Army Aircrew Jobs and Training

As an Army aircrew member, you are part of a flight crew with specific duties. The Army has an armada of helicopters, although only the larger versions carry crew members. The Blackhawk and the heavy lift Chinook as well as the Sky Crane carry a flight crew. The Army also maintains a fleet of jets for the movement of important personnel that require a flight crew.

Available MOS - Job Heading

The crew members consist of a Crew Chief, Load Master and a Door Gunner. Each of these will have specific aircraft designated in the training syllabus. Transitions will become available after training and depend on class grade point average.

Breakdown of Responsibilities Relative to Position

The crew chief is responsible for maintaining the aircraft and keeping it flightworthy. He keeps the aircraft logbooks up-to-date and understands how to read and follow maintenance manuals, which indicate time change components. By following the maintenance manuals, he can schedule the maintenance required at the proper time levels. Other than accomplishing the preflight inspections, which include running up the engines and accomplishing minor maintenance, he is not expected to repair the aircraft. There are times that he assists a certified technician when requested. In essence, the aircraft belongs to the crew chief--the pilot just borrows it now and again.

The loadmaster is responsible for all material loaded aboard the aircraft, the weight and balance of the aircraft relative to the position and weight of the load and the security of the load. He is also responsible for the extraction of the load under varying circumstances. Last but not least, the loadmaster is responsible for all dispositions.

The door gunner is responsible for assisting the crew chief and for providing armed cover for the aircraft in hostile environments.

Location of Training

Most of the training is provided at Fort Rucker, Alabama. This is the Army's largest aviation training post. It encompasses the final stages of pilot training, graduation exercises and aircraft maintenance schools for all fields.

Aircrew Training

The coordination of a set of principals, attitudes and procedures is part of training, and transforms the trainee into an effective, conscientious and fast reacting crew member. The theory is that if all crew members are well trained, have the correct attitude and can work as a team, aircraft and personnel losses will diminish.

Type of Training

Due various economic issues, military budget, the high cost of live flight and diminished airspace in which to train, virtual training in now the format. The trainee progresses through computer based programming, virtual reality trainers and instructor based training.