Flight officer facts for kids

The title flight officer was a special military rank used in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. It was also a rank for female officers in some Commonwealth countries, like the UK. There, it was similar to a flight lieutenant. Today, "flight officer" can also describe someone who works as an aircrew member.

What a Flight Officer Does

A flight officer is an important member of an aircraft's crew. They have specific jobs to do during a flight.

One main role is being the navigator. A navigator plans the journey and helps the pilot stay on course. They also make sure the aircraft avoids any dangers or obstacles.

Flight officers can also be in charge of special systems on the aircraft. This includes planning missions, timing events, and reacting to threats. They also handle aircraft communications and avoid hazards.

In the United States Navy and Marine Corps, officers who operate airborne weapon and sensor systems are called naval flight officers. The term "flight officer" is also used for police officers who fly planes or helicopters for law enforcement.

Flight Officer as a Military Rank

In the United States

United States Army

The rank of flight officer was used by the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. This rank was created on September 10, 1942. By November 5, 1942, pilots of military gliders became flight officers after finishing their training. The new rank insignia was sometimes called "the blue pickle."

This rank was similar to a Warrant Officer Junior Grade (WOJG) today. This is a Warrant Officer (NATO grade: W-1). Soldiers and aviation cadet trainees who passed their flight training became Flight Officers. They worked as skilled pilots, navigators, flight engineers, bombardiers, and glider pilots.

After World War II ended, the Army Air Forces stopped using the flight officer rank. By then, most flight officers had either been promoted to higher officer ranks or had left the military.

In the late 1940s, the United States Army needed more pilots. But rules about how many commissioned officers they could have made it hard to add more. The Army then decided that the flight officer rank was actually a type of warrant officer.

The Warrant Officer Flight Program began in 1949. The first warrant officer Army Aviators graduated in 1951. This program was paused in 1959 but started again in 1963. It has been running ever since. Most of these warrant officers learned to fly helicopters. The Army had started a helicopter pilot training course for officers in 1948. To become a flight warrant officer candidate, you had to be between 18 and 28 years old when you started training.

Army Aviators, both commissioned and warrant officers, flew Army aircraft. These included both helicopters and fixed-wing planes. They did many jobs, such as spotting for artillery, observing, scouting, and reconnaissance. They also helped evacuate injured soldiers and transported troops and cargo. Some flew attack helicopters or did electronic surveillance and communications missions.

Civil Air Patrol

The Civil Air Patrol (CAP) brought back the rank of flight officer in the mid-1980s. The CAP is a civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force. This rank replaced older warrant officer ranks.

CAP officers who are between 18 and 20 years old can be promoted to flight officer, technical flight officer, and senior flight officer. The requirements for these promotions are similar to those for becoming a CAP second lieutenant, first lieutenant, and captain. If these flight officers choose to become commissioned officers, they are promoted to these ranks when they turn 21.

In Commonwealth Countries

The rank of flight officer was also used in several Commonwealth countries. It was equal to a flight lieutenant. This rank was used for women in the air services.

For example, the United Kingdom's Women's Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) and its later version, the Women's Royal Air Force (WRAF), used this rank until 1968. Princess Mary's Royal Air Force Nursing Service (PMRAFNS) used it until 1980. The Women's Royal Australian Air Force also used it before joining the Royal Australian Air Force in 1977.

See also

• Aircrew (Flight crew)

Images for kids

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  U.S. Army Air Forces Flight officer rank insignia as used during World War II.

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  The Gallet Flight Officer Chronograph (1939), made for flight officers and pilots of the US Army Air Forces during WWII.

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  Civil Air Patrol rank insignia of a senior flight officer.

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  Civil Air Patrol rank insignia of a technical flight officer.

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  Civil Air Patrol rank insignia of a flight officer.