How to Become a Naval Pilot

The training for cadets who want to become naval pilots is intensive and demanding. At each step of the training, the cadet must display an ability to handle stressful situations calmly and make intelligent decisions quickly. The training is divided into several successive parts, and a cadet must pass each one to proceed to the next.

Instructions

1. Obtain a 4-year college degree. You must be a commissioned officer in order to be eligible to become a naval pilot and you must have a college degree to become a commissioned officer. You can enlist with a degree or earn your college credits while you are enlisted.

2. Pass the admission exams for officer training. One exam will test your knowledge and your psychological abilities. Your answers to these questions will also show how motivated and aggressive you are and whether you are a team player who can take the initiative when needed.

3. Pass an extensive background check. Applicants for naval pilot training have to fill out a detailed application in which they will disclose comprehensive information about their lives. These forms will be submitted to the FBI, which will perform a background check.

4. Take a thorough physical exam. The exam will check for perfect vision and ensure that you have the strength and stamina to endure naval officer training.

5. Attend the Aviation Preflight Indoctrination. While in this program, you will take subjects such as aeronautic theory, meteorology and principles of flight.

6. Proceed to Primary Flight Training. You will take flying lessons in planes and in flight simulators on the ground. At the end of this training, based on your performance and the needs of the service, you will decide whether you want to fly fighter jets, propeller driven airplanes or helicopters

7. Proceed to Advanced Flight Training. Jet training will take place in the Naval Air Station Kingsville in Texas or the Naval Air Station Meridian in Mississippi. Aircraft training takes place in NAS Corpus Christi, Texas, and helicopter training takes place in NAS Whiting Field.

8. Select your aircraft and naval air station. This selection is based on your final performance and the needs of the service. As a new naval aviator, you will join the Fleet Replacement Squadron to train on aircraft. From here you will be assigned to Navy, Marine or Coast Guard squadrons.

9. Visit the Chief of Naval Air Training website to learn more about how to become a naval pilot (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• Disclose all information about your background in your application for pilot transgression. Any omission will be grounds for rejection.

Resources

• Chief of Naval Air Training