ADJUTANT GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT
Post Office Box 5218
Austin, Texas 78763-5218
512-782-5167
JFTX-ARM-AV
11 July 2006
STATE AVIATION OFFICE
1. Thank you for your interest in Texas Army National Guard Aviation. Periodically, qualified
individuals who meet the rigorous selection criteria are chosen to attend flight school. If you are
interested in pursuing this challenge in the Army National Guard then your first point of contact
should be the Army Aviation Support Facility (AASF) nearest your home of record to begin the
application process:
Austin Army Aviation Support Facility
3711 Fighter Drive, Austin, Texas 78719-2557
Commander: LTC Michael Dye
Telephone: (512) 782-3154
Dallas Army Aviation Support Facility
1009 Lakecrest Drive
Grand Prairie, Texas 75051-3497
Commander: LTC Wayne Sinibaldi
Telephone: (512) 782-6456
Houston Army Aviation Support Facility
Ellington Field, Bldg 1173
Houston, Texas 77034-5597
Commander: CPT John B. Baldwin
Telephone: (512) 782-6348
San Antonio Army Aviation Support Facility
5500 IH-10
San Antonio, Texas 78219-4599
Commander: LTC Michael Dye
Telephone: (512) 782-3154
2. The enclosed training guide reflects current DA policies and regulations as of 12 September
2002. These policies are subject to change without notice.
I. SELECTION PROCESS:
The selection process is not limited to but will include the following:
1. Prior to being considered for Flight School or taking the Alternate Flight Aptitude Flight
Selection Test (AFAST), applicants must present a letter of recommendation from their unit
commander through an Army Aviation Support Facility Commander to the State Aviation
Officer (Enclosures 1/3) with a strong endorsement.
2. Applicants must successfully pass the AFAST (Enclosure 8).
An information
pamphlet/study guide is available at all Army Aviation Support Facilities (AASF) and the
State Aviation Office. Coordinate directly with an AASF listed above for the administration
of the AFAST.
3. Successful completion of a Class 1 (Warrant Officer Candidates) or Class 1A (commissioned
officers) Flight Physical. Coordinate with an AASF to schedule a Class 1 or 1A Flight
Physical at a military facility. All Flight Physicals are sent to Fort Rucker for final review
and approval. The wait time for this final review can vary from a few weeks to several
months.
4. An interview. Schedule an appointment to be interviewed by a Facility Commander. The
Facility Commander may recommend a follow on interview by an aviation unit commander.
5. Completion of the application packet. Initiate an application packet which will include the
following:
a. Commissioned officers should meet all requirements and include all documents listed
in Enclosure 1
b. Enlisted personnel and Warrant Officer Candidates (WOC) should meet all
requirements and include all documents listed in Enclosure 3
c. Enlisted personnel must provide their unit administrator the following documents in
support of their application for Federal Recognition as a Warrant Officer IAW
Chapter 3 and Appendix B of NGR 600-101. (Enclosure 3)
d. A Certificate of Height and Weight is required to be submitted with all packets
e. Provide evidence of highest civilian education (Transcript)
6. Submission of the application packet through appropriate command channels. As per NGR
611-110, an Order of Merit List and final approval of all application packets will be
determined by the State Aviation Officer.
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7. Federal recognition. Enlisted candidates must meet with the Federal Recognition Board for
an appointment as a Warrant Officer, as directed. Appointment to grade is contingent upon
completion of training.
II. PREREQUISITES FOR ENTRY INTO INITIAL ENTRY ROTARY WING COURSE
Complete selection and processing procedures for applicants to IERW are in Chapter 2, NGR
611-110. Below is a prerequisite quick reference guide.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Applicants must:
1. Complete basic training and be a Reserve Component officer or be in training for a
commission or warrant.
