What does ARAV mean in MILITARY

As pilots in the US Army, Army Aviators are responsible for carrying out aerial operations such as reconnaissance, surveillance, and even direct combat missions. In some cases they may also control unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

The US Army largely utilizes helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft for its air operations. Types of aircraft used by Army Aviators include but are not limited to the AH-64 Apache helicopter and the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter.

To become an Army Aviator typically takes several years of training and education. Initial Flight Screening is required to assess prior knowledge and aptitude for aviation; this process lasts around one month. Then comes Aviation Officer Basic Course (AOBC), which usually lasts around 3 months. After AOBC comes Aviation Preflight Indoctrination (API), which generally lasts 1-2 months before flight school begins. Flight School can last up to 18 months depending on the specialty that is chosen.

Yes, there is a physical fitness requirement to become an Army Aviator - applicants must have good overall physical health and pass a medical exam conducted by a doctor both at entry level and periodically throughout their career. Additionally, all candidates must pass both the Aeronautical Physiological Test Battery (APTB) as well as Class III Flight Physical within 6 months prior to their first solo flight or Aircraft Qualification Check Ride respectively.

Yes - along with passing physical fitness tests, applicants must also possess at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field along with satisfactory scores on both Officer Qualifying Tests given at MEPS during initial entry processing phase — Math/Verbal & Pilot Candidate Selection Method tests — plus commissioning into OCS/ROTC/USMA/Academy programs in order to begin training courses required for becoming an aviator candidate eligible for flying the respective type(s) of aircraft authorized in their rank structure upon graduation from flight school(s).