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1380 Career Guide

Navy

1380: Naval Aviator

Career transition guide for Navy Naval Aviator (1380)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 1380 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Airline Pilot, Co-Pilot, or Flight Engineer

$170K
High matchVery high demand

Commercial Pilot

$95K
High matchHigh demand

Air Traffic Controller

$135K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

FAA Air Traffic Control Specialist certification

Aerospace Engineer

$125K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace EngineeringSpecific software proficiency (e.g., CAD, MATLAB)

Aviation Safety Inspector

$90K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

FAA certifications relevant to inspection areaIn-depth knowledge of aviation regulations

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 1380 training built — and where they transfer.

Situational Awareness

Naval Pilots must constantly monitor and interpret a dynamic environment, including aircraft performance, weather conditions, air traffic, and potential threats, to make critical decisions in real-time.

The ability to maintain a comprehensive understanding of your surroundings and anticipate potential issues, crucial for effective decision-making in fast-paced and complex situations.

Rapid Prioritization

Pilots routinely face multiple, often conflicting demands, requiring them to quickly assess the urgency and importance of each task and allocate their attention and resources accordingly.

The capacity to swiftly evaluate competing priorities and make informed decisions about which tasks to address first, essential for managing complex projects and responsibilities.

Degraded-Mode Operations

Naval Pilots are trained to handle emergencies and equipment malfunctions, adapting their procedures and utilizing backup systems to maintain control of the aircraft and complete the mission.

The ability to effectively troubleshoot problems and maintain functionality under pressure, even when systems are not operating at their optimal level.

Team Synchronization

Naval aviation heavily relies on coordinated teamwork. As a pilot, you're constantly communicating with your crew, air traffic control, and other support personnel to ensure mission success and safety.

The ability to effectively communicate, coordinate, and collaborate with others to achieve a common goal, crucial for leading and working within high-performing teams.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Emergency Management Director

SOC 11-9161.00

You've been rigorously trained to remain calm under pressure, assess risk, and make rapid decisions in high-stakes environments. Your expertise in coordinating teams and managing complex situations translates directly to the responsibilities of an Emergency Management Director, where you'll be responsible for planning and executing responses to natural disasters and other crises.

Airfield Operations Specialist

SOC 53-2011.00

You've got an intimate knowledge of airfield operations and aviation safety protocols. Your experience in managing aircraft movements, monitoring weather conditions, and coordinating with ground support makes you an ideal candidate to ensure the safe and efficient operation of civilian airfields.

Management Consultant

SOC 13-1111.00

You've developed exceptional analytical skills, a knack for problem-solving, and the ability to quickly grasp complex systems. These skills are highly valued in management consulting, where you'll advise organizations on how to improve their performance and efficiency.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Flight School, multiple locations

960 training hours60 weeksVaries depending on aircraft and follow-on training, up to 24 semester hours recommended

Topics Covered

  • Aerodynamics
  • Meteorology
  • Navigation
  • Aircraft systems
  • Flight regulations
  • Emergency procedures
  • Instrument flying
  • Formation flying

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

FAA Commercial Pilot License70% covered

Military pilots often need to complete a written exam covering civilian aviation regulations, meteorology, and navigation. They may also require additional flight hours in civilian aircraft to meet specific experience requirements.

Certified Aviation Manager (CAM)40% covered

This certification focuses on business aviation management. Gaps include business management principles, financial management, human resources, and marketing as they apply to civilian aviation operations.

Recommended Next Certifications

Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) CertificateCertified Flight Instructor (CFI)Aviation Safety Officer (ASO)Project Management Professional (PMP)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
F/A-18E/F Super HornetBoeing aircraft maintenance and pilot certifications
MH-60R SeahawkSikorsky or Lockheed Martin helicopter maintenance and piloting
E-2C/D HawkeyeNorthrop Grumman surveillance aircraft maintenance and piloting
Link 16Military-grade encrypted communication systems
AN/APG-79 AESA RadarAdvanced radar systems used in air traffic control or weather forecasting
Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS)Augmented reality displays for pilots; heads-up displays
AN/ALQ-214 Integrated Defensive Electronic Countermeasures (IDECM)Electronic warfare simulation and defense systems

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