MIlitary Flight Hours

[rollthbns]

Hello!!

 

First off, thanks to all of you who put it on the line for the country!

 

I just have a quick question for Army pilots: (or any active duty military)

 

What are your average flight hours per month active duty? I know it probably varies quite a bit depending on what you are doing and where you are. (deployed for example)

 

I am just curious... Thanks!!

[FLHooker]

While I am an NG pilot... I can just say... Varies between airframes, deployments, and where you are stationed.

[Helo_Rookie]

While I am an NG pilot... I can just say... Varies between airframes, deployments, and where you are stationed.

 

 

Just my 02., As FLHooker said- its where you are and what you fly...I'm processing to be a Guard aviator so I can speak for Virginia's requirements- they fly 60's and each pilot is required to fly a minimum 40 hours monthly, from what I'm told their unit requirements are to be as proficient as an active duty pilot although on a "part time" basis .. so thats equals out to flying much more than one weekend a month! For me, thats heaven- the more flying time the better, not to mention it beats going the civilian route and being a CFI... Just my 02.

[Linc]

12-30 hours per month in peacetime. 50-90 hours per month when deployed. Give or take.

[rollthbns]

12-30 hours per month in peacetime. 50-90 hours per month when deployed. Give or take.

 

 

Thanks guys for the input! Now if I can only figure out a way to get into ANY branch of the mil as an aviator... hmmmmm... Im too darn old unfortunately. Thanks to all of you serving!

[dolphindriver]

Coast Guard Helicopter pilots average about 30 hours a month or 360 hours a year. While in the Army I was lucky to get 150 hours a year.

 

"I'm processing to be a Guard aviator so I can speak for Virginia's requirements- they fly 60's and each pilot is required to fly a minimum 40 hours monthly, from what I'm told their unit requirements are to be as proficient as an active duty pilot although on a "part time" basis .."

 

Helo Rookie, could you please verify those numbers you posted? It seems a bit high. I have never heard of any Army unit, let alone a guard unit requiring that many hours per pilot a month. This is about five times more flight time than what is required by active duty Army crews. How does a Guard unit afford that when active duty units couldn't?

 

In addition, for a Guard pilot to fly forty hours a month he would need to spend, at least by my numbers, a minimum of eighty hours (or two work weeks) a month on drills most likely more. Again, how can a guard unit afford that and how many Guard members can afford to take that much time out of their schedule whether it is away from work or family to drill?

Edited March 6, 2008 by dolphindriver

[ascott20]

We have the highest MEDEVAC optempo at my site in Iraq right now, and we're averaging about 25-45 hours a month depending on duty cycles and mission load. The Apache guys, the VIP, and the Air Assault units typically get more flight time, but they typically have a large number of pilots to spread the wealth with a few full time crewmembers. I've seen hour marks here as high as 80 hours a month for some of them, but those guys are rare for the most part.

 

In garrison, either as a Warrant or Regular Officer, you'll be lucky to see the inside of a helo. Our birds are always in maintenance getting overhauled or prepared for another deployment; nevermind the fact that all the money for flying is tied up in Iraq and Afghanistan.

 

I agree with Dolphin Driver, there is no way a guard unit can manage 40hrs a month per pilot. Maybe a year, since Guard and Reserve units have typically half the requirements of active duty, but not monthly. Active Duty only requires 96 hours a year for blackhawks as it is.

[FLHooker]

Alex, how's the sandbox brotha? Hope all is goin' well with you over there. And what are you talking about with the Guard/Reserves typically having half the requirement of AD? Is that a MEDEVAC thing?

 

Oh, and if you are ever in Daytona again, give me a call, I live in Palm Coast now.

 

 

 

CHAD

[Linc]

Sandbox? Alex didn't tell you? He's enjoying an all expenses paid vacation to an oasis wonderland, scenically situated between two historic rivers.

 

Of course, all this place needs is mountains. Oh, wait, then it would be Afghanistan...never mind.

Edited March 7, 2008 by Linc

[FLHooker]

Ha, nice!

[ascott20]

LOL, thanks guys... and Linc is exactly right as to where I'm located now.

 

As far as the requirements go, I now its not half, but I do belive 95-1 puts some nuances on Guard/Reserve pilots so it isn't as hard for them to meet their requirements... I think the 210 has some stuff in it too. Sorry haven't looked at it in awhile!!! (shhhh... our secret:))

 

Chad, things are going well man; although I will admit I wouldn't mind going home sometime soon:) It's getting hot as heck out here. I'll let you know when I get back to the States in the next century... gotta love 15 month deployments!

 

I might make a run for my CFI when I get home too, so if I end up in Daytona for a few days, I'll let ya know too. Have a good one!

 

Alex

[FLHooker]

Good stuff man, if you need a place to crash, we have a spare bed for you. Just let me know!

 

 

CHAD

[Helo_Rookie]

Coast Guard Helicopter pilots average about 30 hours a month or 360 hours a year. While in the Army I was lucky to get 150 hours a year.

