Aircrew Operator
As an Aircrew Operator, you’ll be given the opportunity to work with advanced Army aviation technology including the CH-47F Chinook, UH-60M Black Hawk Utility or AH-64E Apache.
Within your role, you’ll also manage the operation of aircraft self-defence weapon systems and be given the task of target identification and tactical decision making within benign and hostile tactical environments.
This important position forms part of the mission crew, within which you’ll learn to understand the aircraft as a weapons system, be called upon to assist the pilot in outmanoeuvring the enemy, apply aviation tactics, techniques and procedures, as well as operating airborne role equipment in support of Army Aviation operations.
What you'll do
Your role will give you the opportunity to perform several tasks, which could include:
- Acting as a crew member in support of domestic Army operations
- Providing required support to humanitarian aid
- Conducting airborne gunnery
- Conducting pre-flight and post flight inspections
- Supporting disaster relief efforts domestically and abroad.
As an Aircrew Operator, you’ll be given the opportunity to work with advanced Army aviation technology including the CH-47F Chinook, ARH Tiger, UH-60M Blackhawk Utility or AH-64E Apache.
Your duties may include:
- conduct passenger safety briefs
- operate aircraft weapon systems
- conduct helicopter insertion and extraction techniques and role equipment pertaining to those techniques
- load/unload internal and external stores including calculation of weight and balance
- monitor and conduct aircraft performance planning
- operate survival equipment
- monitor and maintain aircraft obstacle clearance
- participate in mission pre and post briefs
- operate aircraft radio equipment
- apply Aviation Risk Management techniques and considerations.
Opportunities for progression and upskilling continue throughout your career. As you progress, the Army will provide you with development opportunities to assist you with your increasing leadership responsibility, as well as further education and specialised training to strengthen your skillset. This will help you to command and run a highly skilled team of soldiers and the employment of their equipment.
Following training, you could be employed in Army Aviation at:
- Oakey, Qld
- Townsville, Qld
- Sydney, NSW
Discover where the Army operates across Australia on our base locations map.
Requirements and training
You must be an Australian citizen to serve in the ADF. However, Australian permanent residents may be eligible. For more details, visit the "Citizenship" tab on the Eligibility Requirements page.
You can apply for a role in the ADF from 16.5 years of age and must be at least 17 to join. The maximum age to join is 56 years.
You don’t need a driver’s licence for this role but if you have one, it can’t be suspended or cancelled.
All ADF members require a security clearance. As an ADF member, you’ll need to obtain the appropriate level of security clearance for your role. You’ll need a collection of relevant information including background checks and/or interviews so the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) can make an informed assessment to ensure the protection of Government resources and information. Your Careers Coach will explain what level of clearance is required for the career you are considering.
For more information or to learn about how security clearance will apply to you, view the eligibility requirements page.
Completion of Year 10 (or equivalent) education required with passes in English and Maths. If you haven't completed Year 10 but are interested in joining, the ADF may be able to support your application.
To join the ADF, you must be healthy and physically fit. This is partially assessed from the completion of an extensive questionnaire covering your medical history, followed by a physical examination.
You’ll also be required to successfully pass a physical fitness assessment and a RAAF Swim Test whilst attending the Aircrew Operator Selection Board.
Female
- Sit-ups (feet held): 20
- Push-ups: 4
- Shuttle Run Score: 6.1.
Male
- Sit-ups (feet held): 20
- Push-ups: 8
- Shuttle Run Score: 6.1.
- Safety Jump
- 200m Swim
- 15m Underwater Swim
- 20m Person Tow
- 5kg Object Retrieval
- 10m Tread Water
- Right a capsized Life Raft or similar and enter
For further details on medical and physical fitness standards, refer to physical fitness standards for entry into the ADF and medical process for entry into the ADF.
You’ll be enlisted for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of 4 years. Subsequent periods of service may be offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service. You may tender your resignation at any time provided you do not have an outstanding IMPS obligation, and you provide 3-months' notice. You’ll have a Careers Coach who can advise on how IMPS will relate to your chosen occupation and personal situation.
Initial Screening
You will undergo an initial screening at your local ADF Careers Centre, which checks your suitability to progress to the Aviation Screening Program.
Aviation Screening Program (ASP)
The ASP is managed by the Aviation Candidate Management Centre (ACMC) and will take place at RAAF Base East Sale, Vic. It is designed to evaluate your suitability to undergo aviation training and give you a better understanding of the Army Aircrew Operator role. The program runs over two days and will include:
- Military Aviation Cognitive Testing System (MACTS)
- Modern Language Aptitude Test (MLAT)
- Airborne Electronics Analyst category education
- Debrief on your results and suitability for the Aircrew Operator role.
Course: Army Recruit Course
Duration: 13 weeks
Location: Kapooka, Wagga Wagga, NSW
During training, you'll take part in physical training, weapon handling and shooting, first aid, drill and field craft. You'll be challenged both mentally and physically.
Although it can be demanding, most recruits gain a sense of achievement, purpose and confidence during basic training, and on completion of the course feel justifiably proud of what they have achieved. The priority of our instructors is to help you succeed.
Course: Aviation Medicine Non-Pilot Initial Course
Duration: 5 Days
Location: Institute of Aviation Medicine at RAAF Base Edinburgh, SA
You’ll learn to understand and manage the physiological challenges of flight such as G-forces and hypoxia.
Course: Dangerous Good Packaging AND Accepting Air
Duration: 5 Days
Location: Multiple Bases around Australia
You’ll learn theoretical and practical skills to classify, pack, accept, label and document Dangerous Goods for transportation by civil and service air.
Course: Combat Survival Training
Duration: 3 weeks
Location: Combat Survival Training School at RAAF Base Townsville, Qld
You’ll learn how to survive in difficult and hostile environments during domestic and combat downed aircraft scenarios using SERE – Survive, Evade, Resist, Escape.
Course: Helicopter Underwater Escape Training
Duration: One day
Location: HMAS Albatross, Nowra, NSW or Townsville, Qld
In a state-of-the-art facility, you’ll learn how to safely exit a submerged helicopter, both with and without emergency breathing devices, as well as other sea survival techniques.
Course: Aircrew Operator Induction Course
Duration: 4 Weeks
Location: School of Army Aviation, Oakey, Qld
You’ll learn how to work within the Defence Aviation environment and to provide preparation for subsequent training and employment as an Aircrew Operator.
Course: Aircrew Operator Rotary Wing Basic Course
Duration: 4 Months
Location: School of Army Aviation, Oakey, Qld
You’ll learn theory and practical skills to safely conduct Aircrew Operator duties on an Army aviation rotary wing aircraft.
Aircrew Operator Skills Logbook completion – Up to 12 months in an Operational Unit to complete final on-the-job training (OJT) requirements.
Follow-on training may be available to Army Aircrew Operators including:
- Qualified Aircrew Instructor: Teach others the skills that you have learnt on your way to become an Army Aircrew Operator.