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Office of Marine & Aviation Operations (OMAO) parent organizations

Upcoming Events

Frequently Asked Question

Question

I just submitted my Annual Medical History 3 months ago and now I am getting messages that it is past due. Why?

Answer

The Dive Management System (DMS) is programmed to prevent long gaps between Annual Medical History (or...

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Aircraft Operations

The content listed below has been tagged with the topic "Aircraft Operations." Explore other topics to discover additional exciting content.

B-roll footage of NOAA WP-3D Orion Hurricane Hunter

April 27, 2022

Media: Video

Aircraft noise

Becoming a NOAA Corps aviator

Frequently Asked Question

How do I become a NOAA Corps aviator?

The NOAA Corps has three primary annual competitive selection boards for acquiring aviators:

Inter-Service Transfer (IST). Officers commission directly into the NOAA Corps from their prior uniformed service agency. Depending on the aviator's aircraft history and FAA (equivalent) qualifications, they may be selected to operate any aircraft in the fleet.
Basic Officer Training Course (BOTC). The NOAA Corps may select pilots immediately upon their completion of BOTC to report directly to aviation training. These selects will typically begin their NOAA aviation career on our Twin Otter aircraft.
Fleet-to-Aviation. A presently serving mariner (one who did not get selected at BOTC or has decided to transition to aviation at a later period in their career) may compete for a pilot position via Fleet-to-Aviation Selection Board. These selects will typically begin their NOAA aviation career on our Twin Otter aircraft.

Officers that hold less than a Commercial Multi Engine Land (MEL) Pilot Certificate-Instrument Rating will attend Flight Training. ISTs are generally selected because they hold these credentials and typically should not have to attend Flight Training. If an officer holds a Commercial MEL Pilot Certificate-Instrument Rating or greater, any follow-on training requirements will be coordinated by the NOAA Aircraft Operations Center Training Section. For any aviation specific questions, please contact the Aircraft Operations Center at AOC.ChiefAdmin@noaa.gov.