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**laps** · 05-07-12, 19:39

Hi,

Im currently in the process of joining the Navy I have just passed my recruiting test. I now have to choose my trade either Seamen Specialist and Naval Airman (Aircraft Handler), could anyone give me any information as to what the job of a Naval Airman (Aircraft Handler) involves eg day to day jobs, based on shore or at sea ?. I know what jobs a Seamen Specialist involve but any extra information on that trade would also be appreciated.

Thanks

**scouse** · 05-07-12, 20:47

Aircraft handler aka chock head was a very skilfully and dangerous job ,in the days of strike carriers involving the movement of fixed wing and rotary aircraft, on deck . With firefighting duties as well. Also smash and crash crews at 5 RNAS .With the demise of fixed wing and strike carriers. In today's FAA ,and only 2 RNAS, plus only 2 Carriers operating rotary wing a/c there role is somewhat limited. The Aircraft Handlers Association

**Patrick** · 05-07-12, 21:11

Aircraft Handlers are also part of the MASF, which deploy on RFAs, Aircraft carriers and land bases in the gulf. Some are also being chosen/trained on the new JSF in America.

MASF Maritime Aviation Support Force | Royal Navy

**scouse** · 06-07-12, 09:30

Originally Posted by Patrick

Aircraft Handlers are also part of the MASF, which deploy on RFAs, Aircraft carriers and land bases in the gulf. Some are also being chosen/trained on the new JSF in America.

MASF Maritime Aviation Support Force | Royal Navy

Not on the ARK ROYAL....wet one!!!! Ps if a chockhead was ever drafted to a RFA, he would be destined to run the Coffee boat !!! Between the odd chopper being respotted!!!

**Waspie** · 06-07-12, 09:48

In a nutshell and will out trying to guess the future. An aircraft Handler will be involved with aircraft movements. Driving a tractor or supervising the movement moving helicopters or fixed wing aircraft around both ashore and at sea. They also are the Fleet Air Arms aircraft fire fighters, so there is a chance you may get to drive the fuggin big awesome fire engines!!! They used to be found in Air Traffic Control towers too, again aircraft movements but this time controlling aircraft movement pre take off, landing and taxiing. Officers tend to be the controllers whilst the AH tends to be the assistant. They will also be involved in menial tasks on board such as looking after and maintaing their areas, so it's not all glamour - like all trades in the RN shit goes with any job - accept it.

Wasn't a chockhead myself but worked with them for one or two years!

**dsgrnmcm** · 06-07-12, 18:57

I think the seaman waiting time is down to 18 months, as said to me by an oppo in the taunton AFCO.

It is still a relativly new branch (seaman) and is still finding its feet, you'll join a very busy dept but at least when your in you can branch change if its not your cup of tea. I think the AH branch has a similar waiting time, but it has always been a popular branch.

Edit: just to square away the men of air.
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**SJRM_RN** · 06-07-12, 18:59

Originally Posted by dsgrnmcm

I think the seaman waiting time is down to 18 months, in the taunton AFCO.

But what happens if you can't spend 18 months in the Taunton AFCO?

**dsgrnmcm** · 06-07-12, 19:29

Well after 18 months there you'll probably join the bootnecks, as the info came from a sgt bootie. His day job was walking in formation and carrying a stick around all day at BRNC.

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**tommo** · 06-07-12, 20:29

If it's not your "cup of tea" branch transferring is not always possible as some specs have tried, only not to get branch clearance.

Im not sure where this working at Taunton AFCO or with the booties come from. You'll go Raleigh, then Collingwood then to a ship. If you go in a spec that is.

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