Army MOS · Aviation
153A Rotary Wing Aviator (Aircraft Nonspecific)
Overview
Rotary Wing Aviators command and fly utility and observation helicopters in tactical and nontactical conditions while transporting passengers, mail, or cargo for military purposes. They supervise aircraft maintenance and loading operations, ensure load balance and compliance with aircraft limitations, and may instruct aviators or support aircraft procurement activities.
Minimum clearance: Secret
Core Skills
- complex system operation
- mission planning and execution
- risk assessment and management
- checklist and procedure compliance
- maintenance oversight
- logistics coordination
- crew and team leadership
- situational awareness
- time-critical decision making
- safety management
Civilian Software & Tools
- Adobe Creative Cloud software
- Microsoft Office software
- Aeronautical charts
- AeroPlanner
- Airdata
- Airline Pilots Daily Aviation Log PPC
- AirSmith FlightPrompt
- ArduPilot Mission Planner
Civilian Career Paths
- Commercial Aviation
- Aviation Management
- Project Management
- Training and Education
Training & Development
Getting Started
- ASTM NCATT Foreign Object Elimination (FOE)
- Commercial Pilot, Helicopter Rating
- FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL) · Funded · STAR
- Instrument-Helicopter Rating
- ASTM NCATT Onboard Communications & Safety Systems (OCS) · Funded
Career Growth
- Aircraft Dispatcher
- Airplane Instrument Rating
- Amateur Radio Service Operator License: Amateur Extra Class · Funded
- Amateur Radio Service Operator License: General Class · Funded
- Amateur Radio Service Operator License: Technician Class · Funded
What the Work Involves
- Check aircraft prior to flights to ensure that the engines, controls, instruments, and other systems are functioning properly.
- Co-pilot aircraft or perform captain's duties, as required.
- Consider airport altitudes, outside temperatures, plane weights, and wind speeds and directions to calculate the speed needed to become airborne.
- Use instrumentation to pilot aircraft when visibility is poor.
- Monitor engine operation, fuel consumption, and functioning of aircraft systems during flights.
Related Occupations
- Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers
- Air Traffic Controllers
- Airfield Operations Specialists
- Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
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.
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