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Aviation talent demands

Bodily-Kinesthetic, Interpersonal, Spatial

Aviation officers must be able to understand, process, and translate vast amounts of data into understandable concepts. As such, they must master concepts across multiple disciplines (for example, air and ground combat operations) while integrating them into an operational perspective in order to support their maneuver partners.

Aviators must also be capable of rapid visualization, possess an acute sensitivity to visual details and spatial relationships, and be able to orient multiple dimensions with ease. They must think creatively and in an innovative and novel fashion, devising solutions and responses to unforeseen challenges in the most effective yet prudent fashion.

As a result, Aviation Officers quickly and effectively analyze situations, rapidly process and prioritize requirements and actions, communicate effectively, and make independent and integrity-based decisions.

The Aviation branch desires officers with academic backgrounds that span the entire spectrum of disciplines and majors offered at our nation’s undergraduate institutions. Broad individual experiences contribute to the success of the branch. As well, officers with an understanding of combined arms maneuver and its linkage to the Joint Force.

RELEVANT TRAINING / EXPERIENCE:

Cadet Troop Leading Time in combat arms, military intelligence, logistics, or air traffic control; small unit leadership responsibilities requiring independent operations with minimal oversight; leading higher ranking cadets or peers (1SG, CO, etc); leading small teams with an emphasis on communication, problem solving, executing under a stressful timeline; honor / respect leadership (not all inclusive).

RELEVANT CERTIFICATIONS / ACCREDITATIONS:

Airborne, Air Assault, Pathfinder, Civil fixed wing license; Combat Lifesaver; Master Fitness Trainer (not all inclusive).

(In addition to foundational):

  • Adaptable
  • Agile
  • Critical Thinker
  • Disciplined
  • Flexible
  • Independent
  • Initiative
  • Innovative
  • Intellectually Curious
  • Perceptive
  • Precise
  • Problem Solving
  • Prudent Risk Taker
  • Stress Tolerant
  1. PRUDENT RISK TAKER.  Acts boldly yet maintains appropriate focus upon personnel, Soldiers, and unit safety. 
  2. INTERPERSONAL.  Skilled in developing appropriate relationships.  Able to connect with others to achieve positive results.
  3. INTERDISCIPLINARY.  Synthesizes and applies knowledge from multiple disciplines into a coherent overarching perspective.
  4. SPATIALLY INTELLIGENT.  Easily perceives, understands, and operates within the multi-dimensional world.
  5. INNOVATIVE.  Creative, inquisitive, and insightful.  Easily identifies new solutions and catalyzes change.
  6. MULTI-TASKER.  Rapidly processes and prioritizes multiple demands simultaneously.  Takes appropriate action.

Qualifications FAQs

Q1:  Is there anything I need to do in advance to qualify for aviation?

A1:  Yes. You must take and pass the Selection Instrument for Flight Training (SIFT) and have a qualified flight physical (see details below in the medical FAQs).

First Step: Take and pass the SIFT. The SIFT is a measure of multiple aptitudes. It assesses mathematical skills and aptitude, the ability to extract meaning from written passages, familiarity with mechanical concepts and simple machines, the ability to perform mental rotations to determine the orientation of aircraft in 3-dimensional space, and the ability to quickly recognize patterns within objects and groups of images. The SIFT also measures an examinee's knowledge of aviation terminology, familiarity with aircraft components, and function, knowledge of basic aerodynamic principles, and a grasp of basic flight rules and regulations. A passing score is 40. If you score 40 or higher you have completed the first step in qualifying for aviation service in the army and are no longer authorized to retake the SIFT. If you score below a 40 you have one more opportunity to take the test again after 45 days. If you do not pass the test the second time you are disqualified from army aviation service. Once you pass the SIFT you will be able to schedule your flight physical.

Second Step: Schedule a Flight Physical. With a passing SIFT score your ROTC Cadre can assist you with scheduling your flight physical. If you experience difficulty with scheduling you can contact the AV Branch through the email at the bottom of this page.

Q2:  Can I be denied a flight physical if my SIFT score is below 50?

A2:  No. The minimum passing score is 40. You cannot be denied a flight physical if you pass the SIFT.

Q3:  When should I take the SIFT and schedule my flight physical?

A3:  We recommend you take and pass the SIFT as soon as you are ready and no later than the summer following your junior year. We recommend you begin your flight physical during the second semester of your junior year. If you have not completed the SIFT and/or flight physical and have questions or concerns about your timeline please reach out to the AV Branch by emailing us at the email address at the bottom of the page.

Q4:  How do I prepare for the SIFT?

A4:  Use study guides and consider a tutor, if necessary. There are study guides available online. Order the one that is right for you and prepare accordingly. If you need work on some areas, consider a tutor. The more prepared you are, the better your chances of passing, and the less stress you will experience before and during the test.

Q5:  Do I need to be a math whiz to pass the SIFT?

A5:  No. You can prepare for the SIFT like any other test. Prepare for the SIFT as recommended above to boost your confidence and achieve a passing score.

MEDICAL FAQS

Q6: I wear glasses / contacts. Can I branch Aviation without perfect vision?

