Aircraft Launch and Recovery Specialist
Operate and maintain catapults, arresting gear, and associated mechanical, hydraulic, and control systems involved primarily in aircraft carrier takeoff and landing operations. Duties include installing and maintaining visual landing aids; testing and maintaining launch and recovery equipment using electric and mechanical test equipment and hand tools; activating airfield arresting systems, such as crash barriers and cables, during emergency landing situations; directing aircraft launch and recovery operations using hand or light signals; and maintaining logs of airplane launches, recoveries, and equipment maintenance.
- Careers: General Management
- Level: Operational
- Outlook: Stable
- Education: Associate's Degree
Career path
- lower level jobs: Aircraft Mechanic Assistant · Aviation Maintenance Technician Trainee · Industrial Mechanic Apprentice
- higher level jobs: Aviation Maintenance Supervisor · Aerospace Equipment Engineer · Operations Manager (Carrier Systems)
AI impact
AI will likely enhance this career through predictive maintenance algorithms, identifying potential equipment failures before they occur, and automating routine diagnostic checks. This could free up specialists for more complex repairs and system upgrades, though hands-on physical maintenance will remain critical.
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Aircraft Carrier Operations · Naval Aviation · Aerospace Maintenance · Hydraulic Engineering · Mechanical Engineering · Operations Management · Systems Engineering · Technical · Aerospace
Frequently asked questions
What does a Aircraft Launch and Recovery Specialist do?
Operate and maintain catapults, arresting gear, and associated mechanical, hydraulic, and control systems involved primarily in aircraft carrier takeoff and landing operations. Duties include installing and maintaining visual landing aids; testing and maintaining launch and recovery equipment using electric and mechanical test equipment and hand tools; activating airfield arresting systems, such…
What is the job outlook for a Aircraft Launch and Recovery Specialist?
The outlook is Stable.