive, you’ll need a 260+. I would focus on the 25 meter target and focus on preparing for the SIFT and ensuring you can pass a Class 1 Flight Physical. These two items knock out the majority of aspiring Aviators to begin with.
Hansen Fuentes. Will said it best above. But yes you can retake the ASVAB. And your PT score needs to be as high as possible, preferably higher than 250-260.
As someone with no Prior service but looking for a career as a Army Helicopter Pilot, what are some questions/talking points I can bring to recruiters in order to secure a WOFT packet
Build the packet yourself bc the recruiters will fuck you every chance they get.
I have a few questions...
1. What’s the major difference between the ASVAB and the SIFT and how is the SIFT “graded”?
2. So essentially you go to basic and then ask to be a helicopter pilot and then you do the WOFT packet or how does that work?
3. Let’s say you’re a door gunner for the black hawk can you apply for a WOFT packet to start flying? Do you know if anybody that has done that?
Thank you, I aspire to be a pilot and learning about this has opened my eyes wider and to be taken more serious than I thought, i just hope me eyesight doesn’t stop me from dream of doing this one day.
David Santos I appreciate that... how do you know all of this if you don’t mind me asking? I’ve also heard of Lasik and or PRK to help correct the eyes so hopefully that can be waived. Guess I better start studying for the SIFT test try and get the best score help with the WOFT packet
David Santos Well this is a first a guy that’s is currently flying... What were your scores (ASVAB & SIFT) if you remember, just so i have a basis of what they would choose. Do you know anybody in your flight training “program” that wore corrective glasses? What would you say is the hardest part of the whole process from the time you sign up for the Army to graduating and moving on to train on your helicopter, did you have any time in a cockpit prior to joining?
Any tips for getting LORs as a civ? I have 2 from CW-3 I got through family connections but hunting for the elusive 4 and 5 grade warrants.
You could try reaching out to guys at the nearest Army base or National Guard unit. Most of the time guys will sit and chat a little and eventually get you a letter. When I put in my packet as a civilian I got LOR’s from employers and a few Army retirees who had been out of the service for over 20 years. Ultimately you want letters from people who have worked with you or can speak for your character.
I think it's to easy to get into the army because now you don't have to pass a PT test you don't have to score high on the ASVAB and so much other things
It's easy to get into any of the branches
Can you do a video/series on talking to air traffic control
Cali Thenics. I’ll add it to the list. But for the near future I still plan on focusing on aerodynamics.
@@helicopterlessonsin10minut10 can a foreigner join US ARMY and become a helicopter pilot.
Hey, do you know what I can type on CZcams to check out “Officer Pilot” training for the British Army? As I’m looking to what roles as like to focus upon for my future.
Not really sure how they do things in the UK. They’re process is probably significantly different
@@helicopterlessonsin10minut10 Officer Pilots are far and few between in the British Army. Most pilots will be Sergeants, Staff Sergeants, WOII & WOI (E7-E9). Also note, that you can join directly as a pilot. You will need time in the ranks.
When I was offered a chance to become a helicopter pilot....I asked what's the difference between an Officer and a Warrant. I was told an Officer gets his "commission" from the President of the US and a Warrant gets his warrant/commission from the Secretary of the Army. Hence, even a lowly Second Lieutenant outranks a CW5. (CW5 came about after I retired). A CW will put an Officer in their place, because they are usually the instructor pilots that give you your annual evaluation and can wreck you. Then they said.....oh yeah, also a Commissioned Officer gets paid more. I went the Commissioned Officer route for the extra cash. Made it to Captain and then wished I had went Warrant Officer. They are "Peter Pilots" and get to fly all the time. I got to fly when I didn't have other stuff to do. I started as a PVT E-nuthin' in the Military Police and ended up joining an Aviation Unit as an E-4. They liked my attitude and sent me to OCS for my gold bar and then a year later went to Flight School. While I was in Flt School I was promoted to First Lieutenant. I miss the clowns , but not the circus. Got to fly UH-1H's for 4 years.
So which route you recommend ?
If you just want to fly and not be bothered with running the show in leadership position.....Warrant Officer.@@richallen1 I was National Guard and actually got more flight time than my regular Army buddies.
If I graudate from uni and I don’t want to be an officer will I be allowed
I do not have perfect vision. By my understanding lasik can disqualify you but the military sometimes provides the surgery too?
Kyle Martnich. Contact a flight doctor prior to any eye surgery to verify. Some forms of lasik can disqualify you.
Infantry enlisted here, going on my 3rd year. Looking into the possibility of WO and go into Flight school. Intending to get my flight physical when I get back to the States.
National Guards soldier. Any tips or pointers to secure Flight School? Out of the requirements all I need is SIFT and LOR's.
Final question, I've been hearing mixed answers on WOCS. Is it still seven weeks? I was hearing that it may have been shortened to five?
Thanks for your time!
Biggest advice I can offer is make your packet top notch. Good test scores all around great letters of recommendation make a huge difference. Keep in mind for a national guard unit there has to be a slot for a specific airframe available for that specific unit whereas regular Army has openings for everything. WOCS seems to change every few years but it might have recently been shortened to 5 weeks.
This is a bit of an oddball question but can you be a pilot and be on the armed forces wrestling team? I wrestled in high school and my life time goal has always been to be a military pilot. Just wondering how that would pan out.
jwalt35. I don’t believe so. If the Army spends over a million dollars to train you as a pilot then that will be you’ll be working at an aviation unit.
My biggest worry about this process is the flight physical, my eye sight I'm pretty sure is corrected to 20/20, but without my glasses it's pretty bad, I'm near sighted. That is my upmost concern, I'm not exactly worried about studying for an exam or taking a PT test, but my eye sight has me extremely worried. Are there waivers for corrected vision?
There are quite a few people with corrected vision who go through Army flight school. Check with a flight doctor or recruiting station to make sure you get the right type of correction though. I believe PRK is accepted but LASIK is not last I checked.
I’m thinking about joining. I have an associates degree so I’m qualified to become a Warrant Officer. The only thing that I’m curious about is what if the selection board doesn’t select you to be a pilot? Where do you go from there?
I’d find out why your packet didn’t get picked up and try to resubmit after improving it. Maybe they wanted a higher SIFT score, stronger letters of recommendation, higher PT test, etc.
What happens to you if you complete WOCS but fail flight school? Do they separate you from the army or do they change your MOS and keep you as a warrant officer in a different field?
My class had a 75 to 80% washout rate back in the early 80s. Started 134 graduated 23. I retired out as a dual rated pilot, years ago. Anytime during training if you fail academics, flight, medical, physical or military training, you will go to the needs of the Army. My time frame all failures went to basic infantry, 11B.
It's the hardest mental and among hardest stress in the Army. Good luck and let me know how you make out. 1 thing, WOFT is a WE situation, as a class not a ME. situation. Keep it in mind.
Do you need 20/20 vision ???
When are you able to take the SIFT? Im currently 1 year into my 4 year contract and plan on reenlisting and going Warrant Officer.
You can take it anytime. Talk with the retention NCO. He or she should be able to get you in a test center.
So it's a myth that O cannot fly only W can?
how hard is it to become an army pilot