A naval flight officer (NFO) is a commissioned officer in the US Navy or Marine Corps who is trained in advanced weapons and other systems. He or she does not fly the plane, but instead manages various systems, allowing the pilot to concentrate on flying the plane while the NFO keeps an eye on the weapons systems. Because there are no flight duties, a naval flight officer is able to be more fully aware of the battlefield, allowing him to lead the mission. Both pilots and NFOs can hold leadership positions in their squadron, such as Operations or Maintenance Officers.
Although naval flight officers lack the comprehensive training required to fly the aircraft, they are well-versed in basic piloting techniques in dual-control aircraft. Some naval aircraft are designed with side-by-side seating to allow a pilot and an NFO to operate the aircraft simultaneously. NFOs and aviators go through a lot of the same physical training and basic aviation courses.
Newly commissioned Ensigns and 2nd Lieutenants who intend to pursue a career in aviation should report to the Pensacola Naval Air Station for Aviation Preflight Indoctrination (API). API is an educational program that teaches the fundamentals of aviation. This six-week program covers all aspects of flight, with classes on aerodynamics, aircraft engines, navigation, and meteorology among the topics covered. NFOs, like pilots, must undergo rigorous physical training as API students in order to withstand the rigors of flight aboard combat aircraft such as F/A-18 Hornets and EA-6B Prowlers.
Naval flight officer candidates who complete API successfully stay in Pensacola for primary flight training. After completing this training, NFOs can choose whether to be assigned to a jet or propeller-driven aircraft, and then proceed to the next level of flight training. The next stage of training allows the NFO to improve his or her flight and navigation skills. The NFOs then choose which aircraft type they want to specialize in.
The advanced training is dictated the aircraft type chosen the NFO. The final step before receiving NFO wings and reporting to a Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) for additional training in the chosen aircraft is advanced flight training. The FRS will train new NFOs on how to operate their aircraft’s systems in any mission that they may encounter. A naval flight officer becomes a certified fleet aviator after completing FRS training.