USCG aviation ratings - United States Coast Guard

Naval Aviation News, May-June, 2004

Aviation Survival Technician

Aviation Survival Technicians (AST) inspect, service and maintain C-130 Hercules oxygen and wing raft systems; HU-25 Guardian oxygen systems and drag chute assemblies; and HH-65 Dolphin and HH-60 Jayhawk flotation systems.

ASTs also inspect, service and maintain all aviation rescue devices and aircrew survival gear. Rescue devices include parachute aerial delivery systems; rescue baskets, litters and slings; droppable sea rescue kits; and dewatering pumps. Aircrew gear includes life rafts, vests and survival kits; HEEDS III underwater escape devices; all aircrew flight apparel (dry suits and flight suits, boots, helmets, etc.); and rescue swimmer ensembles and equipment.

The 310 ASTs function operationally as helicopter rescue swimmers and emergency medical technician (EMT) basic aircrewmen. ASTs may be deployed in rescues ranging from hurricanes and cliff rescues to emergency medical evacuations from ships at sea. ASTs also provide all aircrew survival training to aviators, such as swim tests, survival lectures and shallow-water egress training.

AST "A" school is currently 16 weeks at Aviation Technical Training Center (ATTC) Elizabeth City, N.C., followed by 3 weeks of EMT training at Training Center, Petaluma, Calif. Candidates for this school must be in superior physical shape and possess a level mental demeanor and outstanding military bearing.

Aviation Maintenance Technician

Aviation Maintenance Technicians (AMT) inspect, service, maintain, troubleshoot and repair aircraft power plant, power train and structural systems. AMTs maintain metal, composite and fiberglass materials; fabricate cables, wire harnesses and structural components; and perform aircraft corrosion control, nondestructive testing, basic electrical troubleshooting and recordkeeping. The 1,600 AMTs also hold an aircrew position in specific Coast Guard aircraft.

Qualifications include an aptitude for mechanics. School courses in algebra, geometry, electricity, machine shop and mechanics are very helpful. Candidates undergo 20 weeks of intensive training at ATTC Elizabeth City, N.C.

Avionics Electrical Technician

Avionics Electrical Technicians (AET) inspect, service, maintain, troubleshoot and repair aircraft power, communications, navigation, autoflight and sensor systems. AETs conduct minimum performance checks, system alignments, avionics corrosion control and record keeping. The 760 AETs also hold an aircrew position in specific Coast Guard aircraft.

Qualifications include proficiency in solving practical mathematical problems. A high degree of electrical and mechanical aptitude is essential. School courses in algebra, trigonometry, physics, electricity and mechanics are extremely useful. Practical experience in the electrical trade is also helpful. AETs attend 20 weeks of training at ATTC Elizabeth City, N.C.

RELATED ARTICLE: Crew Member Designations

Five Coast Guard enlisted aviation ratings were combined in 1999 to allow enhanced career development and increased workforce flexibility.

After completing one of the three Coast Guard Aviation "A" schools, members then combine airframe specific instruction ("C" school) and on-the-job training to sharpen individual rating skills. In addition to aircraft maintenance responsibilities, the 2,700 aviation-rated members are also assigned as crew members, which greatly enhances Coast Guard Aviation's multimission capability.

The following list of aircrew designations operationally fly and maintain six different types of airframes flown on Coast Guard missions.

AG    Aviation Gunner
AMS   Aviation Mission Specialist
AVI   Avionicsman
BA    Basic Aircrew
DM    Dropmaster
FE    Flight Engineer
FM    Flight Mechanic
FS    Flight Surgeon
HQBA  Qualified Basic Aircrew
LM    Loadmaster
N     Navigator
R     Radio Operator
RS    Rescue Swimmer
SSO   Sensor Systems Operator
TSO   Tactical System Operator