Army Helicopter Pilot

Even the thought of being a helicopter pilot for the army sets my imagination reeling and it is reminiscent of my childhood days when watching helicopters and airplanes kissing the sky was filled with intense curiosity and wonder. While I grew up to realize my potential in some other field, I won't advise you to quit your dreams of being a pilot, if you really want to pursue this field seriously.

Becoming an Army Helicopter Pilot
There is no denying that flying aircraft is one of the most coveted careers in the US. You have to be very sure if you wish to become an army helicopter pilot as it is not only about the profession but also doing your bit for a larger cause, serving the US army and hence your country. The most beneficial criteria for students is that no higher education is required for being an pilot in this job. Students have to enroll in 'High school to Flight School Program' that first makes students warrant officers. Later, warrant officers are put in army flight school to become the helicopter pilots. So even after high school, you can start your career and head toward your dream of being a pilot.

Eligibility Criteria
For being an army helicopter pilot, a candidate has to satisfy the following points:

• You must be at least 18 years of age while joining the army and less than or equal to 33 years of age before you appear in front of military board for flight school programs.
• You must be a citizen of US. If a candidate is not a US citizen, he must apply for the same, at the earliest. Remember, however, five years of minimum residential stay in the country is important for a citizenship.
• If you satisfy the above 2 criteria, you'll have to appear for Flight Aptitude Selection Test, Armed Forces Vocational Aptitude Battery test and score 90 and 110 respectively, to get selected.
• Then, you're required to go for rigorous medical check ups. Ensure before you even think of army that your height, weight and vision are equivalent to the standard's set by the army. This process needs to be completed before you're declared eligible for joining a flight school.

Training
Once you're done with all formalities and eventually selected, you'll be required to attend a year or less duration training. In this helicopter pilot training program, you'll be provided training in two aspects, warrant officer training program and flying programs. Basic combat training and ability to fly choppers (that is what warrant officers do technically) and even flying helicopters with night vision goggles fit in front of the helmet (that limits field of vision to just 40 degrees!) are some of the skills in which army helicopter pilots are trained. Since their tasks are often required in wars, battles, natural disasters, they're trained to handle emergency transport of goods, foods and water to disaster hit areas. Rescue operations are another part in which training makes them perfect. For those seeking entry to army national guard helicopter pilot, there are also training modules and selection criteria (same as for normal pilots) set by the Army National Guard.

Salary
The pay scale in this profession is generally between US$45,000 to US$80,000 per year. When compared to the income of a helicopter pilot, these pilots are paid decently.

Your decision to become an army helicopter pilot must not only stem from the idea of loving to fly high in the sky. You've got to be aware of the practicality of your thoughts. Moreover, you must put sustained efforts to create a healthy body and mind so that you're able to face the tough challenges frequently encountered in this profession.