What if I want to be a helicopter pilot?

[Dan M]

I've been considering joining the Army, and I think I'd like to fly helicopters. What kind of process is involved there?

What about other ways, could I just sign up for flying lessons?

[98Camaro3.8]

Helicopters are more expensive to fly than fixed wing aircraft, but you can go down to a local FBO and take lessons.

Here's a link to the place where I got my license (in fixed wing airplanes). This is their helicopter site, with lots of info on what it takes.
http://www.orlandohelicopter.com/frames.htm

[NightEye]

Well, if he goes military he won't need to worry about cost - they will train him.

Pilots in general should have great eye sight and be in top-notch physical condition (ie, you can't be sick).

Other than that, I don't know much about the military's process, but I do know a lot of the General Aviation process and how you can get a pilot license in an airplane or helicopter at your local airport. But I won't go into details since you're looking at military.

[Dojo2000]

My Military Science instructor told our whole class we were all too stupid get a spot in Aviation. It's very competitive - everyone thinks it would be cool to fly a helicopter, so they only accept the best and the brightest.

Pilots are officers, so first you'll learn to be in the Army, then to be an Officer, then will come the whole helicopter thing.

Don't you wear glasses? I believe that's a no-no right there.

My dad is a retired AH-64 pilot. Now he flies for Duke University Medical Center.

[ June 19, 2004, 02:27 AM: Message edited by: Dojo2000 ]

[98Camaro3.8]

Originally posted by NightEye:
But I won't go into details since you're looking at military.

He did ask about just going and signing up for lessons. ;)

BTW, do you fly? I'm a commerical pilot with an instrument rating. [img]smile.gif[/img]

[L32Projekt]

Dr,

You'd have to be at least a Warrant Officer to fly a chopper.

[Turbo V6 Camaro]

i think now as long as your eyes can be corrected to 20/20 your ok. and not color blind :mad:

also if you have had lasik eye surgery your F-ed. now if you get in and then have it it your OK

then main reason is because the one kind weekend your eye and you eye could tear in high g's...... yeah that would suck.....

[MrCoffee]

you have to be an officer. cant have major health problems- heart mainly, but mild back problems could get you denied as well. They only get worse with all the vibrations. you have to have pretty good eye sight. I'll ask my dad on further details (O-6 in the marines, flies ch-46s)
If you were serious about this you should look into trying to fly the v-22 osprey. Its the newest heli added to the fleet, but I dont know what branches get it.

[RallyRed 98]

you don't HAVE to be a commissioned officer; you can also be enlisted but you will have to go to ncoa.

[NightEye]

Originally posted by 98Camaro3.8:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by NightEye:
But I won't go into details since you're looking at military.

He did ask about just going and signing up for lessons. ;)

BTW, do you fly? I'm a commerical pilot with an instrument rating. [img]smile.gif[/img] </font>[/QUOTE]I'm PPL working on my instrument - should be IFR rated by August. Getting about 10 hours of simulated going to Oshkosh. :)

[Dan M]

I do wear glasses - is that as much of a problem for helicopters as it is for jets? My heart and back are fine as far as I know. I do want to be an officer in the Army, but I'm getting an awful late start. I'm also looking at finishing up my degree.

[99Camaro]

my father didnt get into flying until he became a warrant officer...good luck on it but i know he has been in 34 yrs and is now a CW5 and done with it....oh and anybody thats been to benning know of a good place to stay? my brother is graduating from airborne training here soon...

[Dojo2000]

Originally posted by RallyRed 98:
you don't HAVE to be a commissioned officer; you can also be enlisted but you will have to go to ncoa.

...and become a WO?

[Dan M]

I found the Army OCS website (why any recruiters couldn't tell me about OCS, I don't know) and saw that they would prepare me for aviation - but probably only if I qualify. I'm pretty excited about that because it's too late for ROTC. I'll be done with my degree in a year or two, so I think OCS is a viable option.

They want people in peak physical condition, though? Corrective lenses and helicopters probably don't mix.

[Dojo2000]

It's not too late for ROTC. Your last two years are really the only ones that count. Just go see the Battalion recrutier and tell him you'd like to join the progam, this is, if you're up for the challenge.