Expert: Rod Powers - 3/27/2007

Question
QUESTION: I have always entertained the thought of becoming a pilot, but certain things have stopped me from pursuing it in the past.  These obstacles no longer exist for me.  I am 25 and have 105 quarterly cr. hrs.  of college.  The only physical defect I have is that I had a surgery for a dislocated shoulder about 3 years ago, and I have not had problems with it since.  I have a decent job and would like to keep it, so I'm thinking about going into the National Guard.  From what people tell me, my best bet is to enlist in their aviation program as a mechanic or technician and then apply for flight school after a year or two.  Just wondering what your honest thoughts are on this.  Thanks.
ANSWER: Hi Nick,

As long as the surgery isn't causing you any problems, it probably won't be a factor.

To become a pilot in any of the services (except the Army, which I'll explain in a minute), you must first obtain a bachelors degree. You must then pass a flight aptitude test, and go through a commissioning program (ROTC or OCS/OTS, depending on the service). The process is competitive -- ie, there are only so-many slots per year, and you compete (college grade point average, test scores, etc.) with others who are applying that year, for a limited number of slots (everyone and their brother and sister want to become pilots -- you're not alone in the sandbox, and you have to score better than the others in other to be selected).

Becoming enlisted first won't improve your chances. Lot's of enlisted recruiters will tell you it will, but that's pretty much a line a bull (enlisted recruiters just want to enlist you). The process is competitive, whether you are current enlisted or a civilian applicant (the best records, including college GPA and officer test scores get selected).

You also have to keep an eye on the age requirements (see: http://usmilitary.about.com/od/joiningthemilitary/l/blpilotage.htm), especially as you have a ways to go to finish your bachelor's degree before you are even a factor.

Now, the Army Exception I mentioned. One can apply to become an Army Helicopter Pilot (as a Warrant Officer) without a college degree. However, the process is still very competitive.

Hope this helps!

Rod Powers
http://usmilitary.about.com




---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Is one more likely to be selected to become a Warrant Officer in the army or guard if you're already enlisted than if you're just a civilian?

Answer
Hi Nick,

I assume you're talking about a Warrant Officer Helicopter Pilot?

For most Army Warrant Officer jobs, it requires 6 to 12 years of enlisted experience. Warrant Officer Aviation Candidates (helicoper pilots) is the lone exception.

Whether or not you have enlisted experience is not much of a factor, to become an Army Warrant Officer (aviation candidate). You can read about the requirements in my article at: http://usmilitary.about.com/od/armyjoin/l/blprogram5.htm.

Hope this helps!

Rod Powers
http://usmilitary.about.com