Navigational Information Series, 1361

Individual Occupational Requirements

Education/Training

Undergraduate and Graduate Education: Major study -- navigation, mathematics, physics, astronomy, geography, meteorology, engineering, cartography, or other subjects related to aeronautical or marine navigation and operations.

Graduation from the United States Naval, Air Force, Coast Guard, or Merchant Marine academies, or from one of the State maritime academies meets the undergraduate education requirements.

Successful completion of a course of flying or air navigation at one of the U.S. Government (Air Force, Navy, etc.) aeronautical or aviation training schools may be credited at the rate of 1 year of full-time training for 9 months of general experience.

Any time-equivalent combination of the above.

or

Experience

General Experience (for GS-5 positions): Experience that demonstrated a knowledge of the various types of work in the field of aeronautical or marine operations. General experience in one option, i.e., aeronautical or marine, qualifies for the general experience required in the other option. Examples of qualifying experience include:

Marine:

• Navigating and sea experience as a licensed Merchant Marine Officer on U.S. ocean-going vessels (over 1,000 gross tons), or as a commissioned officer on an ocean-going vessel of the United States Government with assigned duties as a navigator.
• Experience in preparing books or courses on marine navigational information, experience as an instructor on navigational subjects, or other related experience.

Aeronautical:

• Civilian or military flying experience as a captain, pilot, co-pilot, navigator, or navigation instructor. A private, commercial, or military pilot's license or rating is required to gain credit for flying experience.
• Pilot, navigator, or instrument instructor experience that averaged a minimum of 200 hours of flying time each year may be credited on a year-for-year basis up to a maximum of 3 years of general experience; flying time of 600-800 hours qualifies for a GS-5.
• Civilian or military air traffic control experience involving the application of procedures and knowledge of such operations, including shift-type or supervisory responsibilities at a density station, center, or tower.
• Instructor in navigation (including celestial) or in piloting procedures and techniques at an accredited college or university or U.S. training school, or other comparable experience.

Specialized Experience (for positions above GS-5): Civilian or military experience in the field (aeronautical or marine) of the position for which application is made. Such experience must have involved the acquisition, collection, selection, analysis, evaluation, and preparation of reliable marine or aeronautical information on navigation and related operations, including publications related to navigation.

Over 800 hours of flying time qualify for GS-7 aeronautical positions based on flight experience alone; no additional credit is given for more than 800 hours.