Coast Guard Officer Subspecialty · Aviation
CG-AVI12 Rotary Wing Aviation
An officer subspecialty earned alongside a primary designator, marking advanced education or experience in this field.
Overview
Rotary Wing Aviation officers serve as commissioned officers who have completed an approved military flight training course. They hold Commandant designation and possess experience flying rotary-wing aircraft, including the MH-65D and MH-60T helicopters, and firsthand knowledge of specialty skills beneficial to the Coast Guard.
Core Skills
- rotary wing aircraft operations
- helicopter mission planning
- aircrew leadership
- search and rescue operations
- maritime aviation
- hoist and rescue coordination
- aviation risk management
- weather assessment
- emergency decision making
Civilian Software & Tools
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- AeroPlanner
- Aeronautical charts
- Airdata
- Airline Pilots Daily Aviation Log PPC
- AirSmith FlightPrompt
Civilian Career Paths
- Commercial Aviation
- Aviation Management
- Training and Education
Training & Development
Getting Started
- ASTM NCATT Foreign Object Elimination (FOE)
- Private Pilot, Helicopter Rating
- Helicopter Class Rating
Career Growth
- Commercial Pilot, Helicopter Rating
- Instrument-Helicopter Rating
- S-70 Type Rating
Also Common
- Airline Transport Pilot (ATP)
What the Work Involves
- Check aircraft prior to flights to ensure that the engines, controls, instruments, and other systems are functioning properly.
- Use instrumentation to guide flights when visibility is poor.
- Work as part of a flight team with other crew members, especially during takeoffs and landings.
- Respond to and report in-flight emergencies and malfunctions.
- Monitor engine operation, fuel consumption, and functioning of aircraft systems during flights.
Related Occupations
- Air Traffic Controllers
- First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants
- Logistics Analysts
- First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers
Typical preparation for these civilian roles: a four-year degree or equivalent experience.
Equivalent Roles in Other Branches
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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