Description
Many of our aircraft require more than a pilot in order to safely complete each mission. It’s the responsibility of Special Missions Aviators to cover everything from pre-flight inspection of aircraft systems to the placement and delivery of all cargo on board. These highly trained specialists have multiple integral roles and monitor all functions for the aircraft, even providing weapon defense when necessary, in order for the team to successfully complete its missions.
Core Skills
- aircraft systems monitoring
- mission systems operation
- preflight and postflight inspections
- checklist and procedure compliance
- crew resource management
- radio communications procedures
- navigation assistance
- cargo loading and weight and balance
- situational awareness
- time-critical decision making
- technical documentation
- basic troubleshooting of onboard systems
Common Certifications
- FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate (Rotorcraft or Fixed-Wing, as applicable)
- FAA Second Class Medical Certificate
- FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
- OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Certification
- Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) (optional for growth)
Civilian Career Paths
- COMMERCIAL AVIATION
- AVIATION MANAGEMENT
- UNMANNED SYSTEMS
Defense contractor jobs for 1A1X3
Browse openings matched to this specialty on military.contractors
Data sourced from official Air Force publications and public military occupational references. Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.