US Navy Aviator Training

US Navy Aviator Training

Hi Roi

First is 8 weeks of aviation indoctrination at the Schooląs Command at NAS
Pensacola. Then there is about 3 months of primary training at Whiting
Field near Pensacola (my son Richard ą99 is an instructor there). After
selection of a pipeline (P-8, F-18, E-6, A-6, helicopters etc.) base on
performance, there is about 4 to 6 months of basic training which includes
the first 4 carrier landings. This is at Meridian, Mississippi or
Kingsville, Texas which is also where advanced aviation training is -
which takes another 4 to 6 months. After some more carrier landings, the
student receives his/her Navy wings. Then the new aviator selects his/her
aircraft type based on class standing and eligibility (not all pilots can
fly in aircraft with ejection seats). If awarded the F-18, the new aviator
goes to Jacksonville, Florida or Lemoore, California for 6 to 8 months
training. After another round of carrier landings, he/she reports to their
first F-18 squadron for about 2 1/2 to 3 years of duty.

The P-8 and E-6 training is just as thorough minus the carrier landings.

So it takes about two years before being qualified to report their first
squadron. Once at the new squadron, the rookie still has another half
dozen qualifications (involving weapons delivery, low level high speed
navigation, formation tactics and air refueling) to complete before going
to Top Gun at Lemoore.

The Navy is very thorough in how well their pilots are trained. Before
landing on an aircraft carrier, there is extensive landing training. Some
students take longer, but no one łhits the boat˛ until absolutely ready!
All instructors train their students as if their (the instructorąs) life
depends on well trained they are.

I hope this helps.

I think you may still have my son Richardąs email address - he has more
current info than me.