AH-1 pilot/gunner

[PhatFarmer35]

I was wondering about the pilot and gunner positions in the AH-1. I'm assuming the gunner would be a newer pilot and the pilot would be a more experience pilot. I just wanted to know how long a person would be a gunner before they would move to the pilot position. Also, generally what rank is the pilot and gunner? Would the gunner be an 0-2 and the pilot be an 0-3 or 0-4?

 

[skidkid]

WE more think in terms of front seat and back seat. Most of the 200 level syllabus (fleet squadron initila X's) are in the front. It depends on the situation 9 times out of ten the more junior and less experienced guy is in the front though not always if for example we are doing FAC(A) the more senior guy will take the front alowing him to manage the battle while the less experienced though not a brandnew guy flies him aorund. As far as combat crews most guys put the co-pilot in the front so you could expect about a year or so of primarily front seat time though we do mix it up failry well so you get experince doig both when not in combat. hope this helped