Airplane Navigators

Background

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:

• Direct aircraft course using radar, sight, and other navigation methods
• Guide tankers and other airplanes during in-flight refueling operations
• Inspect and test navigation and weapons systems before flights
• Locate other aircraft using radar equipment
• Operate bombardier systems during bombing runs
• Operate radios and other communication equipment to send and receive messages
• Provide pilots with instrument readings, fuel usage, and other flight information

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.

Special Requirements

A four-year college degree is required to enter this career. 

Helpful Attributes

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

Helpful School Subjects

No information available.

Helpful Fields of Study

Helpful fields of study include:

• Cartography
• Geography
• Surveying

Work Environment

Airplane navigators perform their work in aircraft. They may be stationed at airbases or aboard aircraft carriers anywhere around the world.

Services offering this career:

• Air Force
• Marine Corps
• Navy

Hiring Practices

To serve in the military, a person must be at least 17; the maximum age for enlistment varies. To enlist, a person must pass a physical exam and an aptitude test. An enlistee must also meet military standards of discipline and be a US citizen or permanent resident alien.

This position is for officers.

Wages

The military is competitive with the civilian world when it comes to pay and benefits. All branches offer the same basic pay and benefits.

Pay depends mainly on rank or grade as well as length of service. Bonuses and the situation in which the person is serving (for example: flight duty, sea duty, hazardous duty) also affect pay. 

Cost-of-living increases usually occur every year, based on inflation. The military also pays allowances for food, clothing, and housing. All these factors combined are called Regular Military Compensation (RMC). They should all be considered when comparing military pay to civilian pay.

There are two main parts to RMC: basic pay and allowances. There are also additional incentives for special abilities, training, or hazardous duty.

Check out the RMC Calculator to calculate your RMC based on your inputs.

Training Provided

Job training consists of six to 12 months of classroom instruction.

Course content typically includes:

• Combat and bombing navigation procedures and tactics
• Inspection and testing of navigation equipment and systems
• Operation of communication, weapon, and radar systems
• Principles and methods of navigation

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.

Civilian Counterparts

Civilian airplane navigators work for passenger and cargo airlines. With the exception of duties that are combat-related, their duties are similar to those performed by military navigators.

Related Civilian Careers

• Airplane Pilots
• Astronauts

Employment and Outlook

In peace time the services have about 6,000 airplane navigators. In times of military action the number may be different, depending on the type of specialties required. Each year the services 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.