Last Updated on August 30, 2023
Yes, Naval Flight Officers (NFOs) do learn to fly. NFOs attend flight school with Naval Aviators, but receive specialized instruction for their role. The NFO training pipeline involves learning how to fly a specific type of aircraft in the Navy.
NFOs and Naval Aviators attend the same flight school and undergo the same training pipeline. They start in Officer Candidate School, followed by Primary Flight Training and Intermediate and Advanced Training in specific Training Squadrons before receiving their Wings of Gold. They learn aircraft systems, navigation, communication, and tactics. Upon completion, they receive their Wings of Gold and become “aircrewman”.
Moreover, NFOs have the same physical standards as aviators. After flight school, NFOs can serve in the Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard. Once they are designated as an “aircrewman,” NFOs become active duty members and operate various aircraft systems as directed by their Commanding Officer.
Even though the movie Top Gun did fail to make it obvious, NFOs are integral to naval aviation and serve in various roles, such as on Aircraft Carriers or in search and rescue operations.
NFOs may find themselves assigned to a Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) at a Naval Air Station (NAS). At the NAS, NFOs will typically train on the T-6B Texan II before transitioning to their final aircraft type. For example, NFOs specializing in aircrew for an E-2C Hawkeye may be assigned to the Intermediate Training Squadron at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington.
In summary, the answer to the question “Do Naval Flight Officers learn to fly?” is a resounding YES.
NFOs attend the same flight school as their Naval Aviator colleagues and go through the same demanding physical and mental training regimen. Upon completion of their studies, NFOs receive their Wings of Gold and become certified aircrew members, ready to serve in a variety of roles within the Navy and Marine Corps.
