How to become a Navy Fighter Pilot: A Step-by-Step Guide
Becoming a Navy fighter pilot requires a tremendous amount of skill, dedication, and passion. It’s a demanding and challenging career that pushes individuals to their limits physically, mentally, and psychologically. If you’re aspiring to join the ranks of the world’s elite flyers, here’s a comprehensive guide to help you get started.
What are Navy Fighter Pilots?
Navy fighter pilots operate high-performance jet aircraft such as the F/A-18 Hornet and Super Hornet, the EA-18G Growler, and the F35C Lightning II. They are trained to accomplish a variety of missions including air-to-air combat, airborne reconnaissance, and strike combat. Navy fighter pilots are responsible for flying advanced aircraft, conducting aerial exercises, and providing air superiority.
Requirements to Become a Navy Fighter Pilot:
To become a Navy fighter pilot, you need to meet the following eligibility criteria:
- You must be a U.S. citizen.
- You must be 19-35 years of age (waiverable up to 49 years old).
- You must have a college degree from an approved institution.
- You must have a minimum 1000 points on the SAF (Aeronautical Officer) rating ( waivers available).
- You must pass a physical assessment test (PAT), which includes a swimming, push-up, sit-and-reach, and run-of-the-mile test.
**Education:**
To become a Navy fighter pilot, you’ll need to complete a four-year college degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) related field such as:
**Table: Approved College Programs**
| College Major/Field | Requirements |
| — | — |
| Aerospace Engineering | BS | |
| Aeronautical Engineering | BS |
| Physics | BS |
| Mathematics | BA |
| Computer Science | BS |
**Training Phase:**
After completing college, you’ll begin **Officer Candidate School** (OCS) **or the Naval Academy Prep School** (NAP). Once you graduate from OCS or NAP, you’ll begin flying training at **Primary flight training** (P1) in Corpus Christi, Texas. You’ll learn basic flying skills such as takeoff, landing, and emergency procedures in the T-6 Texan II.
**Flight Officer Training:**
After graduating from P1, you’ll attend **Flight officer training** (FOPT) in Pensacola, Florida. This stage focuses on **advanced tactics, formation flying, and instrument training** in the T-45 Goshawk.
**Fighter Pilot Training:**
Successful completion of FOPT earn you a spot at the **Fighter pilot transition training** (F2T) in Olangapo, Philippines. At F2T, you’ll learn to fly an F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. **You’ll be part of a training squadron known as VF-124.**
**Missions Training:**
Once you finish F2T, you’ll attend **missions training** (MT) which includes:
* **Day and night flying**
* **Air-to-air refueling**
* **Harsh weather conditions**
* **Air-to-ground gunnery**
* **Air-to-air combat missile training**
**Post-Navy Fighter Pilot Training:**
After completing all three stages of training, **you’ll be designated an F/A-18 flight officer**. As part of the Navy’s Flight Officer program, you may have opportunities to:
**Table: Post-Navy Fighter Pilot Training Options:**
| Training Options | Description |
| — | — |
| Flight school | Pursue advanced or specialized training |
| Postgraduate education | Earn graduate degrees in various fields |
**Conclusion:**
To become a Navy fighter pilot, you need to satisfy the eligibility criteria, follow the education path, attend training phases, and be part of missions training and post-Navy fighter pilot training. It’s **a challenging and rewarding experience that requires dedication, expertise, and teamwork**.
**Additional Tips:**
* **Stay fit**, both physically and mentally to withstand the demands of navy fighter pilot training.
* **Network** with peers and mentors to gain inside knowledge and advice.
* **Be flexible**, expect changes in training schedules or deployments.
* **Constantly improve** your knowledge and skills to stay atop the curve.
**Step-by-Step Guide Summary:**
1. Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements.
2. Pursue a college degree in STEM-related field.
3. Complete Officer Candidate School (OCS) or NAP.
4. Learn basic flying skills at primary flight training (P1).
5. Focus on advanced tactics, formation flying, and instrument training at FOPT.
6. Attend fight pilot transition training (F2T) in a training squadron.
7. Complete missions training, practicing day and night flying and more.
8. Seek post-Navy fighter pilot training options to enhance career prospects.
By following these steps and dedicating your time and effort, **you can become a commissioned Navy fighter pilot and represent the United States as one of the world’s elite flyers**.