2. Be at least a high school graduate to become a Warrant Officer (preference is given to those
who have at least attended college)
3. Must be of good moral character and have no military or civil court convictions as defined in
NGR 611-110
4. Obtain a score of 90 or better on the AFAST (DA Circular 611-110) NOTE: Applicants who
fail to make a 90 or better may retest only once after six months
5. Not be older than 33 years of age at start of flight training.
6. Be medically qualified IAW AR 40-501
7. Meet height and weight standards
8. Applicants are selected from the above criteria and:
a. The results of the AFAST Exam
b. Academic Qualifications
c. Aviation experience
d. Demonstrated performance and potential
9. Not have been eliminated from a previous course of military sponsored flight instruction
(precludes entry to Army Aviation flight training)
10. Have at least three years service remaining prior to ETS (WOC) at the time of issuance of
orders, current enlistment may be extended to meet this requirement
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III. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How competitive is the application process?
The process tends to be very competitive. Successful applicants usually have prior military
service, a college degree, no waivers, and a high AFAST score.
What are the physical requirements?
All candidates must pass a thorough fitness exam and be carefully screened in accordance with
AR 40-501 (Enclosure 7). Areas that most often tend to disqualify include:
Visual acuity
Hearing
Inability to meet anthropometric dimensions (height, measurements)
What does flight school entail?
This depends on your commissioning source. All newly commissioned Aviation Lieutenants
attend the Aviation Officer Basic Course (AVOBC), including Initial Entry Rotary Wing
(IERW) training, at the United States Army Aviation Center (USAAVNC), Fort Rucker,
Alabama. Training is conducted in three phases. Phase I is a two-week introductory phase.
Phase II is thirty-two weeks of flight training, and Phase III is 6 weeks of war fighting and
leadership training. Phases I and III include training on general military subjects such as
leadership, weapons, combined arms operations, physical training, and field training. IERW, or
"flight school,” consists of basic flight, aerodynamics, meteorology, aeromedical, instrument
flight, and combat skills training. Training progresses from the preflight through the primary and
instrument qualification phases in the TH-67 aircraft. Combat skills training is then conducted in
an OH-58 aircraft. Upon completion of all phases of OBC, officers are awarded the Army
Aviator Badge (their “wings”). Upon completion of AVOBC, officers normally return to Texas
serving as platoon leaders and executive officers while awaiting an Advanced Qualification
Course (AQC) in the AH-64 Apache, UH-60 Blackhawk, or CH-47 Chinook. Beginning
sometime in the FY03/04 timeframe, “Flight School 21” will facilitate AQCs being incorporated
into IERW.
Warrant Officers are accessed into the Aviation Branch through the Warrant Officer Candidate
School (WOCS). Upon completion of the WOCS, candidates are appointed to the rank of WO1.
This appointment is conditional until successfully completing the Warrant Officer Basic Course
(WOBC). WOBC for rated AWOs consists of initial entry rotary wing (IERW) "flight school"
(32 weeks) followed by the Aviation Warrant Officer Professional Development Course (4
weeks, 2 days). All rated WO1s receive Army Aviator Wings after completing WOBC and a
153A MOS. Upon completion of WOCS, Warrant Officers normally return to Texas while
awaiting an Advanced Qualification Course (AQC) in the AH-64 Apache, UH-60 Blackhawk, or
CH-47 Chinook. Beginning sometime in the FY03/04 timeframe, “Flight School 21” will
facilitate AQCs being incorporated into IERW. Aviation service entry date (ASED) for AWOs
begins upon receiving a conditional appointment to the rank of WO1 and starting flight training.
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Aviation service entry date is the start date used to calculate months of total operational flying
duty credit (TOFDC) to achieve aviation career incentive pay (ACIP) “gates” IAW AR 600-105.
A great resource for current information on IERW and the Aviation branch is Ft. Rucker’s
website:
http://www-rucker.army.mil/
What obligation is incurred upon selection?
Officers and Warrant Officers will incur a six-year contractual obligation as an active ARNG
member upon completion of undergraduate aviator training (NGR 611-110).
Can waivers be granted for age and vision?
