Air Force AFSC · Aviation
1A1X3 Special Missions Aviator
Overview
Special Missions Aviators conduct preflight inspections of aircraft systems and oversee the placement and delivery of cargo aboard the aircraft. They monitor aircraft functions and provide weapons defense when necessary.
Minimum clearance: Secret
See if you would hit this score: free ASVAB practice test
Skill levels: 1A113 helper · 1A133 apprentice · 1A153 journeyman · 1A173 craftsman
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
Civilian Software & Tools
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Adobe Photoshop
- Extensible markup language XML
- Intuit QuickBooks
- Linux
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Outlook
Civilian Career Paths
- Commercial Aviation
- Aviation Management
Training & Development
Getting Started
- ASTM NCATT Aircraft Electronics Technician (AET)
- ASTM NCATT Autonomous Navigation Systems (ANS)
- ASTM NCATT Dependent Navigation Systems (DNS)
- ASTM NCATT Foreign Object Elimination (FOE)
- ASTM NCATT Onboard Communications & Safety Systems (OCS)
Career Growth
- ASTM NCATT Radio Communication Systems (RCS)
- Associate Electronics Technician (CETa)
- Avionics Electronics Technician (AVN)
- Certified Aerospace Technician Core
- Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
What the Work Involves
- Inspect airfield conditions to ensure compliance with federal regulatory requirements.
- Implement airfield safety procedures to ensure a safe operating environment for personnel and aircraft operation.
- Conduct inspections of the airport property and perimeter to maintain controlled access to airfields.
- Assist in responding to aircraft and medical emergencies.
- Initiate or conduct airport-wide coordination of snow removal on runways and taxiways.
Related Occupations
- Air Traffic Controllers
- Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors
- First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants
- Commercial Pilots
Typical preparation for these civilian roles: vocational training or an associate degree.
Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.
Report an error on this page