Navy Rating · Aviation
AWS Naval Aircrewman Helicopter
Overview
Naval Aircrewmen in the Helicopter specialty serve on multi-mission helicopter and unmanned aerial vehicle crews in maritime and overland environments. They conduct search and rescue, airborne mine countermeasure, evacuation, disaster relief, special operations, personnel recovery, anti-surface warfare, intelligence, logistics, and firefighting missions, as well as aerial gunnery and safety of flight observer duties.
Minimum clearance: Secret, often with SCI exposure
Core Skills
- Airborne sensor and mission system operation
- Tactical communications and radio procedures
- Crew coordination and mission management
- Data collection and real-time reporting
- Checklists, SOP adherence, and safety management
- Situational awareness and decision-making under stress
- Basic electronics and avionics system familiarity
- Technical equipment troubleshooting at operator level
- Training and mentoring junior crew members
Civilian Software & Tools
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- ESRI ArcGIS software
- Microsoft Word
- Cargo tracking system software
- AD OPT Altitude
Civilian Career Paths
- Aviation Management
- Unmanned Systems
- Project Management
- Training and Education
Training & Development
Getting Started
- ASTM NCATT Foreign Object Elimination (FOE)
- Amateur Radio Service Operator License: Amateur Extra Class · Funded
- General Communications Technician: Level 1 (GCT1) · Funded
Career Growth
- Associate Safety Professional (ASP)
- Certified Safety Professional (CSP)
- Flight Engineer
Also Common
- FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL) · Funded
What the Work Involves
- Determine the quantity and orientation of cargo, and compute an aircraft's center of gravity.
- Direct ground crews in the loading, unloading, securing, or staging of aircraft cargo or baggage.
- Coordinate disaster response or crisis management activities, such as ordering evacuations, opening public shelters, and implementing special needs plans and programs.
- Assist in responding to aircraft and medical emergencies.
- Verify that first aid kits and other emergency equipment, including fire extinguishers and oxygen bottles, are in working order.
Related Occupations
- First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants
- Registered Nurses
- First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operators
- Business Continuity Planners
Typical preparation for these civilian roles: vocational training or an associate degree.
Formerly Known As (Legacy)
Retired codes that converted into AWS. Each legacy page documents the cited history.
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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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