How are NFO/Pilots paired?

[poobear24]

Hi everyone! Just curious how the two forces are combined in the cockpit. Is the #1 pilot paired with the #1 NFO and then the same down the list? Do they stick together for the whole sea tour? (i.e. Maverick/Goose). It would seem to me that this would be the most productive way of doing things as each would know the strengths and weaknesses of each other. I've also read that senior pilots/nfos are paired with junior pilots/nfos. And are they contractually obligated to sing "You've lost that lovin' feeling" as a team to chicks at the bar? Any feedback would be appreciated.

 

[TheBubba]

Depends on a lot... I can only speak for my squadron:

The more senior guys are paired with junior or new guys. Like when I first joined my squadron, I flew with more senior aircrew until I got a more experience, then got paired with more junior guys. Being a Prowler guy with 4 people in the jet, even as a more junior guy, I got to fly front seat with more junior aircrew as long as there was a more senior guy in the jet.

There are other things that are taken into consideration as well. Mission commander qualification, section/division lead, instructor quals, currency requirements etc. All of that is taken into consideration when the Ops/Scheds guys are writing the schedule and determining combat crews.

I've flown in the front with almost every pilot in the squadron, a;ways dependent on what the mission and training/currency requirements are.

Hope that helps answer the question.

 

[a_m]

You'll figure it out when you get to your fleet squadron. In a few years.

 

[Treetop Flyer]

You'll figure it out when you get to your fleet squadron. In a few years.

In the time it took you to type that, you could have just answered his question.

 

[a_m]

In the time it took you to type that, you could have just answered his question.

So could you.

The bigger point is that each squadron/community can (and does) the pairings differently, so there is no real answer.

 

[Treetop Flyer]

So could you.

The bigger point is that each squadron/community can (and does) the pairings differently, so there is no real answer.

No NFO's in my community, so I have idea how it's done.

 

[MasterBates]

I've flown with everything from the doc to the CO to RAG students in the back.

Until they scream, I don't notice they are there.

 

[JMonte85]

Haha... to number 4 and 5 post.

 

[HeyJoe]

So could you.

The bigger point is that each squadron/community can (and does) the pairings differently, so there is no real answer.

Sometimes, it's dictated from the top....literally as CO and OPS promulgate the squadron Tactical Organization, but you get "swing" quite a bit due to daily changing flight schedule and in instances when your appointed partner has the duty or isn't available for some reason. In a normal operational assignment, you'll be reassigned a new partner several times as Tactical organization is revamped before and after deployments and/or when aircrews come and go or gain more experience (or don't work out for whatever reason).

 

[HeyJoe]

And are they contractually obligated to sing "You've lost that lovin' feeling" as a team to chicks at the bar? Any feedback would be appreciated.

The first part of your post has reasonable question before you try to be cute. There is a reason everyone has ignored your last question. Don't be a smartass.

 

[Deleted member 24525]

In some communities,NFOs are on top...more often then not they are on the bottom. I personally prefer doggy style.

 

[MAKE VAPES]

Nuggets usually get assigned a second cruise or more pilot/NFO. If you continue to ask questions in your peculiar manner without the thought that folks here (and the rest of your life) will immediatelly assume you are missing/have too many chromosomes you are sadly mistaken. Poor choice of words, no style, not remotelly funny. Ive never seen Hey Joe react like this, so you must be majorly screwing the pooch with your post. I'd be quiet and lurk for a while.

 

[FlyBoyd]

Ive never seen Hey Joe react like this...

I am pretty sure in his 6850+ posts he got pissy somewhere. This can't be the first time

 

[Malo83]

Tough crowd...

 

[poobear24]

Tough crowd indeed. I thought the aviation community woulda had a sense of humor, but thanks for the feedback though! :icon_tong

Another quick question: If Pilots and NFOs switch weekly or even daily in a given aircraft, how often do they re-spraypaint their names on the side of the cockpit?