Military Career: Airplane Navigators
Overview
Pilots rely on the precision and skill of the navigator to keep the aircraft on course. Airplane navigators use radar, radio and other navigation equipment to determine position, direction of travel, intended course, and other information about their flights.
What They Do
Airplane navigators in the military perform some or all of the following duties:
- Guide tankers and other airplanes during in-flight refueling operations
- Provide pilots with instrument readings, fuel usage, and other flight information
- Direct aircraft course using radar, sight, and other navigation methods
- Operate radios and other communication equipment to send and receive messages
- Locate other aircraft using radar equipment
- Operate bombardier systems during bombing runs
- Inspect and test navigation and weapons systems before flights
Branches of the Military
Army
Navy
Air Force
Marine Corps
Coast Guard
Helpful Attributes
Helpful fields of study include cartography, geography, and surveying. Helpful attributes include:
- Ability to read maps and charts
- Ability to respond quickly to emergencies
- Interest in work requiring accuracy and attention to detail
- Strong desire to fly
Training Provided
Job training consists of 6 to 12 months of classroom instruction. Practical experience in navigation is gained through training in aircraft simulators and through about 100 hours of actual flying time. Further training occurs on the job and through advanced courses. Course content typically includes:
- Principles and methods of navigation
- Operation of communication, weapon, and radar systems
- Inspection and testing of navigation equipment and systems
- Combat and bombing navigation procedures and tactics
Physical Demands
Airplane navigators, like pilots, have a physically and mentally demanding job. Navigators are required to have excellent vision and must be in top physical shape.
Work Environment
Airplane navigators perform their work in aircraft. They may be stationed at air-bases or aboard aircraft carriers anywhere around the world.
Special Requirements
A 4-year college degree is required to enter this occupation. Although there are women airplane navigators, some specialties are open only to men.
Civilian Counterparts
Civilian air traffic control managers work at commercial airports. They perform duties similar to those performed by military air traffic control managers.
Below is a list of similar civilian occupations:
Opportunities
The services have about 6,000 airplane navigators. Each year, they need new navigators due to changes in personnel and the demands of the field. After job training, airplane navigators are assigned to flying sections for duty. They work as officer crewmembers on bombers, tankers, fighters, or other airplanes. In time, they may advance to senior management or command positions.
Source: U.S.
Department of Defense, Washington D.C.
