Aircraft Launch and Recovery Specialists
Operate and maintain catapults, arresting gear, and associated mechanical, hydraulic, and control systems involved primarily in aircraft carrier takeoff and landing operations. Duties include installing and maintaining visual landing aids; testing and maintaining launch and recovery equipment using electric and mechanical test equipment and hand tools; activating airfield arresting systems, such as crash barriers and cables, during emergency landing situations; directing aircraft launch and recovery operations using hand or light signals; and maintaining logs of airplane launches, recoveries, and equipment maintenance.
Aircraft Launch and Recovery Specialists operate and maintain catapults, arresting gear, and associated mechanical, hydraulic, and control systems involved primarily in aircraft carrier takeoff and landing operations. The role shows moderate AI exposure (0.50 on a 0-1 scale) — some tasks are being automated but the role adapts.
Frequently asked questions
What does Aircraft Launch and Recovery Specialists do?
Operate and maintain catapults, arresting gear, and associated mechanical, hydraulic, and control systems involved primarily in aircraft carrier takeoff and landing operations.
Will AI replace Aircraft Launch and Recovery Specialists?
Our AI-durability model gives Aircraft Launch and Recovery Specialists a score of 0.50 on a 0-1 scale (higher = more exposure). That places it at moderate AI exposure — some tasks are being automated but the role adapts. Learning to work with AI tools rather than against them is the path forward.
How hard is it to enter this field?
Aircraft Launch and Recovery Specialists has moderate barrier to entry — moderately gated — a bachelor's degree or equivalent training is typically required.
Is Aircraft Launch and Recovery Specialists right for you?
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