The field of Aviation is one of the most comprehensive and advanced fields available for the person seeking to be a commissioned officer in the Navy. There are Aviation Duty Officers, Naval Flight Officers, and Navy pilots that work in this field. All are part of the team, which operates and maintains more than six thousand aircraft around the world. If you are an individual who excels academically, loves flying or aircraft, and you are physically fit then this may be the field for you in the Navy. Some of the duties and job classifications in this job area include:
Flight Officer- A Navy Flight Officer is a person that has a combination of dedication, skills and talent. A flight officer in the United States Navy receives specialized training on complex navigation, communications, tactical and weapons systems. You will study aircraft systems and engine specifications, navigation, meteorology, aircraft safety, weapons systems, and flight planning. You will be taught specialized skills relating to the aircraft you serve in, some of which include:
-F/A 18 Super Hornet and Hornet jet strike fighter aircraft.
-EA-6B Electronic Prowler Countermeasures aircraft.
-P-3C Orion Advanced Navigation and antisubmarine aircraft.
Pilot- As a pilot for the Navy, you will fly from ships, land bases, aircraft carriers, to fly missions literally at a moments notice. As a pilot you will be trained in a number of Navy aircraft, include helicopter, jet, fixed wing, turbo prop and other types of tactical aircraft. While in your training cycle you will have the chance to choose which specialty track that you wish to pursue when you are done with your flight primary training. You will be taught special skills in advanced training including search and rescue, air to air combat, flying over water, and aircraft carrier operations. If you choose helicopters you will have a whole different skill set to learn about after your basic flight training.
Naval Aviation Officers receive the top training in the world, and are known for the high caliber and quality of the training they get. After your initial tour of duty flying you may apply and be accepted for the Navy Postgraduate School in Monterey California. This is a school that allows you to earn a Doctoral or Masters degree while earning full duty active pay as a Navy officer.
One of the attractive items about being involved in Navy Aviation is the special duty and flight pay available when serving on board ship or in a combat zone. It is very lucrative and helps encourage high quality applicants.
