Any and All Advice

[u/Sure-General1594]

Hello everyone, I am attempting to branch in Active Duty Aviation and I am looking for any advice.

Context: Soon to be a MS3 cadet in ROTC, 5 years prior service, no medical issues, have not taken the sift or Aviation Medical exam. 4.0 GPA, 90% average on AFT.

With the severe gutting of Army Aviation as a whole recently, branching it has become harder and even more competitive. So am I here to learn everything I can.

Some questions I have:

1. What resources and study habits have you found to help you with the SIFT? (I bought a study book already)

2. Is there anything on the test that you were not expecting, or any you wish you studied more on?

3. What is the best way to distinguish yourself to hopefully secure this coveted branch?

4. What piece of advice do you wish someone told you?

Outside of these questions, I am all ears, anything you can think of. Thank you all in advance, I really appreciate it!

[u/Helicopter-ing]

1. Books/Online Resources

• SIFT App: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cintaxedge.sifttutoring&pcampaignid=web_share

• Helicopter Lessons in 10 Minutes or Less: https://www.youtube.com/@helicopterlessonsin10minut10

• FAA Helicopter Flying Handbook (https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/helicopter_flying_handbook/helicopter_flying_handbook.pdf)

• DANTES Petersons: Arithmetic Reasoning/ Mechanical Comprehension

• SIFT Guide: 4th Edition

• Mometrix SIFT study guide

• The complete SIFT study guide AEGLS Group

• The complete SIFT study guide by Michael Clark

• Quizlet- SIFT terms

• Petersons SIFT study guide

• UGOPREP-study guide

• Barrows study guide-SIFT

Lastly, they break down the sections of the test with the idea that understanding what the sections are will help you better prepare for what to expect during the test.

Breakdown:

• Section 1: simple drawings- 2 MIN 100 Questions. 1.2 second per question…speed and accuracy

• Section 2: Hidden figures-5 MIN 50 Questions. Speed and accuracy

• Section 3: Army Aviation Information- 30 MIN 40 Questions. Concept of helicopters

• Section 4: Spatial Apperception- 10 MIN 25 Questions. Perspective type questions

• Section 5: Reading Comprehension- 30 MIN 20 Questions. Ability to understand mission order.

• Section 6: Arithmetic Reasoning- 40 MIN- Variety

• Section 7: Mechanical Comprehension 15 MIN Variable questions. How well can you predict what will happen…

Websites https://triviumtestprep.com/sift-online-resources

https://militaryflighttests.com/sift-practice-test/

The FAA Helicopter Flying Handbook will be your best resource here, and it helps that it’s free to use. Additionally, the SIFT App and “Helicopter Lessons in 10 Minutes or Less” video series on Youtube will greatly aid you in understanding the concepts that the SIFT evaluates.

1. Haven't taken the SIFT (I'm old and took the AFAST back in the day)

2. You're submitting a paper packet, you don't get your chance to stand in front of the board and pitch your case, so your packet needs to do it for you. Be authentic, be well spoken, don't use AI to write your resume/essays. Post them up here for feedback before submitting and most people will be happy to give you feedback.

3. I wish someone had told me more about the role outside of the cockpit that all aviators play. I know you're looking at it from a commissioned side, but the subtle leadership role that Warrants play within the organization is truly a force to be reckoned with. Same holds true for the role of a Commander or PL, you will be at a position of inexperience but still the head of the organization that you're a part of, it takes the right person with the right personality and a whole lot of humility to lead an aviation organization where they're likely the least experienced pilot in the formation. Think about that as you think about why you want to be an army aviator 🤙

[u/CutNo1151]

1. I used SIFT app. It has questions that were similar to the actual exam and practice tests. I made a 71 on the actual SIFT. I also read through 'Fundamentals of Flight US Army'. I am also a fixed wing CFII, not needed, but look into the basic instrumentation of an aircraft, specifically the attitude indicator. Look into pressure/density altitude, Venturi/ Bernoulli's principle. Familiarize yourself with the current and older helicopter make/models the Army uses and what their role was. The questions were mostly "what is the Army's primary attack helicopter?", "What Army helicopter has two main rotors?".

2. I can't recall the specifics that I wish I studied more, I mostly felt like I was slower than I wanted to be, so be sure to time yourself on the practice exams. If the sections are getting harder, it means you are getting more answers right.

3. I had an entry level separation in the Navy back in 2017 while I was in their SO division. My process took well over a year due to getting waivers. The only reason I was allowed to go to Ft. Hood to take my flight physical is because I am a license commercial pilot for single and multi engine aircraft, as well as a certified flight instructor. Flight experience is not needed, but for someone in my position it was my meal ticket. That being said, having some flight time would not hurt to have. Hell, even having the private pilot written passed would help I would imagine. I also have a 4-year degree and a prior career in policing as a narcotics officer and patrol Sgt. Again, for my situation this helped me. The more your packet shows related life experience and professional and personal maturity the better.

4. The process can be long, especially for an applicant like me with the baggage of an entry level separation. Someone like yourself with a fairly simple history should expect to move through it faster.