The Aircrew & Aircrew Rescue Swimmer Program Requirements

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• Aircrewman

The Aircrewman Program (AIRC) and the Aircrewman Rescue Swimmer Program (AIRR) are six-year enlistment programs guaranteeing an initial flying assignment as a flight crewmember in fixed wing or helicopter aircraft. They provide training via various Class "A" Schools for a specific service rating within the Naval Aircrewman (AW) general rating, and specialized training depending on the rating ultimately selected.

You will undergo some of the most demanding physical training offered by the military services in these programs. You must volunteer for flying duty, be capable of passing a Class II swim test, and pass an aviation flight physical.

You must be made aware that your entrance physical examination will be verified for flight qualifications at Recruit Training Command and Naval Aircrewman Candidate School (NACCS).

General Qualification Requirements

You must meet all Navy enlistment eligibility requirements, and the following additional requirements.

• Armed Services Vocational Aptitue Battery (ASVAB)
  • You must have a minimum score of VE+AR+MK+MC=210 or VE+AR+MK+AS=210. Your ASVAB scores will be reviewed upon classification at NACCS to ensure further qualification for a specific source rating.
• Maximum Age
  • You must be 30 years of age or less at the time of accession (date you leave for boot-camp).
• Physical Fitness
  • While in Delayed Entry Program, but prior to shipping, Aircrew candidates must pass the Navy's Physical Readiness Test (PRT) with a score of Satisfactory-Medium for your age and gender (per OPNAVINST 6110.1). Aircrew candidates shall sign a Hold Harmless Agreement prior to being administered the Navy's Physical Readiness Test (PRT).
• Drug Usage
  • Use of illegal or controlled substances is cause for application disapproval due to the inherently hazardous nature of this program. Drug waivers will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Citizenship
  • Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Minimum Education
  • Must be a high school graduate (Tier I or Tier II).
• Eyes and Vision
  • Normal color and depth perception. Vision must correct to 20/20 in both eyes and correction must be worn.
• Hearing Standards
  • In accordance with MANMED P-117, Article 15-92, applicants must meet the hearing standards for Student Naval Aviator (SNA) as follows;

  • Navy Aircrew Hearing Standards

    Aircrew Hearing Standards
    Frequency (hz)	Decibel (dB)
    500	25
    1000	25
    2000	25
    3000	45
    4000	55

• No speech impediment:
  • You will test for "reading aloud" if you have a speech impediment or if you have a history of speech therapy or facial fracture. The "Banana Oil" test will be utilized as required in accordance with MANMED P-117 Article 15-95. The following is the text to be read:
  • "You wished to know about my grandfather. Well he is nearly 93 years old; he dresses himself in an ancient black frock-coat usually minus several buttons; yet he still thinks as swiftly as ever. A long flowing beard clings to his chin giving those who observe him a pronounced feeling of the utmost respect. When he speaks, his voice is just a bit cracked and quivers a trifle. Twice each day he plays skillfully and with zest upon our small organ. Except in winter when the ooze of snow or ice is present, he slowly takes a short walk in the open air each day. We have often urged him to walk more and smoke less, but he always answers "Banana Oil." Grandfather likes to be modern in his language."
• Weight:
  • You must meet aviation duty minimum and maximum nude body weights are 103 pounds and 245 pounds respectively. There is no waiver of this requirement since this is the maximum weight for ejection seat capacity.
    • Body Fat: Males must be less than or equal to 22 percent. Females must be less than or equal to 30 percent.
• Other Factors:
  • Hay fever, asthma, bee sting, or a food allergic reaction and chronic motion sickness are general medical disqualifiers.

Those applying for aviation programs are held to strict physical standards and therefore are less likely to be recommended for program waivers.

Security Clearance

You must have citizenship and character requirements to be granted a SECRET clearance and meet reliability standards for assignment to the Personnel Reliability Program (PRP as specified in SECNAVINST 5510.30). A complete PRP screen is not required for enlistment.

