Navigator Career Description
Navigators are primarily concerned with the electronic systems of aircraft. They handle navigation equipment, such as radar, compasses and navigation computers, and other sophisticated weapon systems, communication systems, electronic warfare equipment and cameras.
What am I going to do in this occupation?
Navigators are fully-fledged members of the crew and make use of highly specialized computer systems to carry out their task. Navigators may be appointed as operational commanders of the aircraft and must be able to make quick decisions. Electronic warfare is an integral part of the navigator's task.
Navigators operate the electronic systems on board, and because of rapid development in the electronics field, they must be increasingly competent in their computer operations. The career of the navigator consists of three specialization areas namely, the assault/reconnaissance navigator, the maritime navigator, and the airborne navigator.
Assault navigator
The main task of assault navigators is to trace hostile targets, such as hostile aeroplanes, runways, tanks and convoys so that they can be destroyed. They make use of, among others, the Cheetah-D fighter aircraft, that is flown by two crew members, the pilot and the navigator. The pilot and assault navigator work as a team to neutralise the enemy. Assault navigators sometimes do visual and photo reconnaissance. Reconnaissance navigators fly in aircraft, such as Impala and Cheetah-D, which are equipped with sophisticated spying equipment. The main function of reconnaissance navigators is to obtain information on the position and potential of the enemy without the enemy realising that they are being spied on. These functions take the reconnaissance navigators deep into enemy territory and they must know exactly what they are looking for and how to find it.
Maritime navigator
Maritime navigators specialize in air operations, which are carried out over the sea. The maritime force protects and watches over the coastline of South Africa, which is one of the world's busiest. Maritime navigators perform operations such as coastal patrols, tracing of hostile ships and submarines, and rescue operations.
Airborne navigator
It is important in warfare that supplies are accurately and regularly provided. Supplies which are lost or which do not reach their destination can result in an unsuccessful mission. Airborne navigators must ensure that the supplies and troops are in the right place at the right time. To perform this work, airborne navigators must navigate at any time, day or night, in any conditions, and in any territory. Often there is no suitable place to land and troops are dropped by parachute. Airborne navigators must work very accurately to ensure that equipment, supplies and troops are dropped as close as possible to the target and not in enemy territory.
Requirements
What kind of personality do I need? Navigators must be self-confident, be able to
communicate well with people and be interested in electronics, science and aeroplanes. They must also be able to remain calm in stressful situations and be able to make decisions on the spur of the moment. Candidates must pass a strict selection process that includes a medical and psychological evaluation. Pinpoint accuracy, a sharp mind and confident decision-making are good qualities.
Where can I work?
Navigators are employed by the Air force. Because there are so few navigators, they have good promotional prospects, through diligent work and successful completion of specialist and promotional courses, the highest ranks are within reach of every navigator. Note: You must be prepared to travel often and be transferred to remote towns.
Can I work for myself in this occupation?
No.
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