AS - Aviation Support Equipment Technicians

[Mary, Proud Mom of Nick]

General Info: Aviation Technicians are responsible for keeping naval aircraft powerplants and related systems, armament and ordnance systems, and aircraft ground support equipment in top operational condition. They may specialize in aircraft engines, reduction gear, helicopter rotor systems, ammunitions and aircraft weapons systems, gas turbine compressor systems, ground air conditioning, aircraft tow tractors, and automotive systems. Aircrew volunteers (AD and AO ratings) perform inflight duties in various types of naval aircraft and should apply via the Aircrew Recruiting Program.

What They Do: The duties performed by AS technicians include: automotive electrical and mechanical repair. inspect, test, and repair electric generators, motors, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems. service and repair refrigeration and air conditioning systems. perform gasoline and diesel engine repair, body work, brake service, minor welding, and paintwork on ground support equipment.

ASVAB Score Requirements: VE+AR+MK+AS=210 or VE+AR+MK+MC=210

Other Requirements: Must have normal color perception.

Technical Training Information: Enlistees are taught the fundamentals of this rating through on-the-job training or formal Navy schooling. Advanced technical and operational training is available in this rating during later stages of career development.

Course Title Location Calendar Days
AS A1 Pensacola 114

Aviation basic theory and basic skills required for rating Group instruction and practical application After "A" school, successful graduates are assigned to aviation squadrons, aircraft carriers or to other aviation capable ships, Naval Air Stations or other shore facilities in the United States or overseas. 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. During a 20-year period in the Navy, expect to spend about 40-50 percent assigned to fleet units and 60-50 percent to shore stations.

Working Environment: Most of the work in these ratings are performed indoors and outdoors - in aircraft hangars, on flight lines, and on the deck of aircraft carriers, in all climatic conditions, in fast-paced and often potentially hazardous environments. Aircrew volunteers may serve as flight engineer, rescue, or utility aircrewman on various naval aircraft.

[lemonelephant]

The Rating Information Card at https://www.cool.navy.mil/enlisted/rating_info_cards/as.pdf indicates 20 weeks. The info posted above indicates 114 calendar days.  Remember that Sailors may have to go through INDOC and/or may be on hold waiting to class up before beginning classes at "A" School.  You may want to check out AS Moms, Sailors In Pensacola, FL For A School....Corry Station too!!, Parents of A School Sailors in Pensacola, Airman Family and Friends, and Naval Aviation and join those that meet your needs.

(Group names are clickable links.)

[Saipan]

AS school?  I only ask because it says 'AS' but it also talks about stuff like ammunitions, rotors, aircraft engines which are not AS territory.  I was an AS BTW.  Loved it!

[lemonelephant]

I noticed that too and that was another reason for putting in the link to the updated Rating Information Card.  The original post above was from May 2008 and the information has changed since then, but I didn't deal with that since that wasn't SSaulter-Gma's question.

[Saipan]

Oh, sorry! What was. . . . . the question then? Must be the cold here, sucking my brain out over here!

[lemonelephant]

She asked about the length of that "A" School.