2 answers
Adam
Student
Durham, North Carolina
1
Question
Asked
258 views
How do i become a navy pilot
I want to become a navy pilot and then an astronaut
Login to comment
2 answers
Magdalena Strzyzewska
14
Answers
Updated
Magdalena’s Answer
Becoming a Navy pilot is a highly competitive and demanding process, but it can be incredibly rewarding for those who are passionate about aviation and military service. Here are the general steps you would need to take to become a Navy pilot:
Meet Eligibility Requirements:
Be a U.S. citizen.
Be between 18 and 34 years old.
Have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
Meet the required physical and medical standards.
Officer Commissioning:
To become a Navy pilot, you need to be an officer. There are several paths to commission as an officer: attending the U.S. Naval Academy, participating in Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) while in college, or attending Officer Candidate School (OCS) after earning your degree.
Aviation Selection Process:
As an officer candidate, you'll need to go through the aviation selection process. This process includes tests to evaluate your aptitude for aviation, such as the Aviation Selection Test Battery (ASTB). This test assesses your math, mechanical, and spatial skills, as well as your aviation knowledge.
Officer Training:
Once selected for aviation, you'll attend Officer Candidate School (OCS) if you're not already commissioned as an officer. OCS trains you in leadership, military knowledge, and physical fitness.
Naval Flight Training:
After OCS, you'll undergo Naval Flight Training. This training is rigorous and includes several phases:
Primary Flight Training: Learning to fly propeller-driven aircraft.
Intermediate Flight Training: Transitioning to jet aircraft.
Advanced Flight Training: Specializing in a specific type of aircraft (e.g., fighter, helicopter, maritime patrol).
Select a Platform and Community:
During advanced flight training, you'll have the opportunity to choose a specific aircraft platform and aviation community (e.g., fixed-wing, rotary-wing, maritime patrol, etc.).
Graduation and Designation:
Upon successfully completing flight training, you'll be designated as a Naval Aviator and will receive your wings.
Operational Assignment:
As a newly designated Naval Aviator, you'll be assigned to an operational squadron where you'll gain experience and proficiency in flying and performing duties related to your chosen aircraft platform.
Career Progression:
Navy pilots continue to train and improve their skills throughout their careers. Depending on your performance and opportunities, you may have the chance to advance to leadership positions.
Specialization and Advancement:
As you gain experience, you might have the opportunity to specialize in various roles within your chosen aviation community, such as becoming an instructor pilot or joining special operations units.
Remember that the path to becoming a Navy pilot is highly competitive, and the process can be subject to change based on the Navy's needs and policies. It's essential to stay informed about the latest requirements and developments by visiting the official U.S. Navy website or speaking with a Navy recruiter.
Meet Eligibility Requirements:
Be a U.S. citizen.
Be between 18 and 34 years old.
Have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
Meet the required physical and medical standards.
Officer Commissioning:
To become a Navy pilot, you need to be an officer. There are several paths to commission as an officer: attending the U.S. Naval Academy, participating in Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) while in college, or attending Officer Candidate School (OCS) after earning your degree.
Aviation Selection Process:
As an officer candidate, you'll need to go through the aviation selection process. This process includes tests to evaluate your aptitude for aviation, such as the Aviation Selection Test Battery (ASTB). This test assesses your math, mechanical, and spatial skills, as well as your aviation knowledge.
Officer Training:
Once selected for aviation, you'll attend Officer Candidate School (OCS) if you're not already commissioned as an officer. OCS trains you in leadership, military knowledge, and physical fitness.
Naval Flight Training:
After OCS, you'll undergo Naval Flight Training. This training is rigorous and includes several phases:
Primary Flight Training: Learning to fly propeller-driven aircraft.
Intermediate Flight Training: Transitioning to jet aircraft.
Advanced Flight Training: Specializing in a specific type of aircraft (e.g., fighter, helicopter, maritime patrol).
Select a Platform and Community:
During advanced flight training, you'll have the opportunity to choose a specific aircraft platform and aviation community (e.g., fixed-wing, rotary-wing, maritime patrol, etc.).
Graduation and Designation:
Upon successfully completing flight training, you'll be designated as a Naval Aviator and will receive your wings.
Operational Assignment:
As a newly designated Naval Aviator, you'll be assigned to an operational squadron where you'll gain experience and proficiency in flying and performing duties related to your chosen aircraft platform.
Career Progression:
Navy pilots continue to train and improve their skills throughout their careers. Depending on your performance and opportunities, you may have the chance to advance to leadership positions.
Specialization and Advancement:
As you gain experience, you might have the opportunity to specialize in various roles within your chosen aviation community, such as becoming an instructor pilot or joining special operations units.
Remember that the path to becoming a Navy pilot is highly competitive, and the process can be subject to change based on the Navy's needs and policies. It's essential to stay informed about the latest requirements and developments by visiting the official U.S. Navy website or speaking with a Navy recruiter.
Of course, this was a long time ago, but back in the mid 80's when I was entering the Navy, they also wanted great vision, like near 20/20 that was uncorrected by glasses or contacts. But now they've got lasers that could help correct your vision if it is not the greatest.
Shane Wood
Brittany Swanger
Operations/Customer Service
11
Answers
Raleigh, North Carolina
Updated
Brittany’s Answer
To infinity and beyond! This is so cool. Well, the best way to probably start is heading to college. If you know you want to go Navy, maybe the Naval Academy? If that is not your style, you can still enroll into a college and join their ROTC program. Best part is that the Navy will pay for school!!! You can always join the Navy and work towards being a pilot that way, but if you want to be an astronaut, you may need to get a few degrees in science or engineering first. It is challenging to get into the flight program, but if you work hard you can for sure do it. Consider starting now by getting your flying license at a flight school in your area.