MCO 3710.8 — United States Marine Corps Naval Air Training And Operating Procedures...

MCO 3710.8 governs the USMC NATOPS program, including aviation procedures, evaluations, waivers, extensions, reporting, and standardization.

Search MCO 3710.8

  • Publication number: MCO 3710.8
  • Title: UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS NAVAL AIR TRAINING AND OPERATING PROCEDURES...
  • Date: 30 Sep 2011
  • Proponent: 03000 Operations & Readiness
  • Status: New

View MCO 3710.8 on armypubs.army.mil


It establishes requirements for individual and unit NATOPS and instrument evaluations, NATOPS changes and review conferences, and aviation flight operation standardization. It also addresses waivers and extensions, orientation and indoctrination flights, instrument ground school, and reporting.

Applies to: This Order is applicable to the Marine Corps Total Force.

Topics covered

  • NATOPS evaluations
  • NATOPS instrument evaluations
  • NATOPS changes
  • NATOPS review conferences
  • Waivers and extensions
  • Orientation and indoctrination flights
  • Instrument Ground School
  • Flight operation standardization

Questions and answers

What does MCO 3710.8 require for NATOPS compliance?

Compliance with the NATOPS program and publications is mandatory at all levels within Marine aviationi however, nothing contained therein shall prevent the aircrew from taking such actions as the aircrew may deem necessary, under unusual or emergency cqnditions, to safeguard life and property·. (paragraph 3)

Which procedures govern when NATOPS conflicts with another publication?

Should conflict exist between the training and operating procedures found in the NATOPS publications and those found in other publications, the NATOPS publications will govern. (paragraph 4)

Who must conduct individual and unit NATOPS evaluations in USMC Aviation reserve units?

All USMC Aviation reserve units shall conduct individual NATOPS and NATOPS instrument eva.luations per references (a) , (b) , (d) , and this Order. b. Unit NATOPS Evaluations. All USMC Aviation reserve units shall conduct Unit NATOPS and NATOPS instrument evaluations per references (a) , (b), (d), and this Order. (paragraph 3)

How far in advance can a unit request an extension of its NATOPS evaluation?

The request for an extension shall be submitted no earlier than 60 days prior and no later than 30 days prior to the actionable date. (paragraph 2)

What are the limits on orientation and indoctrination flights for an individual?

The number of orientation/indoctrination flights provided to any individual will not exceed three (3) . Only one (1) night flight is authorized. (paragraph 6)

Ask Reggie.Bot a question about MCO 3710.8