Aircrew Navy Enlisted Manning Codes (EMC):

The Navy's computerized personnel system associates rating names with an alphanumeric Enlisted Manning Code (EMC). The Aircrew program ratings are assigned the following: Naval Aircrewman general rating (EMC A500; Training and Administration of the Reserve (TAR) EMC J150): Aircrewman Helicopter (EMC A510), Aircrewman Operator (EMC A520), Aircrewman Mechanical (EMC A530; TAR EMC J154), or Aircrewman Avionics (EMC A550). Assignment to a specific class "A" school for a service rating within the program will be made while assigned to Naval Aircrew Candidate School (NACCS) and will be based on the applicant's test scores, personal desires, needs of the Navy, and continued eligibility for the Aircrew program.

Navy Aircrew Program (AIRC)

Men and women interested in the Aircrew program may be assigned to one of the following source ratings:

• Naval Aircrewmen (Mechanical) (AWF)
• Naval Aircrewmen (Operator) (AWO)
• Naval Aircrewmen (Avionics) (AWV)

AIRC Training Cycle

Trainees are normally assigned to Class "A" School immediately after completion of Naval Aircrew Candidate School (NACCS). The normal training cycle is:

1. Recruit Training (Great Lakes, IL)
2. Naval Aircrew Candidate School (Pensacola, FL)
3. Class "A" School (Pensacola, FL)
4. Survival Evasion Resistance Escape (SERE) School (San Diego, CA or Brunswick, ME)
5. Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) various locales)
6. Initial squadron assignment (various locales)

Naval Aircrewman Mechanical (AWF)

The AWF are members of a fixed wing integrated tactical crew aboard C-2, C-9, C-12, C-20, C-37, C-40, C-130, E-6, P-3, and P-8 Poseidon aircraft. They perform primary in-flight and ground duties as aircraft Flight Engineer/Crew Chief, Loadmaster, Reel Operator, and Aircrew Readiness Manager. AWFs perform aircraft maintenance, weight and balance (W&B) calculations, and aircraft systems rigging, Aircrew administration, Flight/Ground training, cargo movement, Medical Evacuations (MEDEVAC), passenger transport, small arms, and Joint Special Warfare operations.

They contribute directly to operations for the purposes of attaining and maintaining the squadron's aircrew qualifications and certifications, and are knowledgeable of all aircraft systems, passenger and cargo handling, safety procedures and equipment, federal and military regulations for passenger transport, emergency procedures, and aircraft equipment.

The Naval Aircrewmen Mechanical rating training path includes:

• Naval Aircrew Candidate School is located in Pensacola, Florida. The school is approximately 6 weeks in duration, and it covers water and land survival and flight safety.
• AWO Class “A” Technical School/AE ATT is located in Pensacola, Florida. The school is approximately 7 weeks in duration, and it covers the basic aviation theory and skills required for the specialized AWO rating.
• Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) School is located in San Diego, California or Brunswick, Maine. The school is approximately 2 weeks in duration, and it covers Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape Techniques.
• Fleet Replacement Squadrons, Various Naval Air Stations, 2 to 18 weeks depending on the type of aircraft, and it covers the aircraft systems.

Naval Aircrewman Operator Rating (AWO)

Members of the Naval Aircrewman Operator rating produce intelligence products for aircrews in support of operations and tactical missions worldwide. They detect, analyze, classify, and track surface and subsurface contacts. AWOs operate an advanced sonar system utilizing sonobuoys, radar, Electronic Support Measures (ESM), Magnetic Anomaly Detector (MAD), Identification Friend or Foe/Selective Identification Feature (IFF/SIF), and Infrared Detector (IR). They perform aircrew duties that support mission planning, classified material handling, and training. They handle ordnance, inspect acoustic station equipment, and operate mission equipment such as: advanced imaging multi-spectral sensors, radar for safety of flight, and hand-held cameras.

