Aviation officer questions

[DevonBirch]

I've thought about branching aviation, but from what I've heard, aviation officer's roles differ from all other branches (these assumptions could be totally wrong, but its just what I've heard from others). So we've all learned in ROTC how officers do not specialize in one area, but rather lead those who have specializations to create one cohesive unit. Obviously, being a helicopter pilot would constitute a specialization...Also, the makeup of a typical aviation platoon is much different (smaller/more warrant officers). I remember hearing awhile back that the main difference between the army and the navy is that in the navy, you are in charge of equipment, but in the army, you are in charge of people...from what I've heard, it seems as if aviation is the one exception to the rule.

Okay, so those are my assumptions...now the questions. What exactly does an aviation officer (PL for example) do then? Are those assumptions correct? Do you feel like aviation officers have less of a managerial role compared to their infantry counterparts? I ask because if I do decide to leave the army when I'm still relatively young, I would really like to have solid managerial/leadership experience, not so much JUST flying experience. All input would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

[Gino Under]

General Aviation and commercial aviation don't have ranks per se (i.e., commissioned officers)
So your inquiry seems somewhat vague in a civilian context.
What's an Aviation Officer?
Let's start from there...

Gino Under

[PilotDAR]

Most roles in civil aviation require either a license, or acceptance to that role in an organization by Transport Canada, as they approve the organization, and its organization chart.

If you have the license (primarily pilot or maintenance) you'll understand the privileges of that license. With that license, you may be hired into a role in an aviation company. and with a lot of experience, promoted.

There is little to no opportunity to work in an aviation company, in a role of any leadership beyond what the privileges of a license might give you, unless you have a lot of experience in the civil aviation business. Even in civil quasi military organizations (fire department, for example) no one is going to be an officer, without extensive experience doing the grunt work first, and then officer training.

So plan to train and get the license in the role of your interest, and then do the job for a couple of decades. After that maybe you'll be considered for leadership roles...

[ahramin]

I think basically the OP wants to move into the Air Force from the Army. There are a couple CF pilots on this board, hopefully they will chime in.

[Meatservo]

Kind of weird to go on a Canadian aviation forum to ask questions about the roles of foreign military members.

An American "officer" is expected to know which countries are "The U.S.A." and which countries are NOT "The U.S.A.", no? How the christ should any of us know what the hell you learned in "R.O?T.C.", whatever the f$$k THAT is. Jesus.

[Gino Under]

Now there's an answer I can live with.
Clear. Concise, and to the point.


Gino Under