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1317 Career Guide

Navy

1317: Naval Aviator (Pilot)

Career transition guide for Navy Naval Aviator (Pilot) (1317)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 1317 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Airline Pilot

$200K
High matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificateSpecific aircraft type ratings (e.g., Boeing 737, Airbus A320)

Corporate Pilot

$150K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificateSpecific aircraft type ratingsBusiness aviation experience

Aviation Safety Inspector

$110K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

FAA certification knowledgeRegulatory compliance expertiseCivilian aviation safety standards

Program Manager

$120K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Project Management Professional (PMP) certificationAgile methodologiesBudget management

Intelligence Analyst

$90K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Data analysis tools (e.g., Python, R)Geographic Information Systems (GIS)Critical thinking and problem-solving

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 1317 training built — and where they transfer.

Situational Awareness

Naval Aviators constantly monitor their surroundings, integrating data from instruments, visual cues, and communications to maintain a comprehensive understanding of their aircraft's status, environmental conditions, and tactical situation. This is crucial for safe navigation, threat assessment, and mission execution.

The ability to synthesize diverse information streams to anticipate potential problems and proactively manage dynamic situations translates directly to roles requiring strategic decision-making and risk management.

Rapid Prioritization

In dynamic flight environments, Naval Aviators must quickly assess competing demands, prioritize critical tasks (such as responding to emergencies, navigating complex airspace, or engaging threats), and allocate attention effectively to ensure mission success and safety.

The capacity to rapidly evaluate situations, identify the most critical priorities, and make effective decisions under pressure is highly valuable in fast-paced environments where timely action is essential.

Team Synchronization

Naval Aviators operate as integral members of a crew and larger operational teams. They must coordinate actions, communicate effectively, and synchronize their efforts with other pilots, aircrew, and ground personnel to achieve mission objectives and maintain a cohesive operational picture.

The ability to effectively collaborate, communicate, and coordinate with diverse teams to achieve shared goals is crucial for success in many organizational settings.

Degraded-Mode Operations

Naval Aviators are trained to handle emergencies and equipment malfunctions, adapting procedures and improvising solutions to maintain control of the aircraft and complete the mission even when systems are not functioning optimally. They make critical, life-saving decisions with limited information.

The capability to remain calm under pressure, troubleshoot complex problems, and maintain operational effectiveness in the face of unexpected challenges is highly prized in roles requiring resilience and adaptability.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Emergency Management Director

SOC 11-9161.00

You've been trained to assess risks, develop contingency plans, and coordinate resources in high-pressure situations. Your experience in Naval Aviation gives you a unique understanding of crisis management and resource allocation, making you well-suited to lead emergency response efforts.

Airfield Operations Specialist

SOC 53-2011.00

Your expertise in flight operations, safety protocols, and air traffic control procedures gained as a Naval Aviator directly translates to this role. You're adept at coordinating ground operations, managing airfield resources, and ensuring the safe and efficient movement of aircraft.

Logistics Manager

SOC 11-3071.00

You've honed your skills in resource management, supply chain coordination, and operational planning, ensuring that aircraft and personnel are ready for deployment. Your experience makes you exceptionally qualified to oversee logistics operations in various industries.

Business Continuity Planner

SOC 13-1199.00

You've developed risk management and contingency planning expertise. This means you are excellent at helping organizations prepare for disruptions and maintain critical functions during unexpected events.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Flight School, Naval Air Station Whiting Field and various follow-on Fleet Replacement Squadrons (FRS)

1,200 training hours52 weeksVaries depending on aircraft platform, typically up to 30 semester hours recommended in aviation-related subjects

Topics Covered

  • Aerodynamics and Aircraft Systems
  • Basic and Advanced Flight Maneuvers
  • Instrument Flight Procedures
  • Formation Flying
  • Air-to-Air and Air-to-Surface Gunnery
  • Survival Training (SERE)
  • Navigation and Mission Planning
  • Tactical Employment of Naval Aircraft

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Commercial Pilot License (CPL)70% covered

Differences in civilian aviation regulations, specific aircraft type ratings, and instrument proficiency checks as per FAA standards.

Project Management Professional (PMP)50% covered

Formal project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Scrum), specific project management tools and software, and the PMP exam content outline.

Recommended Next Certifications

Airline Transport Pilot (ATP)Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)Master of Business Administration (MBA)Certified Aviation Manager (CAM)

Technical Systems Translation

Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
AN/ASQ-81 Magnetic Anomaly Detector (MAD)Geophysical survey equipment for mineral or oil exploration
AN/AQS-13F SonarCommercial fishing sonar systems
Advanced Airborne Fleet Connector (AAFC)Satellite Communication Systems
AN/APS-153 Multi-Mode RadarWeather and navigation radar systems on commercial aircraft
Link 16Real-time data exchange platforms
AN/ALQ-142 Electronic Support Measures (ESM) systemSpectrum analyzers and signal intelligence tools

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