The Navy has ended carrier landing qualifications as a requirement for student tactical jet pilots to graduate with their “Wings of Gold.” According to Task & Purpose, the final undergraduate carrier qualification occurred in March.

Pilots in the strike pipeline — those headed to the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, F-35C Lightning II and EA-18G Growler — will now complete their first landings at sea and get carrier qualified after moving on to fleet replacement squadrons. Field Carrier Landing Practice remains part of the syllabus, though conducted only on land.

Officials said the move is meant to shorten training pipelines and align instruction with the realities of modern fleet aircraft. The T-45 Goshawk, which has served for decades as the Navy’s carrier-capable trainer, is set to be phased o

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