Becoming a Pilot in the Military
The military keeps fleets of trained pilots for transport and combat. To ensure a steady supply of skilled pilots, the military offers many incentives, including free training and bonuses, to individuals who enlist. Because of these incentives and the large number of flying hours it takes to become a licensed pilot, the military has been a popular way to begin a career as a pilot.
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers
Overview
- Military pilot training programs take two years to complete.
- The middle 50 percent of military pilots earn between $76,000 and $120,000 a year.
- Military pay also comes with housing allowances, subsistence allowances, special incentive pay, and other bonuses.
Job Areas
As you might imagine, the military employs pilots in many different capacities. Airplane pilots transport supplies all around the world, in thousands of jet and propeller aircrafts. Specially trained fighter pilots captain supersonic jets and bombers on covert missions. Others fly special large airplanes that move huge numbers of troops. Intelligence gatherers are trained to fly airplanes at very high altitudes and take photographs of particular buildings or areas.
Military Training
The military training to become a pilot is some of the most rigorous that is offered in the service. The programs generally last two years, with the first year being basic pilots training, and the second covering advanced training in a particular type of aircraft. Pilots learn about flying in bad weather, jet engine operation, aircraft aerodynamics, and flight navigation systems.
Helicopter Pilots
Overview
- Military helicopter training programs contain academic course work and at least 80 hours of flying time.
- The middle 50 percent of military helicopter pilots earn $70,000 to $106,000 a year.
- Helicopter pilots may be stationed on military bases or aircraft carriers around the world.
Job Areas
Helicopter pilots perform key transport and combat roles in the military. They may use helicopters to move troops and supplies, conduct rescue missions, or provide combat support. Helicopter pilots must be able to fly in all sorts of weather conditions. Military helicopter pilots must know important skills, such as how to hover in one area and land and take off from airports, aircraft decks, or forward landing areas.
Military Training
The length of training necessary to pilot a helicopter in the military depends on the specialty the pilot wants to pursue. All programs include academic instruction on the principles of flight, as well as at least 80 hours of flying time. Classes typically cover helicopter mechanics, flight principles, emergency procedures, and combat skills.
Sources:
Airline Pilots, Co-Pilots, and Flight Engineers. (2011) MyFuture.com
Commercial Pilots. (2011) MyFuture.com