The Navy offers some of the world’s most advanced and comprehensive training in the field of aviation. Navy pilots and Naval Flight Officers (NFOS) are part of this adrenaline-seeking team, which maintains and operates more than 6,000 aircraft. If you’re a physically fit individual who excels academically and possesses leadership qualities and a love of aircraft and flying, join one of our country’s most powerful aviation forces as a Navy Aviation Officer.

Earn While You Learn

Aviation Officers receive some of the most rigorous and prestigious training the Navy has to offer. The Aviation Officer Program has earned a reputation as one of the finest in the world. Following your initial flying tour, attending the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, is one possibility that allows you to earn a master’s or doctoral degree while being paid full-time as an Officer in the Navy.

Special Pay/Bonuses

Naval Aviation Officers (Pilots and NFOs) receive aviation career incentive pay in addition to their regular salary. Student Aviation Officers receive $125 per month flight pay during flight training. As an Aviation Officer, your monthly flight pay depends on your time in service and increases by hundreds of dollars within a few years to the current maximum of $840 per month. In addition, you may be eligible for continuation bonuses at the end of your initial commitment.

Skills and Training

The U.S. Navy offers the world’s most advanced and comprehensive aviation training to individuals who demonstrate academic and physical aptitude and a potential for leadership and responsibility.

All Officers entering aviation programs also complete a six-week air indoctrination course at Naval Aviation Schools Command, also in Pensacola. Prospective pilots and NFOs then attend primary flight training.

Upon completion of primary flight training, pilots and NFOs request an aircraft pipeline and enter the intermediate phase of flight training, which builds upon the prerequisites of basic flight and navigation training. Advanced naval flight training is tailored for mission specifics and upon completion, both pilots and NFOs are awarded their wings of gold and report to their respective Fleet Replacement Squadrons (FRS) for training in their specific aircraft.

Career Outlook

Navy pilots fly the most sophisticated combat and transport aircraft in the world. The flight hours, precision, and flight expertise you will gain as an Aviation Officer will undoubtedly afford you a prestigious career in the Navy or in the civilian sector working for a major airline, as a private aircraft operator or as a pilot or aircraft maintainer for corporations or government agencies.

Pilots

Imagine the skills and concentration needed to track a submarine while flying just 200 feet above stormy seas. Naval Flight Officers (NFOs) are the key to successful mission accomplishment. A select group of individuals have the combination of talent and dedication it takes to be an NFO. NFOs receive specialized training on the advanced tactical systems and complex communications systems found in Navy aircraft. You’ll study aerodynamics, aircraft engine systems, meteorology, navigation, flight planning and aircraft safety. NFOs train and specialize in specific aircraft including:

• Strike: EA-6B Prowler electronic countermeasures aircraft
• Strike Fighter: F/A-18 Hornet and Super Hornet jet fighters
• Advanced Radar Navigation and Airborne Early Warning System: E-2C Hawkeye early warning and control aircraft
• Advanced Navigation: P-3C Orion antisubmarine aircraft

NFO have a seven year commitment after earning their wings.