Navy Pilot Requirements

There are several benchmarks of excellence that you need to prove to become a navy pilot. These standard requirements have been fixed by the US navy wing. Requirements for becoming a navy pilot include perfect medical health and some specific sets of educational qualifications followed by rigorous training. Enlisting in the navy is a matter of pride and honor and in addition, it offers a many benefits and job security.

How to Become a US Navy Pilot

A career as a navy pilot is extremely demanding, equally rewarding and there are many reasons to join the navy. You'll not only be a part of US defense department but you'll also have an opportunity to serve the nation. Monetary gains are also decent in the Navy and you're entitled to several benefits besides excellent wages while doing this military job. Navy pilot medical requirements are not very tough for you to qualify, as opposed to the contrary belief; however, you need to be in extremely good medical health. Physical conditions, education and other requirements have been established by US navy to judge a candidate's competence in performing tough tasks for the navy.

Citizenship
An individual aiming to become a navy pilot must be a US citizen. In case, you're not a US citizen, you can apply for becoming a US citizen, irrespective of how long you have been living in the US. You must contact the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for more information on seeking a US citizenship.

Minimum Age
Navy, just like army, has a cut off age. While enlisting in the navy, one must be at least 18 years of age. By the age of 28, you must be commissioned as an officer. Age waivers are available in certain circumstances; however, for most of the cases, 18 and 28 years is the least limit.

Minimum Height
Height is the major factor for deciding the plane a candidate will fly, after he has been considered eligible. If you're too short, you may be rejected. Nevertheless, in general navy pilots are not disqualified only because of heights. Also, height requirements are not gender specific in navy pilot or aviators applications. Size requirements in US navy are tested by a series of methods called anthropometric measurements. The requirement of pilot height for applicants is in between 62" to 77".

Vision Power
Ideal requirements for proper eye vision for navy pilot is 20/40; however, it can be correctable to 20/20. Candidates should not be color blind or they must not have any major eyesight problems or difficulties in depth perception. In some cases, navy accepts candidates who have gone through laser eye surgery, however.

Minimum Educational Qualifications
Minimum bachelor's degree earned at a civilian college or University or from the famed U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis is essential to become a navy pilot.

Commissioning Requirements
To become a navy pilot, you need to be commissioned as an officer in navy. There are 3 ways to become a commissioned officer. You can enroll in Naval Reserve Officers' Training Program (ROTC) in an authorized college wherein you'll be required to attend several courses related to navy studies along with your normal college syllabus. You'll also report to duties of midshipman during summers. Another route to obtain commissioning degree is to take Officer Candidate School program that lasts for 12 weeks. In this program at the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Fla, USA, candidates are introduced to basic rules and regulations of the US navy. The most rigorous program is that of the U.S. Naval Academy. Gaining an entry in the U.S. Naval Academy is extremely rewarding. Only 10% of all the applicants gain entry in the US naval Academy, so you can estimate the level of competition.

Flight School Requirements
If you don't have a private or recreational pilot certification, it is essential for you to attend a flight school. You must complete this program successfully, before you can apply for aviators or pilot's position. In this program, you'll be given various flying instructions and you'll have to take 25 hours of flight training instructions. By the time your training ends, you'll gain specialization in flying a specific aircraft. There are certain variances in training hours and other factors and you need to go to the Navy website to know about all details.

After fulfilling these necessary conditions, you'll be able to get a position in the esteemed Navy. While it is certainly a tough journey to enter in Navy, the rewards of hard work are equally high.