Dabbs: My Time in the U.S. Army Rotary-Wing Flight School

Will Dabbs' article “Dabbs: My Time in the U.S. Army Rotary-Wing Flight School” recounts his journey from childhood dreams of military aviation to becoming an Army helicopter pilot. Dabbs' passion for flying began with his fascination with World War II aviation, particularly the J-model P-38 Lightning. His path to the Army Rotary-Wing Flight School was marked by choosing an ROTC scholarship over a West Point appointment due to personal reasons. Once in the Army Aviation program, Dabbs underwent a rigorous selection process and training, starting with essentials like maintaining the helicopter’s orientation with pedals, before moving on to more complex tasks. He eventually graduated top of his class, a distinction he attributes more to his dedicated training and less to personal preference as he ended up flying Chinooks despite initially disliking them.

Flight training at the Army’s Fort Rucker, now called Fort Novosel, was intense and structured to build from basic to advanced skills. Initial hands-on training in UH-1 Hueys, with simulations taking precedence in Dabbs' early flights, emphasized the technical complexity of flying rotary-wing aircraft. Dabbs progressed through phases including instruments, basic combat skills, and night vision goggle usage. Each phase required adapting to new challenges, from flying blind in instrument training to the exhilar