Chopper

markhammond77

10-Year Member
5-Year Member
Joined
Sep 30, 2008
Messages
4
If I want to become a helicopter pilot in the army after the academy, how does it work?

Thanks,
Mark
 
Each USMA graduate is assigned to a branch of the Army prior to commissioning. The branch assigned is a function of the Cadet's choice and class rank. Aviation is one of the coveted, therefore competitive, branches so those who wish to become helicopter pilots need to rank high in the class as well as meet the physical requirements.
 
Ok thanks, but also, lets say for example you take engineering instead of something easier as a major. Its obviously harder to get a good grade on engineering so does that come into play on the "scale" they use?
 
No scale on your major. You can basically major in anything you want.
Basically, your class rank is comprised of your grades in your classes, your military grade and physical grade.

Branching is carried out according to the "needs of the Army". Right now the Army wants their officers to be happy - so they have added incentives. One incentive is to extend your ADSO in favor of the branch you want. Aviation already adds extra time on to your ADSO so you could be obligated for many years.

In branching, West Point is bound by law commission 80% of their graduates to Combat Arms branches. Aviation is a combat arms branch. It is one of the top 3 branches in popularity.

If all you want to do in the Army is fly choppers then go get your college degree and sign up as a Warrant Officer. You will then fly your whole career.
 
If flying is your first and main interest you might wish to check out the warrant officer program the Army offers.
 
Back
Top