How to Become an Army Pilot

Co-authored by Javier Diaz

Last Updated: February 8, 2023 References

Ever wanted to fly a helicopter or an airplane? The Army can help you do it—for free! There are a few basic requirements you have to meet, but if you qualify, it’s actually not too difficult to enroll in the Army’s flight training program. To make it a little easier for you, we’ve answered some of the most common questions that people have about what it takes to become an Army pilot.

Question 1 of 8:

What are the basic requirements to be an Army pilot?

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You have to be at least 18 and have a high school diploma or GED. The Army has a few requirements that you must meet in order to enlist and become a pilot including having a high school diploma (or equivalent GED), being a US citizen, being between 18-32 years old, and passing a physical exam.^{[1]
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You must be at least 64 inches (160 cm) tall. In addition to age and education requirements, the Army does have stricter physical standards for its pilots. You can’t be shorter than 64 inches (160 cm) or taller than 76 inches (190 cm).^{[2]
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You need to score well on the ASVAB and SIFT tests. In order to be considered to be an Army pilot, you’ll need to pass the Selection Instrument for Flight Training (SIFT) test. You’ll also need to score at least a 110 General Technical score on the Armed Forces Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) and be able to obtain a secret security clearance. Both of these tests are taken before you join the Army.^{[3]
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- You can prepare for your SIFT and ASVAB by taking special courses or by using workbooks and online materials to study for the tests.
- If you don’t score high enough on the ASVAB, you can wait 1 month and take it again.^{[4]
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Question 2 of 8:

How do you join the Army to be a pilot?

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Contact a recruiter and join the Army. Contact your local Army recruiting office and work with a recruiter to schedule your SIFT and ASVAB tests. They’ll also help you gather any materials you need and work with you if you need to improve your physical fitness in order to meet the Army’s standards. Once you complete the tests, you can enlist directly into the Army’s Warrant Officer Candidate School to train to become a pilot.^{[5]
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Complete 9 weeks of basic training. Every person who joins the Army goes to basic training, also known as “boot camp.” There, you’ll train with weapons and learn the traditions, tactics, and methods of being a soldier.^{[6]
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Enter into Warrant Officer Candidate School. If you’re accepted, you’ll complete a 6-week training and leadership program. Then, you’ll begin Warrant Officer Flight School, where you’ll start learning how to be a pilot!^{[8]
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Question 3 of 8:

How do you train to become an Army pilot?

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Complete your basic flight training. After you complete Warrant Officer Candidate School, you’ll take a basic flight course that lasts for 6 weeks. There, you’ll learn the basic mechanics of how to operate and maintain an aircraft.^{[9]
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Train for a specific aircraft after your basic flight training. Your specialized training involves either the Army’s helicopter fleet or their fixed-wing aircraft fleet. There, you’ll become an expert pilot of a specific type of aircraft, which can take about a year to a year and a half.^{[10]
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- For instance, you could specialize as CH-47 Chinook pilot or an AH-64A Apache pilot.

Question 4 of 8:

How do you apply for the Army’s flight school?

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Create a resume and draft an essay about why you want to be a pilot. If you don’t have one already, make a resume and include your skills, education, and work experience on your resume. Don’t worry if you don’t have a ton of experience. Just list every job you’ve worked as well as any charities or organizations you’ve volunteered with. Write an essay titled “Why I want to be an Army WOFT Aviator” and include all of your reasons for wanted to be an Army pilot and why you’re passionate about it.^{[11]
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- Your recruiter can also help you put together a resume and essay, so work with them to make sure your application looks good.
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Gather 3-6 letters of recommendation and your academic transcripts. Ask people you know and respect such as teachers that had an influence on you and any bosses that you think will write a good letter of recommendation for you. Quality recommendations can make a big difference, so spend some time reaching out to people and collecting them.^{[12]
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- If you have any friends or family members who were former service members, they may be a great person to ask!
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Complete the security questionnaire and submit your application. In order to become an Army pilot, you need to earn a secret security clearance, which requires an extensive background check and a detailed questionnaire. Once you’ve gathered all of your materials and completed the questionnaire, your recruiter can submit your application.^{[13]
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- Take your time and fill out every section of the questionnaire. If you leave anything blank or try to conceal something, it could affect your chances of getting into Army flight school.

Question 5 of 8:

How long does it take to become an Army pilot?

It takes between 12-18 months to complete your training. The time it takes for you to become a fully trained pilot can vary slightly. Depending on the aircraft you’re learning to fly, your total training could take between a year to a year and a half to complete.^{[14]
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Question 6 of 8:

Is it hard to become an Army pilot?

It’s challenging, but the Army needs more pilots. The training is rigorous, but if you were able to satisfy the initial standards (such as the SIFT and ASVAB score requirements), then you have what it takes to get the job done. It also may be a great time to become an Army pilot, because there’s currently a shortage of qualified pilots, so you may have a better chance at getting into flight school!^{[15]
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Question 7 of 8:

What does an aviation officer do in the Army?

An aviation officer leads flight platoons and helicopter operations. In addition to being an Army helicopter pilot, an aviation officer is also in charge of other helicopter pilots in the field. They also lead and command units of helicopters on operations and maneuvers.^{[16]
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Question 8 of 8:

How do you become an aviation officer in the Army?

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Complete a 4-year college degree and the Army officer course. All aviation officers must have a college degree prior to enlisting in the officer training program. Then, you’ll need to complete the Army’s officer course, where you’ll receive additional training about how to lead and command soldiers, as well as how to operate as an officer in the military.^{[17]
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Join flight school and specialize in a specific helicopter. After you complete the basic officer course, you can then enlist in the Army’s basic flight course, where you’ll learn the ins and outs of flying a helicopter. Then, you’ll spend up to a year or a year and a half in flight school learning how to pilot a specific helicopter, such as a C-12 Huron or the UH-60 Black Hawk. Once you graduate, you’ll be an aviation officer!^{[18]
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Community Q&A

Question

How long does it take to become an Army pilot after applying?

Kevin Zhou

Community Answer

The entire program typically takes a year, but a new initiative called Flight School XXI began churning out combat-ready chopper pilots in only nine months in October 2005 to meet demands in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Question

How long must I enlist for?

Community Answer

Army enlistment contracts range from 2-4 years long, and deployments usually last 9-12 months.
Question

Which subject must I do when I want to become an army helicopter pilot?

Community Answer

The term you are looking for is WOFT. The Army program known as the Warrant Officer Flight Training program. It's one of the more selective military programs.

Warnings

Avoid trying to conceal anything from your past when you’re enlisting or it could affect your chances of being accepted into flight school.

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