General Info:
Aviation Technicians are responsible for keeping naval aircraft powerplants and related systems, armament and ordnance systems, and aircraft ground support equipment in top operational condition. They may specialize in aircraft engines, reduction gear, helicopter rotor systems, ammunitions and aircraft weapons systems, gas turbine compressor systems, ground air conditioning, aircraft tow tractors, and automotive systems. Aircrew volunteers (AD and AO ratings) perform inflight duties in various types of naval aircraft and should apply via the Aircrew Recruiting Program.
What They Do:
The duties performed by AOs include: inspect, maintain, and repair aircraft mechanical and electrical armament/ordnance systems. service aircraft guns and accessories. stow, assemble, and load aviation ordnance including guided missiles, bombs, mines, and torpedoes.
Detailed List of Required Duties
VE+AR+MK+AS=185 or MK+AS+AO=140
Other Requirements:
Must have normal color perception. Must have normal hearing. Security Clearance, (SECRET) Requirement. 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. Normal hearing required. Frequencies: 3000hz 4000hz 5000hz 6000hz Average hearing threshold level in these four frequencies must be less than 30db, with no level greater than 45db in any one frequency. If hearing level exceeds these limits, the applicant is enlistment ineligible for the rating.
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.
Pensacola, FL --32 calendar days
Pensacola, FL -- 17 calendar days
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:
Most of the work in these ratings are performed indoors and outdoors - in aircraft hangars, on flight lines, and on the deck of aircraft carriers, in all climatic conditions, in fast-paced and often potentially hazardous environments. Aircrew volunteers may serve as flight engineer, rescue, or utility aircrewman on various naval aircraft.
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