Age waivers are sometimes granted on a case-by-case basis (Enclosure 7). Candidates for PRK
or LASIK surgery and individuals who have already had surgery are able to apply for accession
studies and may be eligible for waivers or exceptions to policy (Enclosure 7).
Additional Questions?
Contact the facility commander listed on the front page or the State Aviation Office, Operations
and Training Section, (512) 782-5635 or 5484.
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Additional Frequently Asked Questions (WOC)
No, while college is preferred, it is not a mandatory
prerequisite. Many potential applicants confuse the two.
Will not having college keep me
The prime example of this is the individual who waits to
from being selected for Warrant
apply until he/she completes college and then exceeds the
Officer Flight Training?
age limit.
Rarely. The individual's packet must be very strong.
Keep in mind the time it takes to be boarded and then
assigned a class date for WOCS and WOBC. The Army
Are age waivers approved?
will spend a lot of time, money, and resources into your
training. The current age limits set conditions for
applicants to serve a 20-year career in the Army.
Although there have been studies showing a slight
decrease in response times past 30, age has little to do
with your physical health at the time of application. Once
I am 32 years old and in great
health. Why is it so hard to get an selected, the Army will spend a lot of time, money, and
resources into your training. The current age limits set
age waiver approved?
conditions for you to serve a full 20-year career as an
Army aviator.
The WOCS is six weeks of intensive training in military
development, related academics, and rigorous physical
training conducted in an Officer Candidate School type
atmosphere. All instruction is branch immaterial and
What kind of training will I receive
prepares enlisted personnel for transition to warrant
in the course at the Warrant
officer (WO) status. It makes them more aware of and
Officer Candidate School
able to cope with the responsibilities of an Army WO. In
(WOCS)?
addition to being tested mentally and physically in a
highly stressful atmosphere, the candidates are required to
maintain very high standards of military bearing,
appearance, and moral character.
The female candidates reside in separate rooms of the
Where do female candidates live
same buildings as the male candidates. They perform the
while going through WOCS
same duties and work side-by-side with the male
training?
candidates throughout the course.
Financial plans are part of taking care of your family.
Ensure that you are aware of any increase or decrease of
income because of attending the WOCS. Be specific with
What financial plans should I make
numbers, do not round off or assume that you will earn
prior to arriving at Fort Rucker?
"X" amount of dollars. Due to severe time constraints
during active training, there is little time for personal
affairs. Ensure that you plan.
Should I bring any civilian flight
No. These items are not necessary. All of the equipment
equipment, like E6B computers,
you will need will be provided, to include NOMEX flame
sunglasses, or instrument flight
resistant uniforms and flight helmets.
rules charts?
6
While attending Flight School, in
what aircraft will I be trained?
How long is Flight School?
Initial training for all WOs will be in the TH-67 Training
Helicopter. Upon completion of instrument training,
WOs will continue their training by transitioning
(qualifying) into their advanced aircraft.
Flight school is 32 weeks, followed by another 4 weeks of
professional development training. Afterwards, you will
attend an AQC ranging in length from 6 –14 weeks. The
average WO spends over 1 year at Ft Rucker completing
training.
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ENCLOSURE 1
COMMISSIONED OFFICER, AVIATION
(DA CIR 600-94-1 & AR 611-110)
1. Must be at least 18 years old, but have not reached 32 years old at the time of the application.
2. Aviation Unit Commander’s Recommendation Memorandum, should have a strong
commander’s recommendation and must contain the following certification: “I certify that
(rank & name) successfully passed the Army Physical Fitness Test consisting of pushups, situps, & the two mile run with score (score) on (date); the verified height is (feet & inches) and
the verified weight is (lbs.).”
