Expert: David A. NewMyer - 8/9/2008

Question
Do helicopter pilot learn on fix wing first?

How much does it cost to get a pilot license ? and then a helicopter license ?

How much $ do civilian helicopter make ?

Is the army the best branch of service to fly attack helicopters?

If a person goes into the army through ROTC, and gets accepted into the aviation program, how much flying will they do in the first 3 years of service?

How much flying time do army reserve officers get?

Answer
Hi, Robert:

Thanks for your question, I will try to assist!

Generally, no, helicopter pilots can learn to fly helicopters without flying anything else.  For example, if you go into the Army and then decide to go into the Warrant Officer Flight Program (which is how they train the vast majority of their helo pilots in the Army), you do not have to have prior experience with flying.

As far as flying attack helicopters, you have two choices:  The Army and the Marine Corps.  The Army has more attack helicopters numerically, so, that is probably your best choice.

As far as Army ROTC and getting accepted into aviation, keep in mind that these slots are relatively few in number.  Also, your amount of flying as a regular Army pilot will be generally less than a Warrant Officer Flight person because, as a regular officer, you will have collateral duties to perform (the Warrant Officer Flight people generally have less collateral duties to perform).  So, again, you might think about going Warrant Officer flight if flying is what you really want to do.

Keep in mind, however, that I would still recommend that you do a bachelor's degree at some point since having that degree will make you more competitive in the civlian job market.

As far as what civil helicopter pilots make, check out the website of the Helicopter Association International at www.rotor.com and I think you can find salary information there.

Best wishes to you,

David A. NewMyer, Ph.D., Professor and Chair
Aviation Management and Flight
Southern Illinois University Carbondale