What earns a Midshipman a pilot community designation?

A Midshipman earns a pilot community designation primarily through successful training in maritime and rotary wing aviation. This training is essential because it equips the Midshipman with the necessary skills to operate different types of aircraft, which is a critical requirement for anyone looking to enter the pilot community. The rigorous training involves extensive coursework as well as practical flight training, ensuring that those designated as pilots are well-prepared for their responsibilities and duties.

While satisfactory performance in academics, completion of physical fitness tests, and prior service experience are important factors in evaluating a Midshipman’s overall qualifications and suitability for commissioning, they do not specifically lead to a pilot community designation on their own. The primary and decisive factor for becoming a pilot is the successful completion of the required training focused specifically on aviation.