Helicopter Pilots

Background

Helicopters can take off from and land on small areas. They can also hover in one spot in the air. The military uses these versatile aircraft to transport troops and cargo, perform search and rescue missions, and provide close combat support for ground troops. Helicopter pilots fly the many helicopters operated by the services.

What They Do

Helicopter pilots in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

• Check weather reports to learn about flying conditions
• Fly helicopters by controlling engines, flight controls, and other systems
• Monitor gauges and dials located on cockpit control panels
• Perform combat maneuvers, spot and observe enemy positions, transport troops and equipment, and evacuate wounded troops
• Prepare flight plans showing air routes and schedules

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 career. 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. 

Helpful Attributes

Helpful attributes include:

• Determination to complete a very demanding training program
• Self-confidence and ability to remain calm under stress
• Strong desire to fly aircraft

Helpful School Subjects

No information available.

Helpful Fields of Study

Helpful fields of study include:

• aerospace
• electrical
• mechanical engineering
• physics

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.

Services offering this career:

• Air Force
• Army
• Marine Corps

Hiring Practices

To serve in the military, a person must be at least 17; the maximum age for enlistment varies. To enlist, a person must pass a physical exam and an aptitude test. An enlistee must also meet military standards of discipline and be a US citizen or permanent resident alien.

This position is for officers.

Wages

The military is competitive with the civilian world when it comes to pay and benefits. All branches offer the same basic pay and benefits.

Pay depends mainly on rank or grade as well as length of service. Bonuses and the situation in which the person is serving (for example: flight duty, sea duty, hazardous duty) also affect pay. 

Cost-of-living increases usually occur every year, based on inflation. The military also pays allowances for food, clothing, and housing. All these factors combined are called Regular Military Compensation (RMC). They should all be considered when comparing military pay to civilian pay.

There are two main parts to RMC: basic pay and allowances. There are also additional incentives for special abilities, training, or hazardous duty.

Check out the RMC Calculator to calculate your RMC based on your inputs.

Training Provided

Job training consists of one to two 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:

• Combat skills and tactics
• Flying techniques and emergency procedures
• Principles of helicopter inspection
• Principles of helicopter operation

Civilian Counterparts

Civilian helicopter pilots work for police forces, local commuter services, and private businesses. They also work as crop dusters, fire fighters, traffic spotters, and helicopter flight instructors.

Related Civilian Careers

• Airplane Pilots
• Astronauts

Employment and Outlook

In peace time the services have about 6,500 helicopter pilots. In times of military action the number may be different, depending on the type of specialties required. The services need new pilots each year due to changes in personnel and the demands of the field. After receiving their pilot rating, helicopter pilots are assigned to flying units. With experience, they may become group leaders or flight instructors. Helicopter pilots may advance to senior management and command positions.