The AD Rating

In 1921, the Aviation Rigger rating was established, and in 1926 the rating was officially changed to the Aviation Machinist's Mate rating.

The Navy's computerized personnel system associates the rating name with an alphanumeric Navy Enlisted Manning Code (EMC). For AD, the EMC is A110.

Aviation Machinist's Mates are aircraft engine mechanics. They inspect, adjust, test, repair and overhaul aircraft engines and propellers. ADs also perform routine maintenance, prepare aircraft for flight and assist in handling aircraft on the ground.

Aviation Machinist's Mate "A" school is approximately 6 weeks long. The core school, which all ADs attend in Pensacola, Florida, is four weeks in duration. Once the core school is completed, an additional two week school will be attended depending on which strand (Helo, Turbojet, or Turboprop) assigned. The schools are located in either Lemore, California; Virginia Beach/Norfolk, Virginia; San Diego, California; Whidbey Island, Washington; Jacksonville, Florida; Tinker, Oklahoma; or Pensacola, Florida.

Aviation Machinist's Mate job description (EMC A110)

Aviation Machinist's Mates maintain aircraft engines and their related systems, including the induction, cooling, fuel, lubrication, compression, combustion, turbine, gas turbine compressor, exhaust, accessory gearbox, aircraft mounted accessory drive, propeller and bleed air systems. They preflight aircraft, and conduct periodic inspections and oil analysis on engines and engine-related systems.

ADs field-test and adjust engine and fuel system components, including fuel controls, pumps, valves and regulators, and they troubleshoot, repair, remove and replace engine, fuel and secondary power system and components. They preserve and de-preserve engines, engine accessories and components, and supervise and provide training to power plant work centers.

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.

Qualifications, Interests, and Working Environment

Aviation Machinist's Mate may be assigned to sea or shore duty any place in the world, so their working environment varies considerably. They may work in hangars or hangar decks, outside on flight decks or flight lines at air stations. They may work in clean or dirty areas, but they are almost always working in noisy environments. They work closely with others, do mostly physical work and require little supervision. ADs also serve as flight engineers aboard certain aircraft.

People in the AD rate should be able to express themselves clearly in speaking and writing. They should have no speech impediment, and they must pass hearing and color perception tests. Vision must correct to 20/20. Must have full field of vision. Must have normal depth perception and color perception. Members of this rate are not required to be citizens of the United States.

ADs need good memories and the ability to do repetitive tasks, perform detailed work and keep accurate records. Manual dexterity and teamwork are also vital. AD ASVAB Test requirement.

Opportunities are excellent for qualified applicants to enter the AD rating. About 6,100 men and women now work in this rating.

Personnel in this rating are paid allowances (BAH, BAS, etc. if eligible) and billet pay (sea pay, flight pay, submarine pay, etc. if eligible), and basic pay based on military service and paygrade.

Credit Recommendations

The American Council on Education recommends that 3 semester hour credits be awarded in the lower division baccalaureate's/associates degree category in turbine engine theory. Credits may also be earned for other follow-on training ("C" school) 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.