Aircraft Launch and Recovery Officers: Job Description
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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The Daily Work of Aircraft Launch and Recovery Officers Take On?
Other Aircraft Launch and Recovery Officers Job Titles
This career also goes by job titles like:
- Catapult and Arresting Gear Officer
- Flight Deck Officer
- Landing Signal Officer
- V/STOL Landing Signal Officer
How Many Aircraft Launch and Recovery Officers Are There?
The U.S. employs around 22,332 aircraft launch and recovery officers working in the United States today. Demand is forecast to grow by +9.5% over the projection horizon.
Salary for Aircraft Launch and Recovery Officers
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Annual median | $59,091 |
| Hourly median | $28.41 |
| 10th percentile | $35,983 |
| 25th percentile | $47,537 |
| 75th percentile | $70,645 |
| 90th percentile | $82,199 |
Pay can vary substantially based on experience, location, and industry.
References
This profile draws on the following authoritative sources:
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for employment and wage data by state and industry.
- BLS Employment Projections for total employment and growth forecasts.
- O*NET (Occupational Information Network) for skills, knowledge, tasks, work activities, work context, technology, and education-zone data.
SOC code: 55-1012.00 (Aircraft Launch and Recovery Officers).