Navy
AVIATION
NEC

NEC

D17A

LHA/LHD Flight Deck Aircraft Director

A Navy Enlisted Classification: a skill designation sailors hold in addition to their rating.

Description

LHA/LHD Flight Deck Aircraft Directors control the safe movement, positioning, and launching or recovery preparation of embarked aircraft on amphibious assault ship flight decks. They coordinate deck crews, pilots, maintenance teams, tractors, and shipboard procedures while enforcing flight deck safety standards in high noise and high risk conditions.

Core Skills

  • aircraft movement control
  • flight deck safety
  • aircraft spotting
  • deck crew coordination
  • visual signal communication
  • flight operation procedures
  • hazard identification
  • marshalling and guidance
  • emergency response

Common Certifications

  • Federal Aviation Administration Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate
  • Certified Aviation Manager (CAM)
  • OSHA 30-Hour General Industry
  • IATA Airport Operations Fundamentals Certificate
  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
  • FEMA Emergency Management Institute Certifications

Civilian Career Paths

  • AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL
  • AVIATION MANAGEMENT
  • TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

Training & Development

Getting Started

  • IATA Airport Operations Fundamentals Certificate
  • OSHA 30-Hour General Industry
  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
  • FEMA Emergency Management Institute ICS 100, 200, 700, and 800

Career Growth

  • Certified Aviation Manager (CAM)
  • Federal Aviation Administration Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate
  • Certified Safety Professional (CSP)

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.