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7317 Career Guide

Navy

7317: Air Operations Officer

Career transition guide for Navy Air Operations Officer (7317)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 7317 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Airport Operations Manager

$95K
High matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

FAA certificationCivil aviation regulations

Logistics Manager

$85K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Supply chain management software (SAP, Oracle)APICS certification

Fire Safety Inspector

$70K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Certified Fire Inspector certificationLocal fire codes knowledge

Fuel Systems Manager

$80K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Petroleum handling safetyEnvironmental regulations compliance

Emergency Management Specialist

$75K
Moderate matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

FEMA certificationsHAZMAT handlingIncident command system (ICS) training

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 7317 training built — and where they transfer.

Rapid Prioritization

As an Aircraft Handling Officer, you constantly assess and reassess priorities in a dynamic environment, deciding which aircraft need immediate attention for launch, recovery, refueling, or maintenance, often under tight deadlines and changing conditions.

This translates directly to the ability to quickly evaluate competing demands and allocate resources effectively, a critical skill in fast-paced civilian settings.

System Modeling

You develop a mental model of the entire flight deck operation, understanding the intricate relationships between aircraft, personnel, equipment, and procedures to ensure smooth and safe operations.

This aptitude for understanding complex interconnected systems allows you to visualize and optimize processes, predict potential problems, and improve overall efficiency in various civilian industries.

Situational Awareness

Maintaining constant vigilance of the flight deck environment, you anticipate potential hazards and react proactively to prevent accidents or delays, ensuring the safety of personnel and equipment.

This heightened awareness translates to the ability to anticipate risks, identify potential opportunities, and make informed decisions in dynamic and unpredictable civilian environments.

Team Synchronization

Coordinating the actions of diverse teams, including pilots, deck crew, and maintenance personnel, you ensure that everyone is working together seamlessly to achieve common goals.

Your ability to orchestrate complex operations involving multiple individuals is directly transferable to civilian leadership roles where effective teamwork is essential for success.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Logistics Coordinator

SOC 43-3071.00

You've been expertly managing complex operations involving numerous moving parts and strict timelines. As a Logistics Coordinator, you'll leverage those skills to optimize supply chains and ensure efficient delivery of goods.

Emergency Management Specialist

SOC 11-9161.00

You've been trained to handle high-pressure situations and maintain calm in chaos. As an Emergency Management Specialist, you will use your quick-thinking skills and planning expertise to prepare for and respond to disasters.

Project Manager

SOC 11-9021.00

You've been in charge of planning and executing complex operations on an aircraft carrier. You already have the experience and leadership to oversee civilian projects of all sizes, from inception to completion, ensuring they stay on time and within budget.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Air Operations Officer Course, Naval Air Station Pensacola, FL

320 training hours8 weeksUp to 3 semester hours in Aviation Management

Topics Covered

  • Aircraft Carrier Flight Deck Operations
  • Aircraft Handling Procedures
  • Aviation Fuel Systems and Management
  • Aircraft Crash and Salvage Procedures
  • Firefighting and Emergency Response
  • Visual Landing Aids Maintenance
  • Air Department Administration
  • Naval Aviation Safety Programs

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Professional Logistician (CPL)60% covered

Requires additional knowledge in supply chain management principles, logistics network design, and advanced inventory control techniques. Study forecasting, demand planning, and global logistics strategies.

Certified Aviation Manager (CAM)50% covered

Needs further understanding of aviation-specific business management, including marketing, finance, and human resource management in an aviation context. Focus on aviation law, insurance, and risk management.

OSHA 30-Hour General Industry40% covered

Supplement with comprehensive knowledge of general industry-specific safety standards beyond aviation, including machine guarding, electrical safety, and hazard communication. Study record-keeping and reporting requirements.

Recommended Next Certifications

Project Management Professional (PMP)Certified Safety Professional (CSP)Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Integrated Launch and Recovery Television Surveillance (ILARTS)Industrial video monitoring systems, CCTV surveillance
Manually Operated Visual Landing Aid System (MOVALS)Airport visual landing systems, precision approach path indicator (PAPI)
Naval Aviation Fuel Management System (NAFMS)Fuel inventory management software, tank monitoring systems
Aircraft Crash and Salvage Equipment (e.g., P-25 Fire Truck)ARFF (Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting) vehicles and equipment
Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG)Emergency runway arresting systems
Flight Deck Status Boards (Digital or Manual)Airport operational display systems, resource management dashboards

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