US Army's newest officer

[RzeroB]

Any update on flight school?

--Retired US Army CW5 (MI)

CW5?!   

[GoMangoBoys]

Several have asked for updates on my son's progress in the US Army flight school.  He has been flying simulators and helicopters since the early fall.  He has completed the basic flying and is instrument rated.  He scored a VERY high score on his instrument check ride.  He then did a Saturday class and test to get his FAA instrument rating.  He is not required by the Army to have that, but it is good to have.  He is currently in the portion of the flight training that they call "Basic War Fighter Skills" where they are learning combat tactics for flying.   At this time he is on the night flying portion where he is learning nighttime techniques including flying with night vision goggles.  In a few weeks, he will be assigned to the helicopter that he will fly for his military career.  The remainder of the training will be on that helo.  It will be either a Chinook, Blackhawk, or Apache.  Assignments are issued first on the Army's needs and second on the aviator's wants.

[MoparCarGuy]

Congrats to him for getting his rating! Hooah!

He will be able to say he went to Fort Rucker for flight school. The post is being renamed to Fort Novosel which is appropriate considering the significance of CW4 Michael Novosel's connection to Army aviation and his being a recipient of the Medal of Honor in Viet Nam.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBRRf9SQTwg
https://www.cmohs.org/recipients/michael-j-novosel

Go Army!
-Retired CW5 US Army (MI)

[Matt M]

Thats great about your son
Great accomplishment.


MoparGuy thanks for posting that video on
CW4 Michael Novosel.

I know a little about Army stuff. I was an Infantry Officer and my Brother is a retired CW4 too. He flew Cobras and Apaches.

[anlauto]

I think that's awesome news and you have something to be very proud of. I hope God (or your higher power of choice) keeps him safe

As a Father of a 20 year old son, personally I'm not sure my pride would be enough to overcome the fear of what could happen to him in this crazy world....Although I guess he could get hit by a bus crossing the road

[RzeroB]

In a few weeks, he will be assigned to the helicopter that he will fly for his military career.  The remainder of the training will be on that helo.  It will be either a Chinook, Blackhawk, or Apache.  Assignments are issued first on the Army's needs and second on the aviator's wants.

There are a lot of things that go into determining your aircraft assignment. Two of the most important factors are: "the needs of the Army" aka what aircraft types they have allocated for your class; and your class ranking. If you are ranked at the top of your class you get to choose from what is available; if you are not, you get what is left over that the top guys didn't want.

I was lucky enough to choose what I wanted to fly and I went with the Blackhawk. Never regretted that decision. Since the 'Hawk does a wide array of missions you fly more than the cargo or attack guys do.

Sounds like your son is doing great. Hope he excels and gets his first choice (hint, hint ... go Blackhawks!!).

not my pic ... but a very cool pic of a 'Hawk at sunset

[MoparCarGuy]

In Iraq back in 2006, the way to get around was by taking "Catfish Air". Check the schedule, get on the roster, and show up with your gear.
The Blackhawk crews were remarkable and consummate professionals. Blackhawk pictures below from Liberty Helipad on Victory Base Complex, Baghdad.
I would upload some MPG movies but our forum does not allow them. 

[RzeroB]

In Iraq back in 2006, the way to get around was by taking "Catfish Air". Check the schedule, get on the roster, and show up with your gear.
The Blackhawk crews were remarkable and consummate professionals.

Although it wasn't me, I'd like to say "your welcome" on behalf of all flight crews. Shortly after I upgraded to PIC (Pilot in Command) I was participating in an air assault. After landing in the PZ (pick up zone) the troops came running and scrambled on board. In that moment it struck me, how these soldiers, without hesitation, entrusted me with their lives. It's a tremendous responsibility. It's also why the training takes so long. 

[Swaplot]

That's awesome - congratulations. Pretty slick looking ride too!