3. Must have a score of 90 or higher on the Alternate Flight Aptitude Selection Test DA Form
6256 (AFAST)
4. Must be a reserve component commissioned officer
5. Must show evidence of a bachelors degree in order to be promoted to Captain (Official
transcript for college level courses)
6. SF 88 & 93 (Class 1A Flight Physical Exam DA CIR 601-94-1 within 1 year)
7. Must have a Height and Weight Statement (within 60 days)
8. Annual Medical Certificate (Appendix B, NGR 40-501)
9. Copy of waivers granted by TAG, NGB or SAAO if required
10. Copy of orders clearing position vacancy or Commanders statement verifying position
projected to be vacated within 2 years
11. DD Form 214, or similar documents to substantiate prior service
12. Birth Certificate or statement (Fig 3-1, NGR 600-101)
13. Verification of SSN (Statement NGR 600-101 Figure3-3)
14. Security Clearance Statement from AGTX-PAS (Do not copy DA 873)
15. DA Form 705 (PT Test) (within 1 year/AGR 6 months)
16. DA Form 2-1 (Certified True Copy)
17. All Officer Evaluation Reports (OERs)/Tech Appraisals (if Military Tech)
18. Evidence of Citizenship
19. DA 4187 (Personnel Actions)
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ENCLOSURE 2
APPLICATION FOR ARMY AVIATION TRAINING
(Commissioned Officer)
OFFICE SYMBOL
Date
MEMORANDUM THRU (The appropriate command channels)
FOR The Adjutant General of Texas, (JFTX-ARM-AV), P.O. Box 5218, Austin, Texas
78763-5218
SUBJECT: Application for Army Aviation Flight Training
I volunteer for Army Aviation flight training in rotary wing aircraft.
I have not been eliminated from a military course of flying instruction.
Previous flight training and aviation experience:
Military rating. If previously rated, enclose a copy of your rating order and statement of military
flying time. Statement will include suspensions from flying status, if any currently or previously
imposed.
Civilian pilot certification. Enclose a copy of your civilian pilot certification, current ratings
held, and total civilian flying time.
Aircraft engineering or mechanical experience.
Other aviation experience.
It is understood that upon entry into flight training I will incur the service obligation specified in
paragraph 1-6, AR 611-110; and that I will be obligated to serve in aviation assignments for a
minimum of 6 years after completing training.
Current address. Home and work phone numbers.
Remarks: Other explanatory materials.
SIGNATURE BLOCK
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OFFICE SYMBOL
SUBJECT: Application for Army Aviation Flight Training
5 Encls
1. DA Form 6256 (AFAST Score)
2. College Transcript
3. DA Form 705 (APFT Scorecard)
4. Certificate of Height and Weight
5. SF 88, SF 93, EKG Tracing (approved by the U.S. Aeromedical Center)
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ENCLOSURE 3
WARRANT OFFICER FLIGHT SCHOOL
(DA CIR 600-94-1 & AR 600-101)
FEDERAL RECOGNITION BOARD
1. Must be at least 18 years old, but have not reached 32 years old at the time of the DA
Selection Board.
2. NGB Form 62 (with 1st and 2nd endorsement and position, paragraph & line numbers)
3. Aviation Unit Commander’s Recommendation Memorandum, should have a strong
commander’s recommendation and must contain the following certification: “I certify that
(rank & name) successfully passed the Army Physical Fitness Test consisting of pushups, situps, & the two mile run with score (score) on (date); the verified height is (feet & inches) and
the verified weight is (lbs.).”.
