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What skills or training do I need to have in the US Navy as a fighter pilot?

What is the perfect thing to do in the navy or when do I join and start as a fighter pilot in the US Navy

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Thank you comment icon The branch that you choose to be a pilot in will provide all that training for you. Pilots are all commissioned officers. You will first need to be selected and go to the basic officer course for that military branch. There may be additional schooling, depending on the branch, before you attend your training to learn how to fly. James Hanzel
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Ishtiaq’s Answer

Initially, what you must know is that joining US Navy is a very strict selection process and about only 10% of the applicants pass. A college degree in Aviation related subjects is a Plus (but not mandatory). To become a Fighter Pilot will depend on your aptitude and capabilities as determined during you training in Naval Academy by your trainers.

{The information below is derived from the official Program Authorization (PA) found at the bottom of this page. It is the responsibility of the applicant to be familiar with the PA for the option in which they are applying.

PILOT OPTION

Pilot
While STA-21 will continue to provide the opportunity for Pilot designation as other URL designators, graduates of STA-21 Pilot Option will be designated only as Student Naval Aviators (SNA) (Designator 1390).

Age: STA-21 Pilot Option candidates must be at least 19 years old and able to complete degree requirements and be commissioned prior to age 27. Maximum age limit may be adjusted upward to age 29 with active duty or prior active duty service computed on a month-for-month basis and approved by PERS-313. No waivers beyond 29.

Enlisted Source: Open to men and women of all ratings.

Mental: Aviation Selection Test Battery (ASTB) minimum scores: AQR 5/PFAR 6 for 1390 applicants. Applicants must obtain the minimum PFAR standard prior to acceptance into the STA-21 pilot option. The AQR must be passed no later than the beginning of the participants’ senior year.

Physical: Must be physically qualified and aeronautically adapted to engage in duties involving flight in accordance with the physical standards established by the Chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (CHBUMED). Candidates must obtain an aviation applicant physical exam from a qualified flight surgeon to determine aeronautical adaptability.

Active Duty Obligation: STA-21 Pilot Option officer candidates will incur an eight year active duty obligation upon date of designation as a Naval Aviator (1310). Candidates disenrolled from flight training will incur obligation as specified in OPNAVINST 1420.1 series.
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Zach’s Answer

Hi Cameron! To become a pilot in the US Navy you must first commission as an officer. There are three ways to commission: the Naval Academy, the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC), or Officer Training School (OTS/OCS). These commissioning programs are all selective so you must get good grades in high school, take on leadership roles in extracurricular activities, and apply/interview well.

Once you are admitted into the above programs you then indicate that you are interested in becoming a pilot and more information will be made available to you depending on the commissioning source you are pursuing. Again, your college grades, extracurriculars, and performance as a military trainee will factor into your acceptance into pilot training.

Pilot training in the military is split into two phases. The first phase is a generic track where you learn basic aviation skills. Your performance in this phase determines whether you will complete your second phase in the fighter track, cargo track, or helicopter track.

For now, focus on studying hard and getting good grades. Being good at Math can make pilot training easier, but building good study habits in any subject is the most important skill to develop early.

Also, check out the Air Force. The process is very similar to what I stated above, but there is a wider variety of aircraft in the Air Force.

Best of luck!
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Rich’s Answer

I was a fighter pilot in the Navy for 23 years and it was an incredible career. I say that because the path is based on hard work every step of the way and you need to know it will be worth it in the end. As other answers highlight, you need to go to college, Naval Academy is the path I took, but many of my friends went ROTC and even OCS. Selection for aviation is competitive so you need to do well in college. Once selected, it’s 1-2 years of “undergraduate” pilot training depending on what type aircraft (helo, transport, carrier jet). The best in training gets first pick of what they get to fly in the fleet so you’ll want to be top in your class. Then another year learning to fly the aircraft you will fly in the fleet (F-35, Fa-18, etc…). After that you will continue to train to move up from wingman, to section lead, to division lead, to strike lead. If you are top 1-2 in your squadron, you can get picked for Top Gun or Test Pilot school. So bottom line, you never stop training because there is always more to learn. Good Luck!
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Jody’s Answer

Hello Cameron,

I recommend you start with an ROTC program while in school. My friend at Texas A&M University while we were students told me that he lost his pilot slot selection becuase of his grades. Developing good study habits and dedication to learning is very important. I recommend you become the best student you can be first of all.

I obtained my private pilot's license while I was working a full time job as an engineer and I paid for the pilot training myself. That is not a cheap item and it required alot of sacrifices. I stopped eating at restuarants and I started saving a portion of my income.

You may want to reach out to a friend of mine ,Victor Glover ,whom I worked with at the Johnson Space Center in th epast. He is an advocate for youths traditionally underrepresented in higher education and he is an advocate for student outreach.

I also recommend you speak with a Navy recruiter and an Air Force recruiter and ask them their advice.

Cameron, your future is yours to build and I think you will do extremely well no matter which path you choose.
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James’s Answer

A commission is required to be a pilot. That means you will have to earn your bachelor's degree and then attend an officer training course. Once you complete one of the officer training courses, you will begin training to become a pilot. It will be a long process of training and administration before you fly.

Keep in mind that these spots to become pilots are extremely competitive. Most of the questions on this site about specific careers in the military pertain about becoming a pilot.
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