Plans and prepares for mission. Reviews mission tasking, intelligence, and weather information. Supervises mission planning, preparation and filing of flight plan, and crew briefing. Ensures aircraft is preflighted, inspected, loaded, equipped, and manned for mission. Pilots aircraft and commands crew. Operates aircraft controls and equipment. Performs, supervises, or directs navigation, in-flight refueling (except Q Suffix, IFF (AT-38/T-38C)), and weapons delivery. Conducts or supervises training of crewmembers. Ensures operational readiness of crew by conducting or supervising mission specific training. Develops plans and policies, monitors operations, and advises commanders. Assists commanders and performs staff functions related to this specialty.
Knowledge. Knowledge is mandatory of theory of flight, air navigation, meteorology, flying directives, aircraft operating procedures, and mission tactics. Education. For entry into this specialty, an undergraduate degree specializing in physical sciences, mathematics, administration, or management is desirable.