A6: Yes. According to (AR 40-501) dated 27 JUNE 2019, “Standards of Medical Fitness” p. 33, para. 4–5. Vision conditions that do not meet the standards of medical fitness are the following:

a. Class 1. Any disqualifying condition must be referred to optometry or ophthalmology for verification.

(1) Uncorrected distant visual acuity worse than 20/50 in either eye. Each eye must be correctable to 20/20 with no more than one error per five presentations of 20/20 letters, in any combination, on either the Armed Forces Vision Tester (AFVT) or any projected Snellen chart set at 20 feet.

(2) Uncorrected near visual acuity worse than 20/20 in each eye; with no more than one error per five presentations of 20/20 letters, in any combination, on the AFVT or any Snellen near visual acuity card.

Accessions FAQs

Q7:  Do I need to have a degree in aerodynamics or engineering?

A7:  No. The Aviation Branch desires officers with academic backgrounds that span the entire spectrum of disciplines and majors. Broad individual experiences and diversity contribute to the success of the branch.

Q8:  Do I need to have a high GPA?

A8:  No. The Aviation Branch takes a holistic look at each Cadet. During the accessions process we take many aspects of your packet into consideration to include the difficulty of your degree program, TAB score, interview score, physical fitness, leadership positions, extracurricular activities, to name a few. Do not self-eliminate if you happen to have a lower GPA.  The Aviation Branch looks at GPA in relation to difficulty of degree(s), activity in school programs, volunteer organizations, community events, and more. 

Q9:  Do I need to be a private pilot, or be working toward earning a private pilot’s license?

A9:  No. Ground school, flight hours, certificates, or a license will assist you in understanding certain aviation topics while attending flight school, but they are not a requirement. You are attending flight school to be taught how to fly for the United States Army. Prior aviation experience is not required.

Q10:  I have a fear of water. How will I pass the dunker portion of training?

A10:  Dunker training is no longer part of the flight school curriculum. However, if you have identified this fear we recommend you take swimming lessons to overcome it. There are duty stations that conduct over the water training and we do not want you to wait until you are assigned to a unit that requires over water training for you to deal with a fear you can overcome now.

Q11:  What skills do I need to be an Aviator?

A11:  Aviation Officers must be able to understand, process, and translate vast amounts of data into understandable concepts. As such, they must master concepts across multiple disciplines (for example, air and ground combat operations) while integrating them into an operational perspective in order to support their maneuver partners. Aviators must also be capable of rapid visualization, possess an acute sensitivity to visual details and spatial relationships, and be able to orient multiple dimensions with ease. Aviation Officers must think creatively, in an innovative and novel fashion, devising solutions and responses to unforeseen challenges in the most effective, yet prudent fashion. As a result, Aviation Officers quickly and effectively analyze situations, rapidly process and prioritize requirements and actions, communicate effectively, and make independent and integrity-based decisions.

Q12:  I am prior service and already graduated from SERE-C. If I am selected for Aviation do I need to attend SERE-C again?

A12:  No. If you already completed SERE-C and have documentation of completion, you will not have to attend.

Q13:  Does prior experience with Army aircraft help my odds of being selected?

A13:  It can.  The Aviation Branch looks holistically at each Cadet competing for the branch.  Your military aviation background is no exception and will be taken into consideration. If you are wondering where you can present that information, you can do so by annotating your prior experience in your individual file in the free text entry under the "Experience" Tab and during your HireVue interview for the Aviation Branch.

Interview FAQs

Q14:  How will the Aviation Branch conduct interviews for cadets?

A14:  The interviews will be conducted online through the HireVue platform. Aviation will post questions in the platform and each question will have a time limit.  Cadet Command will communicate with and instruct all Cadets on the format and technology along with providing interview tips. The 2022 HireVue window opens 03 April 2023. 

Q15:  Is the HireVue interview required to compete for Aviation?

A15:  Yes.  If you do not complete the HireVue interview by the required deadline (published by Cadet Command) you will receive a Least Preferred for the Aviation Branch and will not be selected.

Q16:  What can I do to stand out during my interview?

A16:  Be familiar with the Army Aviation mission, the Aviation Talent Demand Slide, and your Talent Assessment Battery results. Look and act professional. Be aware of your background and inform roommates, friends, pets, and Family when you are conducting the interview to avoid unnecessary distractions. We do not want you to lose focus from a preventable interruption. Answer the questions honestly, and most important... be yourself.

Q17:  When should I select AV as my first choice?

A17:  AV encourages you to select AV as #1 right away and prior to your school’s cut-off date.  Computer issues, other deadlines, and life events can get in the way, and we do not want you to miss the deadline. 

OFFICER CANDIDATE SCHOOL FAQS

How can I apply for Army Aviation in OCS?

Refer to the OCS Aviation Branching Prerequisites Information Guide (PDF) for information on applying for Army Aviation in OCS. Download Guide

Contact Us

If you have questions about Army Aviation, our experts are here to help! Send an email to usarmy.novosel.avncoe.mbx.avn-commissioned@army.mil today!