Military Helicopter Pilot Careers

A career flying military helicopters offers excitement, challenge, and adventure. Military helicopter missions include transporting troops and equipment, anti-submarine warfare, troop helicopter escort, anti-armor, reconnaissance, and inserting/extracting special operations personnel.

The US Army is the largest operator of helicopters within the US military. A career as an Army Aviator will give you access to some of the most advanced helicopters in the world. Army aviators fly AH-64 Apache attack helicopters, AH-1 Cobra attack helicopters, CH-47 Chinook heavy lift helicopters, UH-60 Black Hawk utility helicopters, OH-47 Kiowa scout/light attack helicopters and the MH-6/AH-6 Loach special operations helicopters.

The US Navy uses helicopters for a wide variety of missions. Pilots who fly SH-60 Sea Hawks track submarines. MH-53 Sea Stallion pilots detect and clear mines in advance of ship traffic. Navy helicopter pilots who fly CH-46 Sea Knights specialize in transporting personnel and equipment.

The US Marine Corps uses the helicopter extensively. In fact the Marines invented and developed vertical envelopment warfare (using helicopters to rapidly move troops to key tactical and strategic positions). The AH-1Z Cobra is used to provide support to Marines on the ground. The CH-46 Sea Knight is used for tactical assaults and the CH-53E Super Sea Stallion is used for heavy lift. The Marines also fly a modernized version of the UH-1 Huey, a helicopter made famous during the Vietnam War, on utility and VIP missions.

The US Air force uses HH-60 Blackhawks for combat search and rescue and MH-53E Super Stallions for deep insertions and extractions of special operations troops.

Though not technically a member of the US armed forces, Coast Guard Aviators have a strong history of flying and fighting alongside the US military in times of conflict. The Coast Guard's primary roles are homeland security, law enforcement and search and rescue. They fly three types of helicopters. The HH-65 Dauphin is a short-range rescue helicopter. The HH-60 Jay Hawk is a medium/long range rescue helicopter and the MH-68 Stingray is an armed interdiction aircraft.

Military helicopter pilots have very rewarding careers. They fly with and support some of the best people this nation has to offer. The road to a career as a military helicopter pilot isn't easy but it's certainly within reach of anyone who has the commitment and the desire to succeed.

Robust Aerial Navigation in GPS-Denied Enivronments

This helicopter was developed at CSAIL at MIT, under Nick Roy. This vehicle has fully autonomous capabilities in GPS-denied environments. This video was submitted to the 2010 ICRA video contest.

Flight Delayed or Cancelled, Know Your Options

If your flight is cancelled or delayed for reasons other than weather, Rule 240 states that the airline should put you on the next available flight to your destination at no extra charge, even that means using another carrier.

Many ticket / counter agents are not familiar with Rule 240, and most will not offer it. It is up to you to inform them. Politely ask for a Supervisor if necessary, and be aware that Rule 240 may vary slightly based on the airline carrier.

Always remember to be polite, respectful and patient regardless of the circumstances. The ticket agent is not responsible for the delay, but that person could be your hero in the event of unexpected delays.

Rule 240 only applies for factors that are within the airline carrier's control.

Rule 240 applies in the event of Mechanical Problems, Misconnection, Substitution of Equipment or Class of Service, Schedule Change that requires you to be rerouted, Lack of Airline Crew, Schedule Change and Overbooked flights ("bumped").
Rule 240 does not apply in the event of Force Major events like weather, strike, labor disputes, civil commotions, war, government regulation, airport is closed, fuel shortage or "Acts of God".
If you are delayed more than Four Hours between the hours of 10 PM and 6 AM, you may be entitled to Hotel Accommodations, unless it is your home city of departure. This may include additional amenities at the discretion of the airline carrier as necessary for the safety and welfare of unaccompanied minors, senior citizens or disabilities.

It is important to note that specific language for Rule 240 varies by airline, and only applies for US domestic travel.

Print and keep a copy of Rule 240 in your carry-on bag, use only if necessary.

Share this information with other frequent flyers and business associates.

You can review and print your Free Copy of Rule 240 at http://www.executiveblueprints.com/traveltips.htm