AM - Aviation Structural Mechanic

[Mary, Proud Mom of Nick]

Navy Enlisted Rating (Job) Descriptions and Qualification Factors
Aviation Structural Mechanic (AM)
By Rod Powers, About.com

The Aviation Structural Mechanic - Hydraulics (AM), maintains all aircraft main and auxiliary hydraulic power systems, actuating subsystems and landing gear. Responsible for maintenance on the aircraft fuselage (mainframe) wings airfoils, and associated fixed and moveable surfaces and flight controls. Aircrew volunteers from this rating perform in-flight duties in various types of aircraft. 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. (See the Aircrew Program for details.)

What They Do:

Remove, repair and replace hydraulic system pumps, auxiliary power systems and unit actuating subsystems; Maintain aircraft landing gear system, brakes and related pneumatic systems, reservoir pressurization, emergency actuating devices, pumps, valves, regulators, cylinders, lines and fittings; Service pressure accumulators, emergency air bottles, oleo struts, reservoirs and master brake cylinders; Inspect, removes and replace components of hydraulic systems; Replace gaskets, packing, and wipers in hydraulic components; Remove, repair and replace aircraft fuselage, wings, fixed and movable surfaces, airfoils, regular seats, wheels and tires, controls and mechanisms; Remove, install and rig aircraft flight control surfaces; Fabricate and assemble metal components and make minor repairs to aircraft skin; Install rivets and metal fasteners; Paint; Weld; Fabricate repairs for composite components; Perform non-destructive dye penetrant inspections (NDI), Perform daily, preflight, postflight and other periodic aircraft inspections.

ASVAB Score:

VE+AR+MK+AS=210 or VE+AR+MK+MC=210

Other Requirements:

Must have normal color perception. Must have normal hearing.

High school diploma graduate or equivalent. Must be able to type 40 words per minute. Must have no record of conviction by civil court for any offense other than minor traffic.

Technical Training Information:

Enlistees are taught the fundamentals of this rating through on-the-job training or formal Navy schooling. Operational training is available in this rating during later stages of career development.


Pensacola -- 43 calendar days
Pensacola -- 11 caldendar days (only some recruits will attend this course)

Basic Aviation Structural Mechanic course, basic aviation theory course, and skills required for specialized AMS rating Group instruction, classroom and shop. After completion of Core "A" school, AMSs may attend an additional two week organizational maintenance training school. AMSs may be assigned to aviation squadrons, aircraft carriers or to other Navy ships carrying aircraft, to Naval Air Stations or other aviation shore facilities in the United States or overseas. You will have opportunities to attend formal schoolhouse advanced technical training throughout your career. During a 20-year period, AMSs spend about 50 percent of their time assigned to fleet units and 50 percent to shore stations.

Working Environment:

Aviation structural mechanics may be assigned to sea or shore duty any place in the world, so their working environment varies considerably. They may work in hangars or hangar decks, or outside on flight decks or flight lines at air stations. A high noise level is a normal part of their work environment. AM's work closely with others, do mostly physical work and require little supervision. AM's may also serve as

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