Landing Signal Officer - US LSO Qualifications

US LSO Qualifications

LSOs have been rated carrier pilots since the end of World War II, but during the war the need was such that some non-aviators were trained. Because of the importance of LSOs, the duty offers great responsibility for junior officers, generally lieutenants (junior grade) to lieutenant commander. Prospective LSOs are selected among junior pilots from each fixed wing carrier squadron. The first qualification they receive is a “field qualification,” which allows them to wave aircraft at shore runways during Field Carrier Landing Practice (FCLPs). The LSO next attends the LSO School at NAS Oceana, Virginia, for Initial Formal Ground Training. Additional qualifications include:

• Squadron Qualification – LSO qualified to wave his own type aircraft; typically achieved after a full deployment.
• Wing Qualification – LSO qualified to wave all the aircraft types in his airwing; typically achieved after additional deployments.
• Training Qualification – LSO qualified to wave Student Naval Aviators and Replacement Pilots.
• Staff Qualification – This is the Senior LSO for the airwing. He qualifies other LSOs.
• Force LSO - This is the senior LSO for the fleet.