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7313 Career Guide

Navy

7313: Air Operations Officer

Career transition guide for Navy Air Operations Officer (7313)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 7313 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Airport Operations Manager

$110K
High matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

FAA Airport Management Certification

Aerospace Engineering Technician

$75K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

CAD SoftwareSpecific Engineering Tools

Fuel Systems Manager

$90K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

HAZMAT certificationOSHA safety standards

Emergency Management Specialist

$80K
Moderate matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

Incident Command System (ICS) certificationFEMA certifications

Fire Protection Engineer

$95K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

NFPA certificationsEngineering license

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 7313 training built — and where they transfer.

Rapid Prioritization

Managing flight deck operations requires constant, split-second decisions about which aircraft need immediate attention for launch, recovery, or maintenance, all while considering fuel levels, mission objectives, and potential emergencies.

You quickly assess competing demands, allocate resources effectively, and adjust plans on the fly in high-pressure situations where the stakes are high and delays are costly.

System Modeling

As a 7313, you understand the intricate relationships between all the components involved in flight operations: aircraft, fuel systems, launch/recovery equipment, and personnel. You anticipate how changes in one area impact the overall system.

You can visualize and understand complex systems, predict how they will react under different conditions, and identify potential bottlenecks or points of failure.

Situational Awareness

Maintaining a comprehensive understanding of the flight deck environment – aircraft positions, personnel movements, equipment status, weather conditions – is critical for preventing accidents and ensuring efficient operations.

You possess a heightened ability to observe, interpret, and react to your surroundings. You are constantly aware of potential hazards and proactively take steps to mitigate risks.

Resource Optimization

From aviation fuel to personnel hours, you are responsible for maximizing the efficient use of limited resources to achieve operational objectives. This includes anticipating needs, minimizing waste, and finding creative solutions to resource constraints.

You excel at identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and maximize output. You're adept at finding innovative ways to do more with less, a highly valued skill in any organization.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Hospital Administrator

SOC 11-9111.00

You've been in charge of a complex, high-stakes environment with lives on the line. Your ability to manage resources, prioritize tasks, and maintain situational awareness translates directly to the demands of running a hospital or major clinic.

Logistics Manager

SOC 11-3071.00

You've been orchestrating the movement of aircraft, fuel, and personnel – all essential elements of a complex supply chain. Your expertise in planning, coordinating, and problem-solving makes you a natural fit for managing logistics in any industry.

Emergency Management Director

SOC 11-9161.00

You've been trained to handle emergencies, coordinate responses, and mitigate risks. Your experience in aircraft crash and salvage operations has prepared you to lead disaster preparedness and response efforts in civilian settings.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Air Operations Officer Course, Naval Air Station Pensacola, FL

320 training hours8 weeksUp to 3 semester hours in Aviation Operations Management

Topics Covered

  • Air Department Organization & Responsibilities
  • Aircraft Carrier Flight Deck Operations
  • Aircraft Handling Procedures
  • Aviation Fuel Handling and Safety
  • Crash and Salvage Operations
  • Emergency Response Procedures
  • Visual Landing Aids Maintenance
  • Air Operations Planning

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Professional Environmental Auditor (CPEA)60% covered

Study environmental regulations, auditing principles, and environmental management systems like ISO 14001. Focus on legal aspects of environmental compliance and auditing methodologies.

Certified Safety Professional (CSP)40% covered

While experienced in safety aspects of aviation, study advanced safety management techniques, risk assessment methodologies beyond aviation, and relevant OSHA standards not directly related to aircraft operations. Also, deeply study safety program development and implementation.

Project Management Professional (PMP)30% covered

While the role involves planning and execution, study the PMI project management framework, including all knowledge areas, processes, and professional conduct. Focus on formal project management methodologies, tools, and techniques.

Recommended Next Certifications

Airport Operations Professional (AOP)Aviation Safety Officer (ASO)Certified Aviation Manager (CAM)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
NAVFLIR (Naval Flight Record)Aviation Maintenance Tracking Software
CVN/LHA/LPH Aircraft Launch and Recovery Systems (Various)Industrial catapult and arresting gear systems
JP-5 Fuel SystemsIndustrial fuel storage and distribution systems
AFFF (Aqueous Film Forming Foam) Firefighting SystemsIndustrial fire suppression systems
P-25 Fire TrucksARFF (Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting) vehicles
TACAN (Tactical Air Navigation)VOR/DME (VHF Omnidirectional Range/Distance Measuring Equipment)
ILS (Instrument Landing System)Commercial aviation instrument landing systems

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