More questions for Army WOFT graduates...

[be76pilot]

Hey all, thanks for your encouragement from my previous posts about this subject. I will hopefully be getting a waiver into the Army very soon.

1. How much PIC time (ballpark) would you get during the 6 yr. commitment, assuming that you are in the helicopter that flys the most? Which helicopter flys the most?

2. Do you start out as a copilot or PIC on your selected helicopter after flight school? Does this depend on which helicopter you select?

3. Is there an inactive reserve period after your 6 yr. commitment ends?

Thanks in advance.

 

[be76pilot]

...bump

 

[Birdstrike]

Be,

All the active duty guys are out killing bad guys or training so I'll take a shot at your post.

After flight school, you'll join your unit for additional mission training in your aircraft. You'll fly copilot for at least a year before being recommended for a PIC ride. Hours will be in the ballpark of 20-40 per month if you're assigned to a unit in a corps or divisional aviation brigade, more if you're assigned to an Air Cav unit. Double that if your unit is deployed, reduce it by half if you've just come back from deployment. These are broad strokes, much will vary depending upon your unit's mission and optempo. In general, attack and assault airframes fly more than utility, training, admin, or maintenance birds.

You'll have to read the fine print on your commitment. If yours is for six years, the balance can normally be spent in a Guard, or Reserve unit after your initial active duty commitment is met. After that, you're done unless you choose to be placed in the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) where you are subject to call-up.

Good luck with your waiver and your future career!

 

[be76pilot]

Thanks birdstrike.