Who are considered career aviators?

• A. All officers
• B. The Wing Commander
• C. The Chief Information Officer
• D. Rated aircrew and CEA (career enlisted aviators)

Answer: (D)

Career aviators are those whose main career path is aviation, continuing to fly or work in aviation throughout their service. In the Air Force, this includes two groups: rated aircrew—officers who hold a flight qualification such as pilot, navigator, or flight engineer—and career enlisted aviators, known as career enlisted aviators, who pursue aviation duties as their long-term specialty. These two groups together define who is considered a career aviator.

All officers is too broad because not every officer serves in aviation; many are in non-aviation roles. The Wing Commander is a position, not a category of personnel. The Chief Information Officer is a staff/IT role, not an aviation-focused career. Therefore, the description that includes both rated aircrew and career enlisted aviators best identifies who counts as career aviators.