Aircraft Handling Officer

U.S. Navy – Aviation Community
https://www.navy.com/careers-benefits/careers/aviation/aircraft-handling-officer

Lead the most dynamic flight deck in the world

The flight deck of an aircraft carrier is a high-speed, high-stakes environment — a constantly moving puzzle where every second matters.
As an Aircraft Handling Officer, you choreograph the entire dance:

• You determine the launch sequence
• You direct aircraft spotting for catapults and recoveries
• You decide where every aircraft goes and how it gets there
• You oversee safety during one of the most intense operational environments on Earth

Key Responsibilities

• Direct flight deck and hangar deck operations on aircraft carriers
• Supervise aircraft spotting, launching, and recovery
• Manage elevator operations between flight & hangar decks
• Lead crash, salvage, and fire response teams
• Establish and enforce safety procedures
• Train personnel in aircraft handling, rescue, and emergency procedures

Work Environment

• Primarily assigned to aircraft carriers and large deck aviation ships
• Also possible assignments to shore-based aviation squadrons
• Deployments worldwide — sea and shore billets on nearly every continent
• Work settings include: flight decks, hangar decks, flight lines, and ready rooms

Career Path & Requirements

Position Level: Commissioned Officer
Prerequisites:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university (minimum requirement)
• Must first serve in other aviation-related officer roles before promotion to Aircraft Handling Officer
• Complete Officer Development School (ODS) – 5 weeks in Newport, RI
• Attend follow-on specialized aviation training in Pensacola, FL

Training & Advancement:

• Ongoing advanced technical and operational aviation training
• Highly competitive promotion based on performance
• Excellent preparation for future civilian careers in:
  • Airport operations
  • Airline industry
  • Aircraft manufacturing
  • Government & law enforcement aviation

Part-Time Opportunity:
Available in the Navy Reserve (one weekend/month + two weeks/year)

Why This Role?

You don’t just support aviation — you orchestrate it.
Few positions in the world offer this level of responsibility, leadership, and adrenaline at such a young age.

If you’re ready to lead under pressure and direct the movement of multi-million-dollar aircraft on the most powerful warships ever built —

This is your flight deck.

Apply Now → https://www.navy.com/careers-benefits/careers/aviation/aircraft-handling-officer

or call 1-800-USA-NAVY
Text NAVYBONUS to 764764 for bonus information

America’s Navy. The Sea is Our Domain. The Future is Waiting.