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Law & Government

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.

Median salary

$55,000

Typical range

$34k – $99k

Job outlook

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Education

Typical entry: Associate degree

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Typical progression

  1. Junior Aircraft Launch and Recovery Specialists

    Entry / Junior

    $34,100

    ~2 yrs to advance

  2. Aircraft Launch and Recovery Specialists

    Established

    $55,000

    ~3 yrs to advance

  3. Senior Aircraft Launch and Recovery Specialists

    Senior

    $77,000

Key skills

A typical day

    Fields of study

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