4. Must have a score of 90 or higher on the Alternate Flight Aptitude Selection Test DA Form
6256 (AFAST)
5. WO MOS related schools (DA Form 1059 or diploma)
6. WO MOS related civilian training and experienced received
7. SF 88 & 93 (Class 1 Flight Physical Exam DA CIR 601-94-1 within 1 year)
8. Must have a Height and Weight Statement (within 60 days)
9. Annual Medical Certificate (Appendix B, NGR 40-501)
10. Copy of waivers granted by TAG, NGB or SAAO if required
11. Copy of orders clearing position vacancy or Commanders statement verifying position
projected to be vacated within 2 years
12. DD Form 214, or similar documents to substantiate prior service
13. Birth Certificate or statement (Fig 3-1, NGR 600-101)
14. Verification of SSN (Statement NGR 600-101 Figure3-3)
15. Statement of Understanding (Format NGR 600-101 Figure 9-1)
16. Security Clearance Statement from AGTX-PAS (Do not copy DA 873)
17. DA Form 705 (PT Test) (within 1 year/AGR 6 months)
18. DA Form 2-1 (Certified True Copy)
19. All enlisted NCOERS/Tech Appraisals (if Military Tech)
20. Evidence of Citizenship
21. DA 4187 (Personnel Actions)
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ENCLOSURE 4
APPLICATION FOR ARMY AVIATION TRAINING
(Enlisted)
OFFICE SYMBOL
Date
MEMORANDUM THRU (The appropriate channels.)
FOR The Adjutant General of Texas, (JFTX-ARM-AV), P.O. Box 5218, Austin, Texas
78763-5218
SUBJECT: Application for Army Aviation Warrant Officer Candidate Flight Training
I volunteer for Army Aviation flight training in rotary wing aircraft.
I have not been eliminated from a military course of flying instruction.
The following information is submitted
Name
Grade
Current Address
Social Security Number
Highest Education, civilian and military (total credit hours if not degreed)
Completed basic training
Aptitude Area GT score
ETS
Age
Height
Weight
I have no known medical conditions that would disqualify me from meeting Class I medical
standards for flight status.
Previous flight training and aviation experience:
Civilian pilot certification. Enclose a copy of your civilian pilot certification, current ratings
held and total civilian flying time.
Aircraft engineering or mechanical experience.
12
OFFICE SYMBOL
SUBJECT: Application for Army Aviation Warrant Officer Candidate Flight Training
Other aviation experience.
After successful completion of training as an aviation warrant officer, I agree to serve in an
appropriate assignment in a unit of a Reserve Component for a minimum of 6 years
after the date I complete the training course.
I have not been convicted of any type of military or civil court, been adjudged a youthful
offender, or been administered punishment under Article of War 104 or Article 15, UCMJ.
I have not been eliminated from a previous military course of flying instruction.
If I do not have at least 3 years of service remaining prior to ETS at time of issuance of orders
for attendance to school, I volunteer to extend my enlistment in accordance with current National
Guard Regulations.
SIGNATURE BLOCK
12 Encls
1. DA Form 6256 (AFAST Score)
2. College Diploma or Transcript of Credit Hours
2. DA Form 705 (APFT Scorecard)
3. Certificate of Height and Weight
4. SF 88, SF 93, EKG Tracing (approved by the U.S. Aeromedical Center)
5. Security Clearance statement
6. Copy of Birth Certificate
7. Copy of Social Security Card
8. Statement of Understanding
9. Statement of Unit Position
10. DA Form 2-1
11. Recent NCOER
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ENCLOSURE 5
STATEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING FOR WARRANT OFFICER
I understand that if I am appointed as a Warrant Officer in the ARNG of the State of Texas, I
must successfully complete Warrant Officer MOS certification within two years of the effective
date of my appointment unless extended by the Chief, National Guard Bureau.
I also understand that failure to achieve MOS certification as specified above will result in
withdrawal of my federal recognition from the ARNG and my appointment as a Reserve warrant
officer of the Army.
(Signature)
(Name Typed)
(Social Security Number)
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ENCLOSURE 6
OFFICE SYMBOL
Date
MEMORANDUM FOR The Adjutant General’s Dept, ATTN: AGTX-PAM-O, P.O. Box
5218, Austin, TX 78763-5218
SUBJECT: Projected Warrant Officer Vacancy
1. (Unit name) anticipates a vacancy in Para _____ Line_____ in approximately one year. (The
position cannot be excess or overstrength.)
2. It is our intention to fill this position with (applicant’s name) upon his/her completion of
flight school.
