1. THE ROAD TO BECOMING A NAVAL AVIATOR

2. AVIATION PIPELINE After completing TBS all aviator candidates will begin Aviation Preflight Indoctrination (API) at Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Florida. The six weeks of training are comprised of introductions to aerodynamics, aviation physiology, basic engine operations, navigation and land and sea survival. Primary Flight Training: After completing API most students proceed to North Whiting Field in Milton, Florida or NAS Corpus Christi, TX. Some students will proceed to Vance Air Force Base in Oklahoma to participate in the Air Force’s Joint Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training. Primary training, usually lasting six months, consists of the students first introduction to flying utilizing the T-34C. Students can expect approximately 170 hours of classroom lectures, 70 hours of flight time, and 30 hours of simulator time. At the completion of Primary, students will be selected based on grades and aptitude for follow on training in either jets, helicopters, turbo props or tilt rotors. Intermediate Flight Training: Students selected to fly helicopters, turbo-props or tilt rotors will receive additional training in the T-34C. Those who select jets will proceed to either NAS Kingsville, TX or NAS Meridian, MS to continue training in the T-2 or T-45.

3. Advanced Training: Students who have been selected to fly helicopters will continue their training at South Whiting Field in the TH-57B/C, logging approximately 110 hours. Jet students will spend 90 hours in the TA-4 or T-45 with emphasis on combat maneuvering. Turbo-prop and tilt rotor students will report to NAS Corpus Christi, TX for approximately 20 weeks consisting of 90 hours of flight time in the T-44. Tilt rotor students will then be assigned to South Whiting Field for helicopter training. At the completion of Advanced Training students will be designated Naval Aviators and receive their wings. Their follow on squadrons will teach them how to fly their specific platform. AVIATION PIPELINE

4. API NAS PENSACOLA, FL PRIMARY NAS CORPUS CHRISTI CORPUS CHRISTI, TX PRIMARY NAS WHITING FIELD MILTON, FL HELO INTERMEDIATE NAS WHITING FIELD MILTON, FL TURBO PROP/TILT ROTOR INTERMEDIATE NAS CORPUS CHRISTI COPRPUS CHRISTI, TX JET INTERMEDIATE NAS MERIDIAN MERIDIAN, MS NAS KINGSVILLE KINGSVILLE, TX HELO ADVANCED NAS WHITING FIELD MILTON, FL TILT ROTOR ADVANCED NAS WHITING FIELD MILTON, FL JET ADVANCED NAS MERIDIAN MERIDIAN, MS NAS KINGSVILLE KINGSVILLE, TX TURBO PROP/TILT ROTOR ADVANCED NAS CORPUS CHRISTI COPRPUS CHRISTI, TX FLEET REPLACEMENT SQUADRON (FOLLOW-ON SCHOOL IN YOUR SPECIFIC PLATFORM)

5. FLEETREPLACEMENETSQUADRONSFLEETREPLACEMENETSQUADRONS HMMT-164 CAMP PENDLETON, CALIFORNIA VMAT-203 MCAS NEW RIVER, NORTH CAROLINA VMMT-204 MCAS NEW RIVER, NORTH CAROLINA VMGRT-253 MCAS NEW RIVER, NORTH CAROLINA HMLAT-303 CAMP PENDLETON, CALIFORNIA HMLAT-303 CAMP PENDLETON, CALIFORNIA HMT-302 MCAS NEW RIVER, NORTH CAROLINA VAQ-129 NAS WHIDBEY ISLAND, WASHINGTON VMFAT-101 MCAS MIRAMAR, CALIFORNIA

6. INDIVIDUAL QUALIFICATIONS Being designated a Naval Aviator (taking about two years altogether) encompasses multiple aviation qualifications which can be granted by the FAA through written examinations. Designated Helicopter Pilots: –Private Pilot’s License, Fixed wing – single engine –Private Pilot’s License, Helicopter –Standard Instrument Rating Designated Jet Pilot: –Private Pilot’s License, Fixed wing – single engine –Standard Instrument Rating Designated Turbo-prop Pilot: –Private Pilot’s License, Fixed wing – single engine –Private Pilot’s License, Fixed wing – multi-engine –Standard Instrument Rating Designated Tilt rotor Pilot: –Private Pilot’s License, Fixed wing – single engine –Private Pilot’s License, Fixed wing – multi-engine –Private Pilot’s License, Helicopter –Standard Instrument Rating

7. COST EQUIVALENTS IN THE CIVILIAN WORLD Civilians earning their private pilot’s license typically take between 3 to 12 months, based on their hours to train, weather, and financial considerations, to complete their training. Depending on the quality of flight school a person attends, the financial commitment can be staggering. Minimum Requirements # of Hours Costs $ Dual Hours 30 7,020 Solo Hours 10 1,950 Ground Instruction 15 585 Pre / Post Flight Briefing 10 390 Written Test 70 Practical Test Aircraft Rental 1.5 293 Check ride Examiner Fee 350 Flight Physical 65 Books / Basic Equipment 200 Total 41.4 HOURS $10,923 These costs, quoted from an online vendor, is consider the average. Additional costs to obtain the same ratings as a winged Naval Aviator vary but are generally consistent with the following, –Private Pilot’s License: $11,000 –Standard Instrument Rating: $7,000 –Multi-engine Rating: $5,000 –Helicopter License: $9,000 IT’S ALL FREE IN THE MARINE CORPS! = $ 32,000

8. COMPARISON FIGURES IF A CIVILIAN PILOT WANTS TO FLY THE SAME AMOUNT OF HOURS AS A MARINE STUDENT PILOT HOURS: 100 2 nd Lt Salary: $2,470/month Flight pay: $125/month BAH: $1095/month (Pensacola, FL) INCOME: $44,280 HOURS: 100 Flight school = $11,000 (will receive 50 hours) 50 hours rented=5,000* TOTAL COST = ($16,000 1 ST YEAR USMC CIVILIAN HOURS: 215 Additional training for Instrument Rating: $7,000 115 hours rented: $ 11,500* TOTAL COST:$18,500 HOURS: 215 1 st Lt Salary: $2570/month Flight Pay: $125/month BAH: $1157/month (Pensacola, FL) INCOME: $46,224 2 ND YEAR Naval Aviator: Pilot’s license Standard Instrument Rating * The average cost to rent an aircraft is $100/hour TOAL COST $34,500 TOAL INCOME $90,504