Who Flies Helicopters In The Military?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Helicopter pilots

are responsible and skilled officers who control and fly the many helicopters operated by the Services. They also perform combat maneuvers, spot and observe enemy positions, transport troops and equipment, and evacuate wounded troops.

Which branch of the military only flies helicopters?

The primary mission of

the USAF

is to fly planes, helicopters and satellites.

Who makes helicopters for the military?

Name Role Manufacturer Lockheed AH-56 Cheyenne Attack helicopter

Lockheed Corporation
Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk Utility helicopter Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Sikorsky HH-60 Pave Hawk Combat Search and Rescue helicopter Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Eurocopter UH-72 Lakota Utility helicopter Eurocopter

What are helicopter pilots called in the army?


Aviation Warrant Officers

, also called Army Pilots, are an elite force of highly-trained and skilled aviation experts in the Army. They fly some of the most exciting, technologically-advanced aircraft in the world and lead a wide range of aviation missions.

How do you become a helicopter pilot in the Army?

  1. Age Requirement. You need to be at least 18 years old when you enlist in the Army, and you have to appear before the military board that selects candidates for flight school before turning 33 years old. …
  2. Citizenship. Military Members Become Citizens. . …
  3. Testing. …
  4. Physical Condition. …
  5. Training.

What military branch goes in first in a war?


The Marines

are often the first on the ground in combat situations, leading the charge when conflict arises. They also serve on Navy ships, protect Naval bases and guard U.S. embassies.

What military branch pays the most?

The highest ranking enlisted Marine, Sgt. Maj of the

Marine Corps

Ronald Green, makes over $90,000 a year in base pay alone. Military officer pay is much higher. Newly commissioned officers make about $38,250 a year.

How many helicopters does the US military have?

The Army currently operates

over 1,200 attack/reconnaissance helicopters

; about 700 AH-64 Apache attack helicopters and over 500 OH-58C Kiowa and OH-58D Kiowa Warrior observation helicopters.

Can you buy military helicopters?


Yes it is possible to buy old military aircraft

; they are frequently listed in the pages of aircraft sales periodicals like Controller, Trade-A-Plane, Barnstormers, etc.

What is the cost of a military helicopter?

The unit cost of the H-60 models varies due to differences in specifications, equipment and quantities. For example, the unit cost of the Army's UH-60L Black Hawk is

$5.9 million

while the unit cost of the Air Force HH-60G Pave Hawk is $10.2 million.

What rank are Army pilots?

Army helicopter pilots are often designated as officers by

warrant as a specialist

, rather than by commission. A new warrant officer is designated as W-1 on the pay scale. As of 2020, a warrant officer with less than two years' experience was paid $3,213 a month.

How long is Army helicopter pilot school?

How long is training to become an Army helicopter pilot? Without a degree, you'll need

10 weeks of Basic and 5 to 7 weeks of Warrant Officer School

. With a degree, Officer Candidate Training is 12 weeks long. Flight School is 32, weeks and specialty training 14 to 23 weeks.

How much does a Army helicopter pilot make?

Salary Ranges for Army Helicopter Pilots

The salaries of Army Helicopter Pilots in the US range from

$18,668 to $490,810

, with a median salary of $89,729 . The middle 57% of Army Helicopter Pilots makes between $89,734 and $223,331, with the top 86% making $490,810.

Is it hard to become a helicopter pilot in the Army?

It is a

physically and mentally challenging endeavor

. Once achieved it requires regular practice and study to remain proficient. As far as getting accepted, right now it is easier than it has been in a long time. Pilots in the army are in extremely short supply.

How long is an army pilot contract?

New Army aviators will incur

10-year service

obligations, up from six, starting in October. Commissioned and warrant officers who enter flight training starting in October will incur a 10-year service obligation once they become rated Army aviators, according to guidance published Aug. 12.

What is the best helicopter to fly in the Army?


The Black Hawk

is the backbone of Army Aviation, having replaced the Huey in 1980s as the Army's go-to medium lift utility helo. Highly adaptable, rugged, and dependable, it's no surprise that the 160th would choose this aircraft as the core of their fleet.

David Evans
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David Evans
David is a seasoned automotive enthusiast. He is a graduate of Mechanical Engineering and has a passion for all things related to cars and vehicles. With his extensive knowledge of cars and other vehicles, David is an authority in the industry.