The Naval Aircrewmen Operator rating training path includes:

• Naval Aircrew Candidate School is located in Pensacola, Florida. The school is approximately 6 weeks in duration, and it covers water and land survival and flight safety.
• AWO Class “A” Technical School/AE ATT is located in Pensacola, Florida. The school is approximately 13 weeks in duration, and it covers the basic aviation theory and skills required for the specialized AWO rating.
• Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) School is located in San Diego or Twentynine Palms, California. The school is approximately 2 weeks in duration, and it covers Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape Techniques.
• Fleet Replacement Squadrons, Various Naval Air Stations, 2 to 18 weeks depending on the type of aircraft, and it covers the aircraft systems.

Naval Aircrewman Avionics (AWV)

The AWV are members of a fixed wing integrated tactical aircrew aboard maritime patrol and reconnaissance, and command and control aircraft. They are knowledgeable of all avionics systems, safety equipment, emergency procedures, and aircraft equipment. AWVs perform primary in-flight and ground duties as aircraft in-flight technicians, Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) specialists, and airborne communicators who maintain and operate aircraft systems. They pilot and maintain Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), operate aerial photographic equipment, and perform aircrew administration, flight and ground training, ordnance handling duties, joint special warfare operations, and Communications Material Security (CMS) handling.

The Naval Aircrewmen Avionics rating training path includes:

• Naval Aircrew Candidate School is located in Pensacola, Florida. The school is approximately 6 weeks in duration, and it covers water and land survival and flight safety.
• AWV Class “A” Technical School is located in Pensacola, Florida. The school is approximately 8 weeks in duration, and it covers the basic aviation theory and skills required for the specialized AWV rating.
• Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) School is located in San Diego, California or Brunswick, Maine. The school is approximately 2 weeks in duration, and it covers Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape Techniques.
• Fleet Replacement Squadrons, Various Naval Air Stations, 2 to 18 weeks depending on the type of aircraft, and it covers the aircraft systems.

Navy Aircrew Rescue Swimmer Program (AIRR)

Men and women interested in the Aircrew Rescue Swimmer program may be assigned to one of the following source ratings:

• Naval Aircrewmen (Helicopter) (AWF)
• Naval Aircrewmen (Tactical Helicopter) (AWR)

Rescue swimmers may be required to risk their lives during a rescue over-land or at-sea. They will be required to enter the open ocean from a hovering helicopter and swim to the survivor. Upon reaching the survivor, the swimmer utilizes appropriate rescue techniques and prepares for hook-up to the rescue hoist. A survivor in a state of panic may force the swimmer underwater, but training and techniques taught to rescue swimmers will allow them to overcome this situation. Once the swimmer and the survivor are in the aircraft, the swimmer provides advanced first aid until medical assistance is available.

For additional qualification information about the Aircrew Rescue Swimmer (AIRR), review the Navy Warrior Challenge Program information.

AIRR Training Cycle

Trainees are normally assigned to Class "A" School immediately after completion of Naval Aircrew Candidate School (NACCS). The normal training cycle is:

1. Recruit Training (Great Lakes, IL)
2. Naval Aircrew Candidate School (Pensacola, FL)
3. Aircrew Rescue Swimmer School (Pensacola, FL)
4. Class "A" School (Pensacola, FL)
5. Survival Evasion Resistance Escape (SERE) School (San Diego, CA or Brunswick, ME)
6. Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) various locales)
7. Initial squadron assignment (various locales)

Naval Aircrewman (Helicopter) (AWS)

The AWS are members of multi-mission helicopter integrated tactical crews. They perform Search And Rescue (SAR) operations, Airborne Mine Countermeasure (AMCM) operations utilizing sonar, magnetic, mechanical, and acoustic minesweeping systems and logistics support. AWSs perform aircrew operations administration, flight and ground training, internal and external cargo movement, medical evacuations (MEDEVAC), passenger transport, aerial gunnery, small arms handling, Naval Special Warfare (NSW) insertion and extraction operations, Vertical Replenishment (VERTREP), and Night Vision Device (NVD) operations, and conduct observer duties for safety of flight.

