What is a copilot gunner?

The Co-Pilot Gunner (CPG) sits in the front and although he is a fully qualified pilot and has flying controls too, his main job is to command the missions as well as his own aircraft, and is primarily responsible for firing the aircraft weapon systems.

Why does the Apache have two pilots?

The apache requires two pilots. You leave flight school and you are a PI and always will fly with a PC. Your commander makes you a PC when/if he decides you can do the job. Once you are a PC you may still fly as a PI with another PC.

What does an Apache gunner do?

The Apache has two cockpit sections: The pilot sits in the rear and the gunner sits in the front. As you might expect, the pilot maneuvers the helicopter and the gunner aims and fires the weapons. Both sections of the cockpit include flight and firing controls in case one pilot needs to take over full operation.

Is the Apache hard to fly?

As the most technically advanced helicopter in the world, the Apache AH Mk1 was also the hardest to fly…. It took six months just to learn how to fly the machine, another six to know how to fight in it, and a final six to be passed combat ready.

How do you become a Blackhawk pilot?

Be between 18-32 years old at the time of entry (some exceptions apply to 17 year-old applicants) Achieve a qualifying score on the Selection Instrument for Flight Training (SIFT) Earn a minimum of 110 General Technical (GT) score on the Armed Forces Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)

Where does an Apache pilot sit?

The pilots sit one behind the other. You can fly the aircraft from both seats, but on operations in Afghanistan, the mission commander tends to sit in the front seat to operate the sights, sensors and weapon systems, with the second pilot flying from the back seat, which has slightly better visibility.

How much do Apache pilots get paid?

Salary Ranges for Army Helicopter Pilots The salaries of Army Helicopter Pilots in the US range from $18,668 to $490,810 , with a median salary of $89,729 .

What is an army officer who flies an Apache helicopter called?

Army officers who fly Apache helicopters are known as aviation officers. This category includes all helicopters, such as the Chinook, Black Hawk, Apache and Kiowa.

How do I become an Apache helicopter pilot?

Depending on the type of helicopter and the specific mission, Army helicopters, such as the Chinook, may transport troops or supplies, or, in the case of the Apache, they may fly combat missions. The first requirement to becoming an Apache pilot is to meet the qualifications to become an Army officer. Army officers must be U.S. citizens.

Are there any Apache pilots in the military?

, Apache pilot. Previously a MH-47G crewchief with 160th SOAR (A) Yes. Both crew stations flight controls, (the pilot sits in the back and the co-pilot/gunner sits in the front), are set up nearly identical.

What is the difference between a co-pilot and an Apache weapons person?

The Co-pilot is usually a junior officer or a WO/CWO pilot with less flight experiences. I believe the Apache weapons person might be an enlisted person or can be a WO, but unlikely an officer (I was in the Navy).