 

"I'm processing to be a Guard aviator so I can speak for Virginia's requirements- they fly 60's and each pilot is required to fly a minimum 40 hours monthly, from what I'm told their unit requirements are to be as proficient as an active duty pilot although on a "part time" basis .."

 

Helo Rookie, could you please verify those numbers you posted? It seems a bit high. I have never heard of any Army unit, let alone a guard unit requiring that many hours per pilot a month. This is about five times more flight time than what is required by active duty Army crews. How does a Guard unit afford that when active duty units couldn't?

 

In addition, for a Guard pilot to fly forty hours a month he would need to spend, at least by my numbers, a minimum of eighty hours (or two work weeks) a month on drills most likely more. Again, how can a guard unit afford that and how many Guard members can afford to take that much time out of their schedule whether it is away from work or family to drill?

 

 

Absolutely, I go down for my second interview with the SAO on tuesday so I assume I'll get a more formal break down of the unit requirements for its aviators. As I mentioned before, when I went to take my FAST test and informally spoke with the CW4, he made it point to emphasize I would be asked to fly & train more than one weekend per month, he said their units mission requires them to be as proficient as active duty pilots regardless of "part time" basis... I'll be sure to ask for clarity during tuesdays meeting. I'm not sure how their guys can make that much time, I'm assuming some of them may be AGR pilots I guess? I'll keep you all posted on what happens tuesday.

[FLHooker]

Rook

 

Good luck man, and yeah, definitely let us know how it goes.

 

 

CHAD

[Helo_Rookie]

Rook

 

Good luck man, and yeah, definitely let us know how it goes.

 

 

CHAD

 

 

 

I stand corrected, I met the Bn commander and SAO today- each pilot is required to fly 96 hour annually/ 8 hours per month plus additional training, check-rides and simulator hours. Along with being an "M" Day pilot he said I can expect to give an additional 4-5 days each month to the unit for both flight time and training, but they're flexible on how I complete the hours/training. They do a lot of "tag" flights (not sure what that is) and they keep busy with the state missions here too (fire fighting etc). I didn't mention the "40" hours they stated previously... I'm thinking now perhaps they were including the simulator hours too?? or it was a gesture to see how serious I am about being an aviator and the level of committment required...(who knows)

[FLHooker]

Ha, yeah... who knows? 96 hours seems more better. I think you will be shocked at how many ground hours, etc... you will put in to get that 96 hours per year. Granted, some fly more than that, many do, it just all depends. That is just the minimum.

 

 

 

CHAD

[ftxag76]

Can anyone give those of us in the pipeline what the flight hours are looking like? Have the min and proficiency changed as of lately?

[akscott60]

They are always waiverable.

 

Seriously.

[electron_si]

Right now I am lucky to make my 8 hours annually as a guard pilot. Our blade hours, fuel money and AFTP's have all been cut, and word is next year will have more sim time, less flying.

 

I've waivered my semi-annual hours this year, it sucks.

 

Thats why I volunteered for a C-12 deployment . Hoping to get a few more hours over there.

[Rob Lyman]

Right now I am lucky to make my 8 hours annually as a guard pilot. Our blade hours, fuel money and AFTP's have all been cut, and word is next year will have more sim time, less flying.

 

I've waivered my semi-annual hours this year, it sucks.

 

Thats why I volunteered for a C-12 deployment . Hoping to get a few more hours over there.

In 60s? So far we are not limited in FL. I have already flown over 30 hours just two and a half months into my semi-annual period. AFTPs are limited to 48, but will likely be extended if you want/need. I am full time (IP and MTP), so it is easier to get the time, but my allotment is no higher than the M day pilots in our unit. FWIW, we are right at the two year mark post deployment.

 

Sim hours are limited mostly due to the proximity of the 60M TBOS. We have to travel from Florida to Connecticut for the simulator.

 

It looks like hours vary significantly from one state to another.

[electron_si]

In 60s? So far we are not limited in FL. I have already flown over 30 hours just two and a half months into my semi-annual period. AFTPs are limited to 48, but will likely be extended if you want/need. I am full time (IP and MTP), so it is easier to get the time, but my allotment is no higher than the M day pilots in our unit. FWIW, we are right at the two year mark post deployment.

 

Sim hours are limited mostly due to the proximity of the 60M TBOS. We have to travel from Florida to Connecticut for the simulator.

 

It looks like hours vary significantly from one state to another.

 

 

I'm not sure what we can/cannot talk about as far as readiness so maybe i shouldn't say anymore, but no we do not have the hours we need or would like.

[ftxag76]

Electron, are you referring to AD or guard?

[SBuzzkill]

Guard, he says that on the first page.

[Kiowa88]

For the OH-58D side (for the time being) the only guys flying consistently are our IPs. And by consistently I mean every day....Everyone is else is MAYBE getting 2 flights a month with about 2-4 flight hours per flight. Sucks a big one right now.

 

Lots of time for those amazing additional duties.