The Naval Aircrewmen Helicopter rating training path includes:

• Naval Aircrew Candidate School is located in Pensacola, Florida. The school is approximately 6 weeks in duration, and it covers water and land survival and flight safety.
• Aircrew Rescue Swimmer School is located in Pensacola, Florida. The school is approximately 7 weeks in duration, and it covers Search and Rescue (SAR) swimming skills.
• AWS Class “A” Technical School is located in Pensacola, Florida. The school is approximately 6 weeks in duration, and it covers the basic aviation theory and skills required for the specialized AWS rating.
• Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) School is located in San Diego, California or Brunswick, Maine. The school is approximately 2 weeks in duration, and it covers Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape Techniques.
• Fleet Replacement Squadrons, Various Naval Air Stations, 2 to 18 weeks depending on the type of aircraft, and it covers the aircraft systems.

Naval Aircrewman (Tactical Helicopter) (AWR)

Naval Aircrewmen Tactical Helicopter (AWR) detect, analyze, classify, and track sub-surface contacts; perform sonar and sonobuoy operations, help coordinate tactical communications relay. They contribute directly to aircrew operations and Naval Special Warfare (NSW) missions, like:

• Search and Rescue (SAR),
• Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR),
• Night Vision Device (NVD) operations,
• Navigation, passenger and cargo transport,
• Vertical Replenishment (VERTREP), and
• Medical Evacuations (MEDEVAC).

The AWR are members of multi-mission helicopter integrated tactical crews. The Naval Aircrewmen Tactical Helicopter rating training path includes:

• Naval Aircrew Candidate School is located in Pensacola, Florida. The school is approximately 6 weeks in duration, and it covers water and land survival and flight safety.
• Aircrew Rescue Swimmer School is located in Pensacola, Florida. The school is approximately 7 weeks in duration, and it covers Search and Rescue (SAR) swimming skills.
• AWR Class “A” Technical School is located in Pensacola, Florida. The school is approximately 13 weeks in duration, and it covers the basic aviation theory and skills required for the specialized AWR rating.
• Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) School is located in San Diego, California or Brunswick, Maine. The school is approximately 2 weeks in duration, and it covers Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape Techniques.
• Fleet Replacement Squadrons, Various Naval Air Stations, 2 to 18 weeks depending on the type of aircraft, and it covers the aircraft systems.

Career Sea - Shore Rotation Chart

Sea tours and shore tours for Sailors that have completed four sea tours will be 36 months at sea followed by 36 ashore until retirement.

Enlistment Term

You must enlist in the active component of the U.S. Navy or in the Training and Administration of the Reserve (TAR) Enlistment Program for four years and concurrently execute an Agreement to Extend Enlistment (NAVPERS 1070/621 or NAVPERS 1070/622) for 24 months using the following narrative reason entry:

"Training in the Aircrewman Program and accelerated advancement to paygrade E4 in accordance with MILPERSMAN Article 1220-010. Accelerated advancement to E4 is authorized only after successful completion of Naval Aircrew Candidate School, Class "A" School, and Fleet Replacement Squadron training. I understand that this extension becomes binding upon execution and thereafter may not be canceled except as set forth in MILPERSMAN Article 1160-040.

Aircrewman Program Screening

For program conduct eligibility requirements (if you have prior civil/criminal offenses) see your local Navy Recruiter for type of offenses which may disqualify you or to determine the appropriate waiver authority. Adversely adjudicated drug abuse offenses will not receive waiver consideration with the potential exception of a single misdemeanor charge involving marijuana (only on a case-by-case basis).

Personnel in the Aircrewman rating are paid allowances (BAH, BAS, etc. if eligible) and enlisted military basic pay based on years of service and paygrade.

Credit Recommendations

The American Council on Education recommends semester hour credits for schools and experience completed while serving as an AW. Credits may also be earned for other follow-on training ("C" schools) throughout your career.

Page written and maintained by NCCM Thomas Goering, USN (Retired).

If you are seeking information about joining the Navy, feel free to contact me.