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General Info: Qualified individuals who enlist in the Aircrew program will perform tactical crew duties and in-flight maintenance in jet, turboprop and helicopter aircraft. They will undergo some of the most demanding physical training in the military. Aircrewmen are guaranteed class "A" technical school, aircrew training, and if they choose, rescue swimmer training. After successful completion of training, aircrewmen are assigned to flight duty in sea or shore-based squadrons. Because of the potentially hazardous nature of flight duty, aircrewmen receive "flight pay" in addition to other pay and allowances. Active duty obligation is five years -- four years regular enlistment with a one year extension for prolonged training. Enlistees enter as E-1s (recruits). Qualified individuals who volunteer for rescue swimmer training are advanced to E-2 (apprentice) after successful completion of recruit training, and are advanced to E-4 (petty officer third class) upon successful completion of both rescue swimmer school and class "A" school. The Aircrew program is physically and mentally demanding; however, the person who accepts the challenge is rewarded with extra pay and exciting duty assignments.

What They Do: Before and after flights aircrewmen perform pre-flight planning and equipment checks and post-flight maintenance associated with their assigned source ratings or mission specialty. The duties performed by aircrewmen include in-flight functions such as: operating tactical weapons, sensors, and communication equipment; performing in-flight maintenance of aircraft electrical and mechanical gear; working with pilots to operate and control aircraft systems; operating mine countermeasure detection and explosion equipment; providing rescue of downed pilots with emergency first aid and survival swimming; performing duties of flight attendants and load masters.

Detailed List of Required Duties

ASVAB Score Requirements: VE+AR+MK+MC=210 and AR+2MK+GS=194

Other Requirements: Must have normal color perception. Must have normal hearing. Must have no speech impediment. Security Clearance (SECRET) Requirement. 60 month obligation. Must be U.S. citizen.

Notes: Visual acuity must be correctable to 20/20. When specified, uncorrected visual acuity must not be greater than that indicated (i.e. 20/100), and must be correctable to 20/20. Must be high school graduate. Must volunteer for duty involving aerial flight as crew member and be physically qualified and psychologically adapted for flight IAW Article 15-77 MANMED. Must be certified as a class II swimmer before completion of recruit training with potential to achieve class I swimmer during aircrew training. Rescue swimmer requirements are physically demanding therefore strong swimmers only. No history of drug abuse. Normal depth perception required for rescue swimmer.

High school diploma graduate or equivalent. Must be able to type 40 words per minute. Must have no record of conviction by civil court for any offense other than minor traffic.

Technical Training Information: Enlistees are taught the fundamentals of this rating through on-the-job training or formal Navy schooling. Advanced technical and operational training is available in this rating during later stages of career development.

Aviation basic theory and basic skills required for rating. Group instruction and practical application.

After "A" school, successful graduates are assigned to aviation squadrons, aircraft carriers or to other aviation capable ships, Naval Air Stations or other shore facilities in the United States or overseas. Technicians going to intermediate level maintenance facilities for their first assignment will attend advanced training after "A" School. Each time a technician is assigned to a new aircraft or equipment, more specific and advanced training will be given prior to reporting to respective aviation unit. During a 20-year period in the Navy, expect to spend about 40-50 percent assigned to fleet units and 60-50 percent to shore stations.

Working Environment: Aircrewmen may be assigned to sea or shore duty in any part of the world. When not airborne, they work in aircraft hangars, on flight decks, or on flight lines at naval air stations, usually around a high level of noise.

Opportunity Rating: Opportunity Rating:

Special Note: Rate Conversions not authorized above E-5.

Advancement (Promotion) Trends

College Credits for Training/Experience

Career Progression

Above Information Courtesy of United States Navy

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