Job Details

Other Ranks (Non Technical)

Aviation Support (AVN) sailors are specialist seamen who will support the enhanced aviation capability of the two Canberra Class Amphibious Assault Ships (LHD) entering service in 2014 and 2015. As an AVN sailor you will train at all non-commissioned rank levels to plan, execute, secure and oversee all aircraft movements on the flight deck and hangar deck on an LHD multi-spot ship in all weathers and sea states, day or night. Your duties will involve the operation of all flight and hangar deck systems including aircraft and weapon hydraulic lift systems, mechanical handling equipment and associated safety and securing equipment. In the event of an emergency, duties will include aircrew rescue, aircraft crash fire fighting, incident management and the operation of all associated specialist fire fighting and personnel rescue equipment.

Aircraft operations onboard an LHD will incorporate complex and potentially dangerous flight deck and fire fighting procedures by day and night and in all weather conditions. When not flying or when no organic aircraft are embarked, AVN’s will be required to work days in ‘part of ship duties’ that include ship’s husbandry and routine maintenance of flight deck systems, hangar systems, ground support and fire fighting equipment and communal duties.

AVN’s will also be required to work ‘around the clock’ watches to maintain the security of the embarked aircraft as Flight Deck Sentries and Hangar Control Position Watchkeepers including being a part of an emergency aircraft movement team. They will also be required to carry out ‘silent hours’ aircraft movements to support the embarked aircraft maintenance engineering effort.

AVN duties include, but are not limited to:

• Contribute to the safe operation of aircraft by directing and securing aircraft during take off and landing;
• Conduct and supervise manoeuvring of aircraft on the flight deck;
• Conduct and supervise manoeuvring of aircraft within the hangar and on aircraft lifts;
• Conduct vehicle and aircraft refuelling and defueling;
• Fight fires and rescue aircraft occupants after a crash;
• Supervise internal and external loading of aircraft;
• Operate and inspect specialist ground equipment; and
• Supervise emplaning and deplaning of passengers.