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. These technicians may also volunteer to fly as Naval aircrew. Aircrew performs numerous in-flight duties and operates aircraft systems in turbojet, helicopter, or propeller aircraft. Aircrew earns additional pay for flying.These technicians may also volunteer to fly as Naval aircrew. Aircrew perform numerous in-flight duties and operate radar and weapon systems in turbojet, helicopter, or propeller aircraft.
The duties performed by ADs include:
- maintaining and servicing aircraft engine, fuel and lubrication systems;
- handling and servicing aircraft ashore or aboard ship;
- performing complete aircraft turboshaft/turboprop engine repair;
- determining reasons for engine degradation via spectrometric oil analysis tests;
- evaluating jet engine performance, using jet test cells for fixed turbojet engines;
- performing helicopter maintenance, installing and maintaining engines, drive accessories and gear boxes;
- performing propeller repairs;
- possibly functioning as aircrewman in various types of aircraft.
Working Environment
People in this rating work at sea or ashore, on hangar and flight decks, in shops and on airstrips. 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.
A-School (Job School) Information
- AD Common Core, Pensacola, FL -- 30 calendar days
- AD Helicopter, Pensacola, FL -- 10 calendar days (some recruits)
- AD Prop, Pensacola, FL -- 10 calendar days (some recruits)
- AD Jet, Pensacola, FL -- 10 calendar days (some recruits)
Technicians going to intermediate level maintenance facilities for their first assignment will attend advanced training after "A" School. Each time a technician is assigned to a new aircraft or equipment, more specific and advanced training will be given prior to reporting to respective aviation unit.
ASVAB Score Requirement: VE+AR+MK+AS=210 OR VE+AR+MK+MC=210
Security Clearance Requirement: None (unless volunteering for aircrew duty)
Other Requirements
Sub-Specialties Available for This Rating: Navy Enlisted Classification Codes for AD
Current Manning Levels for This Rating: CREO Listing
Note: Advancement ( promotion ) opportunity and career progression are directly linked to a rating's manning level (i.e., personnel in undermanned ratings have greater promotion opportunity than those in overmanned ratings).
Sea/Shore Rotation for This Rating
- First Sea Tour: 42 months
- First Shore Tour: 36 months
- Second Sea Tour: 42 months
- Second Shore Tour: 36 months
- Third Sea Tour: 36 months
- Third Shore Tour: 36 months
- Fourth Sea Tour: 36 months
- Forth Shore Tour: 36 months
Note: Sea tours and shore tours for sailors that have completed four sea tours will be 36 months at sea followed by 36 months ashore until retirement.
Much of the above information courtesy of the Navy Personnel Command
Aviation Machinist's Mate:
ADs maintain jet aircraft engines and associated equipment, or engage in any one of several types of aircraft maintenance activities. ADs maintain, service, adjust, and replace aircraft engines and accessories, as well as perform the duties of flight engineers.
Degree Roadmap
