In which year was NATOPS established?

NATOPS, which stands for Naval Aviation Training and Operating Procedures Standardization, was established to improve safety and standardization in naval aviation operations. The program aims to ensure that all personnel are trained and operate under consistent procedures, thereby reducing accidents and enhancing overall mission effectiveness.

The year 1961 is significant because it marks the introduction of the NATOPS program, which was a direct response to the need for standardization in naval flight operations following several aviation mishaps that highlighted the variability in training and operational procedures across different squadrons. By having a unified set of operational standards, NATOPS has helped to promote safety and efficiency in fleet operations.

To summarize, 1961 is the correct answer because this is when the NATOPS program was officially established, setting the foundation for safer and more uniform practices in naval aviation.