Flight controller

The Conn Officer or Flight Controller, or Navigation Officer is responsible for "flying" a starship. As Navigator, his duties are to plot courses taking into account such phenomenon as the effects of quasars, nebulae, tachyon eddies and the gravitational effects of planets. He also must constantly review Starfleet databanks for any hazards to navigation that might exist in the space ahead of the ship. As Conn Officer he pilots the ship through its maneuvers.

The Conn Officer is also the ship's chief pilot of shuttles and he conducts the training and certification of all shuttle pilots aboard ship. As needed, he will coordinate with the Operations Officer, Lieutenant Robin Lefler, in regards to hangar deck operations. In battle, the Conn Officer carries out all evasive and tactical maneuvering of the ship. The Conn is also often given weapons-release authority to better coordinate intricate maneuvers with the firing of offensive systems.

On ships capable of landing, he is in charge of Condition Blue and he performs the landing and subsequent lift-off of the ship from planet surfaces. Because of the importance of the position and the high level of piloting experience required, the Navigation/Conn Officer is usually occupied by an officer with the minimum rank of Lieutenant. Years ago the job of starship Navigator and Helmsman (Conn) were held by two different individuals, but by the 2360's Federation starships had become sufficiently automated to allow one highly trained officer to carry out both duties.