Helicopter Controller
As a Helicopter Controller, you'll manage the ground movements for Navy and foreign helicopters and prepare for safe aviation operating environments onboard the ship's flight decks.
What you'll do
You’ll provide support by planning, executing, securing and overseeing all helicopter ground handling and take part in directing flight lines in versatile environments and weather conditions. You’ll also support aviation capabilities and humanitarian missions at sea, also assisting with aviation operations ashore at the Naval Air Station.
Your duties may include:
- aircraft marshalling (visual and hand signalling with pilot)
- moving aircraft using tow motors and aircraft lifts
- launching and landing procedures
- stowing aircraft
- fuelling operations
- utility and vertical replenishment operations
- aircraft rescue procedures (firefighting and aviation emergencies)
- inventory management
You'll also perform additional general duties that support the whole ship, including:
- ship security, firefighting and replenishment at sea
- boarding party, first aid, flood repair and flight deck
- assisting with medical, ammunitioning or ceremonial duties
- shift work, or on-call duties as required.
Opportunities for progression and upskilling continue throughout your career. As you progress, the Navy will provide you with development opportunities to assist you with your increasing leadership responsibility, as well as further education and specialised training within your chosen role. This will set you up to run a highly skilled team of sailors in a variety of tasks, both at sea and ashore.
On completion of Recruit School, Basic Aviation Initial Employment Training (IET) is conducted at HMAS Albatross in Nowra, NSW. On completion, you’ll receive a posting onboard HMAS Adelaide, HMAS Canberra or ashore based on the Navy’s needs. Individual preferences for posting location will be taken into account where possible.
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Manage a flight deck that travels at 20 knots and accommodates four Chinooks taking off simultaneously.
Manage a flight deck that travels at 20 knots and accommodates four Chinooks taking off simultaneously.
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 58 years.
For this role, you’ll need an Australian state or territory full, provisional or probationary C Class licence. If your licence is suspended or cancelled, you won’t be eligible until that suspension or cancellation has been lifted or has expired.
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 Navy, it's important that you meet the necessary medical and physical requirements. Regular exercise prior to joining will set you up for success as it is an important part of training and service life.
Once you join, Navy will support your physical conditioning to ensure you're prepared to serve. You'll also have access to chef-made meals, gyms, sports and fitness sessions run by physical training instructors. Throughout your Navy career, you’ll be expected to conduct an annual fitness test which includes a plank as well as either a beep test or run/walk or swim.
During the application process you’ll be assessed through a questionnaire about your medical history and a physical examination.
The Navy swim test
During Navy Military Training, whether heading to the New Entry Sailor Course (Recruit School) or the New Entry Officer Course, you'll need to pass a swim test wearing your uniform to graduate. This includes:
- safety jump off a 3m tower
- 10m underwater swim
- 50m swim using survival strokes
- treading water or floating for 15 minutes.
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 2 years. Subsequent periods of service may be offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service. You’ll have a Careers Coach who can advise on how IMPS will relate to your chosen occupation and personal situation.
You may request discharge at any time provided you do not have an outstanding IMPS obligation.
Increased Physical Employment Standards Assessments
The Helicopter Controller Sailor Workgroup exceeds Whole-of-Ship (WoS) standards when conducting Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting due to the physical and physiological tasks involved. During Basic AVN Initial Employment Training, you’ll undertake practical assessments that require a higher than nominal level of fitness and resilience.
Course: New Entry Sailor Course (NESC)
Duration: 10 weeks
Location: Recruit School at HMAS Cerberus, Vic
You’ll conduct your initial sailor training at the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Recruit School prior to commencing specific category training. The NESC course is designed to prepare you to conduct basic duties as a sailor.
NESC Course
- Physical fitness: General fitness and the Navy swim test.
- Military life: General service knowledge including drill and ceremonial procedures.
- Specialty skills: Weapons training, workplace safety, first aid and sailing.
- Navy skills: Seamanship, corrosion control, survival at sea and fire and flood control.
After successfully completing all components of the course, you’ll participate in a Graduation Parade to mark the occasion. You’ll have the opportunity to invite family and friends to view the parade.
On completion of your NESC course, you’ll proceed to your respective employment training.
Course: Basic Aviation Support Course
Duration: 19 weeks
Location: HMAS Albatross, Nowra, NSW
Following completion of NESC, you'll complete the Basic Aviation Support Course.
The course consists of theory/practical instruction in both classrooms and practical procedural trainers with associated assessments. These assessments include aircraft ground handling, live aircraft operations and aviation emergency response. Course content has been designed to meet naval requirements for operational maritime tasks and also for aviation capability ashore.
Topics covered:
- aviation safety and hazards
- aviation support maintenance administration
- operation of tow motors (aircraft tugs) to conduct the safe movement of helicopters on-board Canberra Class Amphibious Assault Ships (CCASS) and ashore
- basic maintenance and servicing of support equipment
- conduct of helicopter controller operations including flight deck preparations for helicopter launch and recovery, loading of personnel and stores, conduct of fuelling operations, vertical transfer of stores and personnel, and emergency procedures
- specialised helicopter rescue and firefighting techniques, including the use of advanced firefighting and casualty rescue equipment
- technical training for Squadron Support Operations.