Boeing AH-64 Apache

Aircraft Information
> Aircraft Make: Boeing (Hughes/McDonnell Douglas). Model: AH-64. Nickname: Apache
> Aircraft Mil Civ Description: Helicopter
> FAA Category and Class: Rotorcraft/Helicopter
> Engine Description: twin turboshaft

Aircraft Experience
> As of: 11/7/2024
> Number of Hours Flown: 2.3
> Number of Times Flown: 1
> Other Aircraft Models Associated: —

First Flown Information
> Sequence First Flown: 69
> Date First Flown: 5/25/1990
> Location First Flown: Fort Rucker Army Airfield
> Who and/or What Organization First Flown With: ATTC, Chapman

Recollections: My AH-64 flight, conducted at Ft Rucker with the Army test center, was conducted while I was a staff member for a DT-II.  The student was in the systems curriculum and that’s how I was qualified to grade their report (I wasn’t qualified to assess the FQ&P of the helo).  I sat in the front seat (which, unlike the AH-1–which I flew the same day–had a “real cyclic” in it) and assessed the weapon system.  The Apache has a monocle aiming system that tracks your head movement, allowing you to point sensors (or the gun) wherever you’re looking.  The monocle took some getting used to but I was impressed by the system overall.

I also flew the machine for about half the flight and enjoyed the way it flew.  All in all, within the limited scope of my knowledge of the Army’s helicopter attack mission and system knowledge, it seemed like a capable machine.