3. POC is (Give the administrator’s name and telephone number.)
Signature Block
(Unit Commander)
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ENCLOSURE 7
Eligibility Requirements for Selection for Army Aviation
(Army Regulation 611-110 covers the selection and training of Army Aviation Officers)
Alternate
All applicants must take the Alternate Flight Aptitude Selection Test (AFAST).
Flight
A score of 90 or higher is required on the AFAST to qualify for further
Aptitude
processing of an applicant for flight training. Applicants who fail to score 90
Selection
may be re-tested only once and no sooner than 6 months after first testing.
Test
Applicants for initial entry flight training must meet and maintain class /1A
medical fitness standards per AR 40-501 (See following table) until the class to
which they are assigned begins aviation training. Applicants who have
successfully completed a military flight-training course must meet Class 2
Medical
medical fitness standards.
Qualification
Applicants may not request a flight duty medical examination until they have a
minimum passing score on the AFAST.
Flight Duty Medical Examinations for applicants expire 12 months from the date
of examination.
Be older than 18, but not more than 32 years of age at the start of flight training
Age
Selected Class 1A Medical Disqualification Criteria (Army Regulation 40-501)
Distant visual acuity. Uncorrected worse than 20/50 in each eye and/or not
correctable with spectacle lenses to 20/20 in each eye; with no more than 1
error per line on the Armed Forces Vision Tester or projected Snellen chart at
Vision
20 feet.
Astigmatism in excess of +/-0.75 diopters of cylinder.
Hyperopia in excess of +3.00 diopters of sphere.
Total arm reach equal to or greater than 164.0 cm.
Linear
Anthropometri Sitting height equal to or less than 102.0 cm.
c Dimensions Crotch height equal to or greater than 75 cm
Waivers for Aviation Branch Officers
Age restrictions for flight applicants – Applicants must not have reached their 33rd birthday at
the start of flight training. Requests for age waivers are considered on a case-by-case basis.
USAREC will forward the completed application packet for any applicant requesting an age
waiver to the Aviation Proponency Office. Everything included in the packet is considered. The
onus is on the applicant to provide as much information as possible to support the waiver
request. GT and AFAST scores, civilian education-level, and FAA ratings are utilized as
tangible qualifications that can be used to support a waiver. Past performances, significant
achievements, and demonstrated leadership are examples of less tangible, but equally important,
qualifications that are also considered.
Active Federal Service (AFS) restrictions – Aviation branch officer applicants must not exceed
12 years of AFS as of the date the DA Form 61 is signed. AFS waivers requests are processed in
16
the same manner as age waivers. Currently, waiver requests for AFS are not being considered
for all aviation branch officer applicants.
Waivers for formal training – Requests for constructive credit to required training for courses
or experiences completed prior to becoming a warrant officer are considered on an individual
basis. While many military courses appear to be similar, aviation warrant officer courses are
designed specifically for the aviation branch officer. Attendance by all helps maintain an
educational standard within the Corps. Officers can request for constructive credit on DA Form
4187, along with appropriate supporting documentation, to the Aviation Proponency. Be
specific as to why you would not benefit from this educational opportunity and provide all
documentation relevant to your request.
Waivers for Aviation Warrant Officers
Age restrictions for flight applicants – Applicants must not have reached their 33rd birthday at
the commencement of flight training. Requests for age waivers are considered on a case-by-case
basis. USAREC will forward the completed application packet for any applicant requesting an
age waiver to the Aviation Proponency Office. Everything included in the packet is considered.
The onus is on the applicant to provide as much information as possible to support the waiver
request. GT and AFAST scores, civilian education-level, and FAA ratings are utilized as
tangible qualifications that can be used to support a waiver. Past performances, significant
achievements, and demonstrated leadership are examples of less tangible, but equally important,
qualifications that are also considered.
