Hi! I am currently a sophomore in High school and turn 17 in October when I'll be a junior. I intend on applying to the Naval Academy Class of 2030. I have wanted to be a Naval Aviator for as long as I can recall. However, I recently came across complications to this plan. I've had glasses for years now, but I know I can get surgery for that. My main problem is my allergies. At the age of 11 I had an allergic reaction to walnuts which led to me being hospitalized. I was unaware of my allergies until this point. The doctors ordered for me to take an allergy test. I kept putting it off but my parents finally forced me to take one when I was 13 or 14. I tested positive for a whole bunch of nuts including walnuts and peanuts. I also have pollen allergies, for which I am recovering shots and thanks to them the allergies have practically disappeared. Besides these implications I am perfectly fine. I am an honors student and exercise regularly along with playing a sport. Is there any way for me to become a Naval Aviator, even if I don't receive the opportunity to fly jets and fly as a helicopter or a transport pilot? Would the Army, Air Force, Or Coast Guard take me as a pilot?
Allergies and Aviation
- Thread starter topgun
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Herman_Snerd
5-Year Member
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I recommend you call USNA Admissions directly to confirm your options to train/ commission and serve to become a Navy Officer. Assuming you do graduate/ commission, there is no guarantee you will serve as an aviator vs NFO, on a sub or ship or other. One new Ensign is even is going to be a METOC/ meteorologist after more training.
Below for reference is some an official link that with details you can confirm directly with USNA when you call. https://www.usna.edu/Admissions/_files/documents/MedicalAppendix1.pdf
I happen to be the father of a pilot/Naval Officer who is presently training to earn his wings in the Navy. Your note, " even if I don't receive the opportunity to fly jets and fly as a helicopter or a transport pilot? " made me chuckle a little in your description of the pilots other than jet aviators presenting like their roles are like a backup prize at a carnival. That was great - thanks for the smiles. The standard for all aviator positions in the Navy is pretty high, and not everyone who starts training in that pipeline finishes/ despite their best efforts. Also, some folks due to their lifestyle - married, don't want to live on a carrier, or just preference to fly a particular airframe chose the P8, the doomsday plane, or helos or whatever. Others opt for a shorter training pipeline that is being tried out and is emerging for rotary wing. I have a little bias too in that I think they only let the top pilots fly jets- maybe most people do - it was just your bluntness that I thought was charming. I mean I think it, but...
Good luck to you and thanks for your willingness to serve.
Below for reference is some an official link that with details you can confirm directly with USNA when you call. https://www.usna.edu/Admissions/_files/documents/MedicalAppendix1.pdf
I happen to be the father of a pilot/Naval Officer who is presently training to earn his wings in the Navy. Your note, " even if I don't receive the opportunity to fly jets and fly as a helicopter or a transport pilot? " made me chuckle a little in your description of the pilots other than jet aviators presenting like their roles are like a backup prize at a carnival. That was great - thanks for the smiles. The standard for all aviator positions in the Navy is pretty high, and not everyone who starts training in that pipeline finishes/ despite their best efforts. Also, some folks due to their lifestyle - married, don't want to live on a carrier, or just preference to fly a particular airframe chose the P8, the doomsday plane, or helos or whatever. Others opt for a shorter training pipeline that is being tried out and is emerging for rotary wing. I have a little bias too in that I think they only let the top pilots fly jets- maybe most people do - it was just your bluntness that I thought was charming. I mean I think it, but...
Good luck to you and thanks for your willingness to serve.