![]() It’s like being the guy who pushes paratroopers out the door, except the paratroopers are giant crates of food and ammunition. What is most fun about the loadmaster’s role in airdrops? When it comes time to deliver supplies to the troops-without ever touching the ground-loadmasters are in charge of strapping parachutes to giant pallets of material and sliding them out the back of the plane on a carefully rigged rail system. The aircraft loadmaster makes sure cargo loads on planes like the C-17 Globemaster are within weight limits and are distributed properly (since tipping the plane on its side should be the pilot’s job, not the cargo’s.) Loadmasters also operate forklifts and other loading equipment and perform pre- and post-flight checks. Here’s a member of the crew whose job is much more exciting than it sounds. Military Requirements: Secret Security Clearance. The two-month Basic Flight Engineer Course can be taken at Kirtland Air Force Base (AFB) New Mexico, Lackland AFB Texas, or Fairchild AFB in Washington State. ![]() According to the Air Force’s Enlisted Classification Manual, they oversee the safe functioning of “electric, communication, navigation, hydraulic, pneudraulic, fuel, air conditioning, and pressurization ventilation auxiliary power unit and lubrication systems.” That's a long list of duties and flight engineers are really expected to be jacks of all trade.Įducation: The Air Force recommends those with a background in high school mechanics and mathematics courses. That’s why enlisted flight engineers have to hop aboard. A dizzying variety of aircraft systems need to be monitored and maintained, and it isn't practical to bring along all the mechanics for the ride. ![]() Today’s large aircraft are too complicated for just one or two pilots to keep an eye on everything. Background checks are also required for all aircrew members for various levels of security clearance, due to their access to sensitive materials, so keep an eye on your credit report. But if you don't have a diploma, play it safe and check with an Air Force recruiter, since the acceptance of GEDs can change depending on the Air Force's current personnel needs.Īll aircrew jobs require specific medical clearances for aviation duty, and all except Flight Attendant require normal depth perception. Aerial Gunner is the only occupation here that may also be open to recruits with a GED, according to Air Force regulations. Unless otherwise stated, all careers below require at least a high school diploma. This article is the first of two highlighting careers in that field. If you’re seeking career skills as part of an in-flight crew, or just looking for adventure in the “wild blue yonder,” you’ll need to guarantee yourself an Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC) in the Aircrew Operations Field. In today’s gigantic, technically sophisticated military, not all soldiers are guaranteed the chance to fire a shot in anger (especially if they’ve got a desk job.) Likewise, not all airmen will necessarily set foot on an airplane other than as a passenger.
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