Air Crew Officer

Your Fit

Income

$51K

Preparation

Growth

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is an Air Crew Officer?

An Air Crew Officer is a member of the military who holds a leadership position within an aircrew, overseeing the operation and performance of aircraft and crew members. They are responsible for mission planning, coordination, and execution, ensuring the safety and effectiveness of flight operations.

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Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Air Crew Officer.

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Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

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How much does an Air Crew Officer earn

According to ZipRecruiter, typical income (in USD) is...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$23K per year	$29K per year	$51K per year	$57K per year	$90K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $2.93K above the national average.

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What does an Air Crew Officer do?

Work environment

Air Crew Officers work in a variety of settings, including military bases, aircraft, and sometimes in challenging field conditions. Their environment is dynamic and can vary greatly, from being in a cockpit to planning missions in a command center. The role often involves irregular hours and can require extended periods away from home.

Quick task list

Leads and manages aircrew teams during missions.
Plans and executes flight operations.
Coordinates with other military units and branches.
Oversees the maintenance and readiness of aircraft.
Conducts training exercises and evaluations of crew performance.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Combat Systems Officer: Specializing in operating and managing weapons and defensive systems on military aircraft.
Flight Navigator: Focusing on aerial navigation and mission route planning.
Loadmaster: Managing cargo and load distribution for optimal aircraft performance.
Electronic Warfare Officer: Operating and strategizing the use of electronic warfare technologies.
Search and Rescue Operations: Leading aircrew in search and rescue missions.

Description

Air Crew Officers play a vital role in military operations, combining aviation expertise with leadership skills. They must be proficient in the technical aspects of flight and aircraft systems, as well as in tactical planning and execution of missions. This role requires a deep understanding of aviation principles, aircraft capabilities, and mission objectives.

Leadership is a critical component of being an Air Crew Officer. They are responsible for the training, morale, and performance of their crew, ensuring that each member is prepared and capable of fulfilling their duties. Effective communication and team coordination are essential, especially during complex and high-pressure missions.

The career of an Air Crew Officer is diverse and challenging, offering opportunities to participate in a wide range of operations, from combat missions to humanitarian aid drops. Continuous learning and adaptation are key, as technology and tactics evolve. Officers often work closely with other military branches, requiring a collaborative mindset and the ability to work effectively in joint operations.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Leading and working alongside a dedicated team in dynamic situations.
The excitement and challenge of aviation and military operations.
Contributing to important missions with significant impacts.

You might make a good Air Crew Officer if you are...

Passionate about aviation and military service.
A strong leader with excellent decision-making capabilities.
Physically fit and able to handle demanding situations.
An effective communicator and team player.
Adaptable and able to think strategically under pressure.

Pros:

Opportunities for leadership and professional growth.
Dynamic and varied work environment.
The pride and honor of serving in the military.

Cons:

Potentially high-stress and high-risk situations.
Irregular work hours and possible extended time away from home.
Physical and mental demands of aviation and military operations.

How to become an Air Crew Officer

Typical education

Typically, becoming an Air Crew Officer requires a bachelor's degree, followed by specialized military training in aviation and leadership. Additional training specific to the type of aircraft and mission specialty is also necessary.

High school preparation

Courses:

ROTC or similar programs for foundational military and leadership training.
Physical education to maintain fitness.
Mathematics and physics for a basic understanding of aviation principles.
Geography and world history to gain global awareness.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participation in team sports or physical fitness activities.
Leadership roles in student organizations.
Volunteering or internships related to aviation or military service.

Preparation after high school

Attaining a bachelor's degree, preferably in fields related to aviation, engineering, or military science.
Completing Officer Training School or joining a service academy.
Undergoing specialized training for aircrew responsibilities and aircraft operations.
Gaining experience in leadership roles and team coordination.

More resources

United States Air Force - Aircrew Officer - Official information on Air Crew Officer careers in the Air Force.
U.S. Naval Academy - Training institution for Navy and Marine Corps officers.
U.S. Air Force ROTC - College-based officer training program for the Air Force.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) - Provides resources on aviation regulations and safety.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.