Military Flight Aptitude Tests - USAREC - U.S. Army

10 Part I: Careers in Military Aviation
This is among the most challenging training given by the
services; not everyone who attempts this training can meet
the strict requirements for completion. Advanced training
begins when pilots successfully complete initial training
and are awarded their “wings.” Advanced training consists
of instruction in flying a particular type of aircraft.
Helpful Attributes
Helpful fields of study include physics and aerospace,
electrical, or mechanical engineering. Helpful attributes
include
n Strong desire to fly airplanes
n Self-confidence and ability to remain calm in
stressful situations
n Determination to complete a very demanding
training program
Civilian Counterparts
Civilian airplane pilots who work for passenger airlines and
air cargo businesses are called commercial pilots. Other
civilian pilots work as flight instructors at local airports, as
crop dusters, or as pilots transporting business executives in
company planes. Many commercial pilots began their
careers in the military.
Opportunities
Each year, the services need new pilots due to changes in
personnel and the demands of the field. After initial and
advanced training, most pilots are assigned to flying
squadrons to fly the types of aircraft for which they were
trained. In time, pilots train for different aircraft and
missions and eventually, they may advance to senior
management or command positions.
HELICOPTER PILOTS
Helicopter pilots fly the many helicopters operated by the
five services.
What They Do
Helicopter pilots in the military perform some or all of the
following duties:
n Prepare flight plans showing air routes and
schedules
n Fly helicopters by controlling engines, flight
controls, and other systems
n Monitor gauges and dials located on cockpit
control panels
n Perform combat maneuvers, spot and observe
enemy positions, transport troops and equipment,
and evacuate wounded troops
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n Check weather reports to learn about flying
conditions
Physical Demands
Helicopter pilots must pass some of the most demanding
physical tests of any job in the military. To be accepted for
pilot training, applicants must have excellent vision and be
in top physical condition. They must have very good
eye-hand-foot coordination and have quick reflexes.
Special Requirements
A four-year college degree is normally required to enter
this occupation. Some specialties in the Army do not
require a four-year college degree, but are only open to
personnel who have been in the service for several years
and who are selected for a special pilot training program.
Although there are women helicopter pilots, some
specialties once were open only to men. (The Marine Corps
had no women helicopter pilots because all specialties
involve duty in combat aircraft.) However, this policy was
reevaluated and women now are admitted.
Work Environment
Helicopter pilots are stationed at military bases or aboard
aircraft carriers around the world. They fly in all types of
weather conditions. Helicopter pilots take off and land from
airports, forward landing areas, and ship landing decks.
Training Provided
Job training consists of 1 to 2 years of academic and flight
instruction. Flight training consists of at least 80 hours of
flying time. Training length varies depending on specialty.
Course content typically includes
n Principles of helicopter operation
n Principles of helicopter inspection
n Flying techniques and emergency procedures
n Combat skills and tactics
Helpful Attributes
Helpful fields of study include physics and aerospace, electrical,
or mechanical engineering. Helpful attributes include
n Strong desire to fly aircraft
n Determination to complete a very demanding
training program
n Self-confidence and ability to remain calm under
stress