Piloting in the Army vs Airline (or both?)

Posted by oush1k@reddit | aviation | View on Reddit | 9 comments

I’m currently enlisted in the Army as a Blackhawk maintainer and want to, eventually, pilot in the civilian world. I have two main options in mind with a third as a “what if”.

A) Become a warrant officer, pilot helicopters in the Army, retire around 40, start flight school, and fly for an airline

B) Finish my contract as a maintainer in a few years, then start flight school

C) Same as option A but pilot a helicopter for a company/agency

My questions are:

• Does the \~10-15 years piloting in the Army make a difference when it comes to completing flight school sooner and/or getting hired by an airline.

• I know I’d get more seniority in an airline piloting for one sooner but is that really worth it?

• Would it be easier to get hired as a helicopter pilot vs airline pilot after flying one in the Army?

• Do my military retirement benefits cover flight school?

• Is it even realistic for someone in their 40s to start flight school?

- Eager future pilot :)

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flyboy130@reddit

You need to look up and connect with RTAG.

If you want to be a W or an airline pilot both take initiative. Google is your friend. People will help nudge you in the right direction but you have to do the learning on your own, no one is going to hand it to you.

Teach a man to fish...

Round_Ad1065@reddit

Go civilian. Do NOT go army aviation. If you absolutely have to, then do the national guard route.

You won't fly. Despite the unit and what others may say. Even in the guard, some units (such as mine) have 3 aircraft up and running out of like 30 for 80% of the year. It isn't worth anyone's time to go army aviation. Period.

Use your gi bill to get flight training then instruct to get up to 1500hrs or whatever R-ATP you qualify for. Then enjoy life.

Again. If you have to go the army route, then join a states national guard and do it that way. Then once you return, go to infinity flight group in new jersey. You'll get all your ratings there and timebuilding time. You'll definitely meet r-atp mins this way.

daehawc@reddit

No one really cares about your helicopter time for airlines. There's some rotor transition paths but if you're starting from 0 rotor is a waste of time for your goal. (Helicopters are way more fun to fly though)

I'd get out and go to Sanders Aviation. They'll take you from nothing to a regional job offer. Get in while young and start earning seniority as soon as possible. It's literally worth millions to you vs staying in the Army.

dabarak@reddit

I know a guy (but not very well) who flew helicopters in the Army and then became an airline pilot. I don't know much about his career path, though, or what aircraft he flew as a civilian.

Another friend was a helicopter pilot in the Navy, then flew fixed-wing twin-engine aircraft (small ones for utility flying). When he retired he was picked up by an airline to fly 737s. I don't know how old he was when he retired from the Navy, but it would be 38 at the earliest, probably early 40s.

I know these are vague comments, but I think they show that what you have in mind is very possible.

KingBobIV@reddit

You wouldn't need to finish in the Army and then start civilian flight school. Sometimes airlines have transition programs for military helo pilots and they'll hire you straight out. When they don't, you can just get your rotary ATP based on your military experience and then pay to get a multi engine addon, which only takes a week or two.

Lensatic_wilkinson@reddit

I would ask again in r/flying, you are probably going to get more and better answers.

Ok_Recording81@reddit

If you can learn to fly for free, such as the WOFT program do that. Most airlines require a college degree. Plus you need hours and hours to get in with the airlines. Moat people who do not go thru the military, become instructors in GA to get the hours in. For the GI bill I found this.

+4 Post 9/11 GI Bill® Chapter 33 Flight School | US Aviation AcademyYes, the GI Bill covers flight school, but usually only for advanced training (instrument rating and commercial pilot license) after you have earned your private pilot's license. It typically covers Part 141 flight schools, with Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits capped annually for vocational training. VA.gov Home | Veterans Affairs VA.gov Home | Veterans Affairs +4 Key Details on GI Bill Flight Training: Requirements: You must hold a private pilot's license and a valid second-class medical certificate before training begins. Coverage Limitations: The GI Bill does not cover the initial Private Pilot License (PPL) unless it is part of a college degree program. Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33): Often covers up to 100% of costs at public universities and has a maximum annual cap for vocational training (e.g., $17,097.67 for Aug 2025 – July 2026). Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB-AD/SR): Covers 60% of approved fees for vocational training. Approved Programs: The training must be at a Part 141 or 142 school approved by the VA.