Description
Naval Aircrewmen (Helicopter) (AWS) are members of multi-mission helicopter and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) crews operating in maritime and overland environments: perform Search and Rescue (SAR) missions, Airborne Mine Countermeasure (AMCM) Tactical Evacuations (TACEVAC), Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions, Special Operations Forces (SOF) insertion and extraction missions, Personnel Recovery (PR) operations, Direct Action (DA) operations, Anti-Surface Warfare (ASUW) operations, Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR) operations, Logistics Support (LOG) operations, and aerial firefighting operations; conduct aerial gunnery; and conduct observer duties for safety of flight.
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
Common Certifications
- FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate (Rotorcraft-Helicopter) (if applicable)
- FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (UAS)
- Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) - Rotorcraft (if applicable)
- OSHA 30-Hour General Industry (Aviation Safety)
Civilian Career Paths
- AVIATION MANAGEMENT
- UNMANNED SYSTEMS
- PROJECT MANAGEMENT
- TRAINING AND EDUCATION
Defense contractor jobs for AWS
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Data sourced from official Navy 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.