Aircraft Launch and Recovery Officers
Also known as: Catapult Officer, Arresting Gear Officer, Air Operations Officer (Carrier), Aircraft Launch Officer, Recovery Officer
Your Path to Becoming an Aircraft Launch and Recovery Officer
Follow this step-by-step pathway to your career as an Aircraft Launch and Recovery Officer.
Aircraft Launch and Recovery Officers
"Orchestrating safe skies and seamless landings."
Build Your Foundation
- Mathematics (especially trigonometry and calculus)
- Physics
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Robotics Club
- Math Club
Education: not available
On-the-Job Training
Not availableWe don't have sourced training data for this career. See the Education tab for pathway options.
Professional Certifications
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Lifestyle & Flexibility
Aircraft Launch and Recovery Officers
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What They Do
Plan and direct the operation and maintenance of catapults, arresting gear, and associated mechanical, hydraulic, and control systems involved primarily in aircraft carrier takeoff and landing operations. Duties include supervision of readiness and safety of arresting gear, launching equipment, barricades, and visual landing aid systems; planning and coordinating the design, development, and testing of launch and recovery systems; preparing specifications for catapult and arresting gear installations; evaluating design proposals; determining handling equipment needed for new aircraft; preparing technical data and instructions for operation of landing aids; and training personnel in carrier takeoff and landing procedures.
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Key Responsibilities
- Perform various professional duties throughout the day
Career Pathway
To become an Aircraft Launch and Recovery Officer, the journey typically begins with a Bachelor’s degree and a commitment to military service. Most individuals in this role are commissioned officers in the Navy or Marine Corps. You can achieve this through several routes, such as the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) at a university, a military service academy, or Officer Candidate School (OCS) after college graduation. Once commissioned, you will undergo intensive specialized training focused on flight deck operations, aviation boatswain duties, and the mechanical systems used in launch and recovery.
Entry-level roles involve managing specific teams on the deck, such as catapult crews or arresting gear technicians. As you gain experience and demonstrate leadership, you advance to overseeing the entire launch and recovery cycle, eventually taking on high-level operational command roles. This career path builds an exceptional foundation in complex logistics and safety management, which can later transition into civilian careers in airport operations, industrial project management, or heavy machinery logistics.
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- High level of responsibility and leadership opportunities.
- Opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology.
- Chance to travel and experience different cultures.
- Strong sense of camaraderie and teamwork.
Considerations
- High-pressure environment with significant safety responsibilities.
- Demanding work schedule with long hours and potential for deployments.
- Exposure to hazardous environments and potential for injury.
- Frequent relocation may be required.
Work Environment
Work Settings
Aircraft carrier flight deck, control rooms, maintenance facilities, briefing rooms
Schedule
Schedule dictated by flight operations, which can be unpredictable. Deployments at sea lasting several months are common.
Physical Demands
Standing for long periods, exposure to loud noises, working in confined spaces, climbing ladders, carrying heavy equipment