Active Federal Service (AFS) restrictions – Warrant officer applicants must not exceed 12
years of AFS as of the date the DA Form 61 is signed. AFS waivers requests are processed in
the same manner as age waivers. Currently, waiver requests for AFS are not being considered
for all aviation warrant officer applicants.
Waivers for formal training – Requests for constructive credit to required training for courses
or experiences completed prior to becoming a warrant officer are considered on an individual
basis. While many military courses appear to be similar, aviation warrant officer courses are
designed specifically for the aviation warrant officer. Attendance by all helps maintain an
educational standard within the Corps. Officers can request for constructive credit on DA Form
4187, along with appropriate supporting documentation, to the Aviation Proponency. Be
specific as to why you would not benefit from this educational opportunity and provide all
documentation relevant to your request.
17
U.S. Army Aviation Refractive Surgery Studies
Information Sheet (February 2002)
Accession Study- The purpose of this study is to determine whether photorefractive keratectomy
(PRK) or laser in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) refractive surgeries should be approved procedures for
U.S. Army aviation by evaluating new accessions to Army flight school that have had PRK or LASIK.
To whom does it apply? Applicants who have had refractive surgery and who, otherwise, meet the
requirements for flight training and the vision requirements for this study may be considered for an
exception to policy through USAAMA and the waiver approval authority (PERSCOM or NGB).
Accession Study II (pending approval) - The purpose of this study is to extend the first Accession
Study by providing the surgery at the Walter Reed Center for Refractive Surgery. This will allow
military investigators to fully explore the changes in visual performance, which may or may not result
from PRK or LASIK and will augment the findings of the first study.
To whom does it apply? Active duty applicants who have not had refractive surgery, are in the
WRAMC or USAARL catchment area and who, otherwise, meet the requirements for flight training
may be considered for an exception to policy through USAAMA and the waiver approval authority
(PERSCOM or NGB).
Rated Aviator Study- The purpose of this study is to determine the efficacy and safety of
keratorefractive surgery in rated Army aviators. The study will evaluate standard, FDA-approved PRK
and LASIK procedures performed at Walter Reed Center for Refractive Surgery to determine whether
PRK and/or LASIK are compatible with the Army Aviation environment, and safe and effective for
rated Army Aviators.
To whom does it apply? Active duty UH-60 pilots interested in participating in a study of laser vision
surgery for rated army aviators will complete pre- and post-operative visual and detailed flight
performance testing at USAARL.
Corneal Refractive Surgery Surveillance Program (CRSSP) - The CRSSP is intended to provide
surveillance of the visual performance of Army aviation personnel who have had refractive surgery.
This surveillance program seeks to evaluate the capabilities of aviation personnel to see under more
rigorous visual conditions, to monitor changes in vision in the aviation environment.
To whom does it apply? Applies to aircrew members, flight medics, Air Traffic Controllers, Flight
Surgeons. A newly approved Aeromedical Policy Letter from USAAMA details the specifics of this
program.
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Website and Contact Information
USAARL www.usaarl.army.mil or refractive.surgery@se.amedd.army.mil
Refractive Surgery Research Team
334-255-6876 (Any study or CRSSP program info)
334-255-6809 (Rated Aviator study info)
334-255-6810 (Accession study info)
334-255-6988 (Accession study info)
USAAMA http://usasam.amedd.army.mil/_AAMA/mission.htm
WRAMC www.wramc.amedd.army.mil/departments/ophthalmology/refractive/surgery/
202-782-4356 (Accession II study info)
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Unit ID
Unit Address
Unit Phone Number
Office Symbol
(Date___________
MEMORANDUM THRU
Director, Army Aviation and Safety, ATTN: JFTX-ARM-AV, P.O. Box 5218 Austin, TX 78763-5218
Department of the Army and Air Force, National Guard Bureau, ATTN: NGB-AVS-O, 111 South George
Mason Drive, Arlington, VA 22204-1382
Commander, USAAVNC, ATTN: ATZQ-AP, 4103 Gladiator Street, Fort Rucker, AL 36362
FOR Headquarters Department of the Army, ODCSPER, ATTN: DAPE-OPE-V, 300 Army Pentagon,
Washington, D.C. 20310-0300
SUBJECT: Request for Age Waiver (over 32)
1. Request an age waiver (over 32) for __________________, SSN: ____________ to attend WOCS and IERW.
2. Give a detailed explanation why you feel the U.S. Army should approve this waiver. Please note that the U.S.
Army only approves waivers in unusual circumstances.
