How to Become a United States Navy Pilot

The Harrier is the workhorse of the Navy and one of the aircraft you will be given the opportunity to fly.

Of the five branches of the United States military, three of them have a form of air force. Of course, the United States Air Force is entirely dependent on aircrafts, but both the United States Marine Corps and the United States Navy have air force detachments of their own. Becoming a pilot in the United States Navy is far from easy, but with determination and a little luck, you can find yourself in the cockpit of a fighter jet in only a few years.

Instructions

1. Earn your college degree. In order to qualify for flight training school, you must first be a commissioned officer. You can't become a commissioned officer until you have a bachelor's degree from an accredited university.

2. Enlist in the U.S. Navy. If you want to take the fast track to becoming an officer, join the U.S. Navy ROTC at your university or enroll at the United States Naval Academy. Alternatively, you can enlist in the Navy as an enlisted navyman and enroll in the Navy's Officer Candidate School once you've earned your degree.

3. Request "Naval Pilot" as your career speciality once you become an officer. This request may not be granted right away, but if you persist you may eventually get your chance.

4. Attend and complete Navy Flight Training at the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Florida. Once you complete this exhaustive course of flight training, physical conditioning and classroom work, you will graduate and be allowed to request the type of aircraft you wish to fly. Once you select the type of craft you want to fly, your training will be focused on that aircraft.

Tips & Warnings

• Some who request pilot training do not get the opportunity in their first request attempt. Do not let this discourage you from trying again in the future.

References

• Military.Com: How Do I Become a Pilot
• FabJob: A Fab Job as a US Navy Pilot