A Flight Officer Badge is a decoration used by some of the world's air forces to denote those who have received training as co-pilots, observers, or other aircraft support personnel. The primary difference between a flight officer and a pilot is that the pilot is responsible for flying and operating the aircraft, while the flight officer assists with such duties as navigation and systems control.
In some commercial airlines, Flight Officer Badges are issued to flight engineers of larger aircraft, such as the Boeing 747.
In the United States military, the Naval Flight Officer Badge is issued to officers of the Navy and Marine Corps. The Navigator Badge and Aircrew Badge, variations of the Flight Officer Badge, are issued by the Air Force.
Famous quotes containing the words flight, officer and/or badge:
“It is marvelous indeed to watch on television the rings of Saturn close; and to speculate on what we may yet find at galaxy’s edge. But in the process, we have lost the human element; not to mention the high hope of those quaint days when flight would create “one world.” Instead of one world, we have “star wars,” and a future in which dumb dented human toys will drift mindlessly about the cosmos long after our small planet’s dead.”
—Gore Vidal (b. 1925)
“If the tax-gatherer, or any other public officer, asks me, as one has done, “But what shall I do?” my answer is, “If you really wish to do anything, resign your office.” When the subject has refused allegiance, and the officer has resigned his office, then the revolution is accomplished.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)
“It would much conduce to the public benefit, if, instead of discouraging free-thinking, there was erected in the midst of this free country a dianoetic academy, or seminary for free-thinkers, provided with retired chambers, and galleries, and shady walks and groves, where, after seven years spent in silence and meditation, a man might commence a genuine free-thinker, and from that time forward, have license to think what he pleased, and a badge to distinguish him from counterfeits.”
—George Berkeley (1685–1753)