Are Air Force navigators officers?

Air Force navigator is not a generic position applicable to all aircraft. Instead, Air Force navigators are officers with specialized training in the navigation systems and other equipment on specific types of aircraft, reports Military.com.

Does the Air Force still use navigators?

CSO implementation. In 2009, most USAF navigators still in an operational flying status, or due to rotate back to an operational flying assignment, transitioned to CSO.

What is a master navigator?

The Air Force Master Navigator badge was initially awarded for 15 years of operational experience as a navigator. Updated regulations require 15 years rated status as a navigator, 3000 total flight hours, and 132 months of operational flying experience by the 18th year of aviation service.

How much do Air Force navigators make?

The typical US Air Force Navigator salary is $98,288 per year. Navigator salaries at US Air Force can range from $61,615 – $166,754 per year. This estimate is based upon 11 US Air Force Navigator salary report(s) provided by employees or estimated based upon statistical methods.

Is a navigator a pilot?

The Army Air Corps had only adopted the idea of the air navigator as a specialized crew member in 1939. Suddenly, tens of thousands were needed. Most navigators in the Army Air Forces started as pilot cadets who “washed out” of pilot training, often in PT-17s.

How do you become an Air Force navigator?

Training:

  1. For those without a prior military service commission, successful completion of the eight-week Officer Training School at Maxwell AFB, AL is required.
  2. Completion of Air Force Specialized Undergraduate Navigator Training (SUNT) or Undergraduate Combat Systems Officer Training.

How do you become a navigator in the Air Force?

To become a navigator, candidates must become an officer and earn a commission, either through the Air Force Academy or through any university’s Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) cadet training program. Navigator candidates get 20 hours of flying instruction covering basic navigation skills.

How do you become an air force navigator?