Why are Navy pilots called aviators?

In those terms, a pilot is specially qualified to drive a ship in and out of a specific port or a specific area. Both naval aviators and maritime pilots have a hard job that allows for zero error – so call them whatever they want.

What is the difference between a pilot and aviator?

We simply call those “pilots.” The difference is that an aviator is the airplane, and they move as one, while the pilot is simply manipulating the proper controls at the appropriate time and sees the airplane as a machine that he forces to do his bidding. …

Is a naval flight officer an aviator?

A naval flight officer (NFO) is a commissioned officer in the United States Navy or United States Marine Corps who specializes in airborne weapons and sensor systems. NFOs are not pilots (naval aviators), but they may perform many “co-pilot” functions, depending on the type of aircraft.

Who can be called an aviator?

The Merriam-Webster online Thesaurus define an Aviator as “the operator or pilot of an aircraft and especially an airplane”. So, according to that definition … only pilots who fly planes can be called aviators.

What does Rio mean in aviation?

Radar Intercept Officer
A Radar Intercept Officer (RIO) is a Naval Flight Officer who occupies the rear seat of such aircraft as the F-4 Phantom II and the F-14 Tomcat .

What did aviators do?

An aircraft pilot or aviator is a person who controls the flight of an aircraft by operating its directional flight controls. Some other aircrew members, such as navigators or flight engineers, are also considered aviators, because they are involved in operating the aircraft’s navigation and engine systems.

Why are pilots called “aviators”?

Since the precedent of designating military aircraft pilots as “aviators” was established by the Army, the U.S. Navy followed suite in 1917 and designated its first aircraft pilots as a “Naval Aviator,” with the awarding of an appropriate “naval-style” uniform breast insignia.

Are navy pilots aviators or pilots?

At some time in our military careers, we come across pilots of all sorts, helicopter pilots, Air Force cargo pilots, Navy fighter pilots, etc. While the former two might allow you to refer to them as simply “pilots,” there’s a good chance the naval aviator will take the time to remind you that he or she is an “aviator,” not a pilot.

What do you call someone who flies in the Navy?

While the former two might allow you to refer to them as simply “pilots,” there’s a good chance the naval aviator will take the time to remind you that he or she is an “aviator,” not a pilot. And there’s a very good, non-egotistical reason for that.

Are there any references in this article for naval aviator?

This article includes a list of references, but its sources remain unclear because it has insufficient inline citations. A Naval Aviator is a commissioned officer or warrant officer qualified as a pilot in the United States Navy, United States Marine Corps or United States Coast Guard.