Naval Aviator Career

[edforescas]

Hi,

Is the first sea tour after wings generally 3 full years followed by 3 years (or is 2) of flying on land as an instructor, followed by another 2 years at sea? If so, those final two years do not involve any flying, but instead entail learning other duties of being a naval officer to prepare one to possibly command a ship or some other significant command?

Also, if one receives assignment to the Growler, is that considered being a jet pilot? It looks like the F-18, but it does not actually fight, correct? For all other purposes, is it basically a fighter jet that serves to jam electronics and radar?

Thanks.

 

[ChuckMK23]

42!

 

[Griz882]

Hi,

Is the first sea tour after wings generally 3 full years followed by 3 years (or is 2) of flying on land as an instructor, followed by another 2 years at sea? If so, those final two years do not involve any flying, but instead entail learning other duties of being a naval officer to prepare one to possibly command a ship or some other significant command?

Also, if one receives assignment to the Growler, is that considered being a jet pilot? It looks like the F-18, but it does not actually fight, correct? For all other purposes, is it basically a fighter jet that serves to jam electronics and radar?

Thanks.

I’m an old helo guy, but even I’ve never seen a propeller powered Growler!

 

[TacticalTater]

Hi,

Growler, It looks like the F-18, but it does not actually fight, correct?

Thanks.

This is awesome.

 

[CommodoreMid]

This is awesome.

 

[ea6bflyr]

Hi,

Is the first sea tour after wings generally 3 full years followed by 3 years (or is 2) of flying on land as an instructor, followed by another 2 years at sea? If so, those final two years do not involve any flying, but instead entail learning other duties of being a naval officer to prepare one to possibly command a ship or some other significant command?

Also, if one receives assignment to the Growler, is that considered being a jet pilot? It looks like the F-18, but it does not actually fight, correct? For all other purposes, is it basically a fighter jet that serves to jam electronics and radar?

Thanks.

Here’s the career path for aviation:


Yes, EA-18G Growlers are jets and the shoot stuff (Air-to-Ground & Air-to-Air missiles) at bad guys when given the chance.

The standard first sea tour is 36 months followed by 1st shore tour which is supposed to be 30 months, but could be shortened by the needs of the Navy. The 2nd sea tour may involve flying (WTI Training Officer job at Squadron, CVW Staff) or not involve flying (Admiral CSG Staff, TAO, ANAV, Assistant Air Ops, Assistant Strike Ops, Shooter) and is approximately 24 months followed by Department Head Screening.

 

[MIDNJAC]

This is awesome.

lol, this person is VFA for sure

 

[sevenhelmet]

I’m an old helo guy, but even I’ve never seen a propeller powered Growler!

What about those little propeller thingies on the front of the pods? They power stuff don’t they?

Propeller-powered EA!

 

[WhiskeySierra6]

 

[hlg6016]

Just let it rip and impress her young man.

 

[MIDNJAC]

What about those little propeller thingies on the front of the pods? They power stuff don’t they?

Propeller-powered EA!

I wish there had been an eyeball/face cam recording me the first time I took off with pods at around 60-70 knots when they spin up. "AHHHHHHH WHAT THE FUCK IS THAT NOISE!!!??????!!!!! SHOULD I ABORT? AM I ABORTING????? WAIT WE ARE AIRBORNE AND ITS FINE ok ok"

 

[edforescas]

Here’s the career path for aviation:
View attachment 42723

Yes, EA-18G Growlers are jets and the shoot stuff (Air-to-Ground & Air-to-Air missiles) at bad guys when given the chance.

The standard first sea tour is 36 months followed by 1st shore tour which is supposed to be 30 months, but could be shortened by the needs of the Navy. The 2nd sea tour may involve flying (WTI Training Officer job at Squadron, CVW Staff) or not involve flying (Admiral CSG Staff, TAO, ANAV, Assistant Air Ops, Assistant Strike Ops, Shooter) and is approximately 24 months followed by Department Head Screening.

Thanks, but:

1. What is a production aide/PEP?

2. I don't see flight instructor as an option for the 1st shore tour? I thought that was an option for that tour?

3. If your second sea tour is a non-flying job, how do you keep up your flying skills/qualifications for 2 years?

4. So, do Growler pilots basically go through the same training pipeline as fighters, except that the Growler pipeline focuses more on electronic
jamming (or whatever else they do)?

5. Besides, fighters, Growlers, and helos, do any other type of craft land on carriers? I am assume navy cargo pilots never land on carriers or get
assigned out to sea?

 

[ea6bflyr]

Thanks, but:

1. What is a production aide/PEP?

2. I don't see flight instructor as an option for the 1st shore tour? I thought that was an option for that tour?

3. If your second sea tour is a non-flying job, how do you keep up your flying skills/qualifications for 2 years?

4. So, do Growler pilots basically go through the same training pipeline as fighters, except that the Growler pipeline focuses more on electronic
jamming (or whatever else they do)?

5. Besides, fighters, Growlers, and helos, do any other type of craft land on carriers? I am assume navy cargo pilots never land on carriers or get
assigned out to sea?

1. Production is teaching flying at training squadrons (FRS/VT/HT). Aide is an Admiral’s Aide. PEP is an exchange tour flying in another military’s jet.
2. See above.
3. You may get an occasional opportunity to fly with a squadron onboard the CVN…but more than likely, your skills will degrade a bit, but if selected for DH, you will regain your skills pretty quickly.
4. Fighter Tactics and Electronic Attack are taught at a basic level in the FRS. The FRS introduces you to the many aspects of your new aircfaft. Once you get to your fleet squadron, you will learn the full employment of your aircraft.
5. CMV-22 Osprey fly cargo and personnel to/from the shore/ship-they are part of the airwing, E-2 Hawkeye. Read this.

 

[edforescas]

Great. Many thanks.