Navy Pilot Training

Training to become a Navy pilot.

Navy pilots are known as Naval Aviators. Before they can achieve that status, however, they must complete rigorous training to become pilots. The Chief of Naval Air Training is in command of all Navy pilot training.

Requirements

All Navy pilots must have a bachelor's degree. They also must receive a commission through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps, the Naval Academy or Officer Candidate School.

Process

Pilots complete four levels of training before they are fully qualified: Aviation Preflight Indoctrination; Primary Flight Training; Intermediate/Advanced Flight Training; and Fleet Replacement Squadron Training.

Aircraft

Student Navy pilots are assigned a specific training track after Primary Flight training. This training track determines which aircraft they will eventually fly: multi-engine prop; E-2/C-2; helicopters; jets; or E-6s.

Types of Training

Training involves both academic and hands-on teaching. Students will study at home, listen to lectures, and work in both flight simulators and aircraft.

Time Frame

Aviation Preflight Indoctrination is six weeks long. The time frames after this training depend on the aircraft you will fly and the resources of the Navy. You can expect to spend about two years training to become a Navy pilot.

Locations

Until pilots head to their fleet replacement squadron training, all training takes place at one of five Naval Aviation Training bases located in Mississippi, Florida and Texas.

References

• Chief of Naval Air Training: Aviator Training
• GlobalSecurity.org: Chief of Naval Air Training, Naval Air Training Command
• Navy.com: Aviation