3. Give a brief history of your education and service. Make a positive impression on the people that are going to be
reading and considering this request for waiver.
(Signature)
(Full Name)
(Rank and SSN)
20
ENCLOSURE 8
Alternate Flight Aptitude Selection Test (AFAST) Information
The purpose of this page is to give you a clearer understanding of the purpose and make-up of
the AFAST and thus be more at ease when you take the test. Information is derived from DA
PAM 611-256-2 (March 1987).
1. What is the Flight Aptitude Selection Test (FAST)?
The FAST is a test that measures those special aptitudes, personality and background
characteristics that are predictive of success in the Army's helicopter flight training program.
The "Alternate" FAST (AFAST) is the latest version of the Army's FAST. The AFAST is not an
intelligence test, it is an aptitude test only.
2. What does the AFAST consist of?
The AFAST has 200 questions broken down into seven sub-tests. Each sub-test has separate
directions and time limits. The seven sub-tests are Self-description, Background Information,
Instrument Comprehension, Complex Movements, Helicopter Knowledge, Cyclic Orientation,
and Mechanical Functions.
3. What is the purpose of the AFAST?
To be an Army aviator requires that a person have special abilities, among those are
comprehension of complex processes, ability to adapt to spatial relation situations, and rapid
thought processes. Because flight training is so expensive and there are limited quotas for new
students, it is necessary to screen applicants to ensure that only those persons with the
capabilities to succeed in flight school, are accepted for training. The AFAST has been
developed to do just that.
4. What is the passing score on the AFAST?
Applications for flight training will be given further consideration only if the AFAST score is
equal to or higher than the qualifying (cutoff) score. The current cutoff score is 90 of a possible
176. If you meet or exceed the cutoff score, you may not retest. Therefore, it is to your
advantage to score as high as you can on this test. Applicants who: score below the established
cutoff score may retest only once and no sooner than six months (not waiverable) after the first
test. Applicants who fail the first version may only take the alternate version on the retake.
5. How can you prepare for the AFAST?
a. You do not actually study for the AFAST because it is an aptitude test, however, you
can review information on the sub-test areas. By doing this, you may decrease the time it takes
you to answer questions, and improve your score. DA PAM 611-256-2 is required to be read
prior to taking the AFAST. This information pamphlet is designed to give applicants general
information and a clearer understanding of the makeup of the AFAST prior to taking the test.
The following criteria applies to the AFAST study guide
(1) Individuals will be require to verify on block 11 of the AFAST answer sheet
that they have had sufficient time to review DA Pam 611-256-2 prior to testing.
(2) Retest will not be granted to individuals who claim they have not had
sufficient time to review DA Pam 611-256-2 if they have filled in block 11 of the AFAST
answer sheet.
(3) A retest is not authorized on the AFAST in an attempt to improve a
qualifying score. Only a non-qualifying score can result in a retest on the alternate
version of the test. Six Months (not waiverable) must elapse between initial test and
retest. Third attempts at the test are not authorized.
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b. There is a commercial study guide that is available at most bookstores or libraries. The
title of the book is Armed Services Flight Aptitude Test Guide, and it is published by ARCO.
The book gives examples of the type questions that will be on the AFAST exam. It is similar to
an ACT or SAT study guide. It retails for approximately $20.00. There is no requirement to buy
this guide. Familiarization with the military guide is normally enough preparation.
c. Practice AFAST tests are available at Aviation Support Facilities and the State
Aviation Office.
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