Aircraft Launch and Recovery Specialists
Military Specific
Aircraft Launch and Recovery Specialists ensure the safe and efficient takeoff and landing of aircraft on carriers by operating and maintaining critical launch and recovery systems. Their work is vital to naval aviation, enabling mission success and protecting pilots during high-stakes operations. Daily tasks include inspecting and servicing equipment, coordinating aircraft movements, and responding swiftly to emergencies. This role offers deep fulfillment through direct contributions to national defense and teamwork in a dynamic, high-pressure environment.
What you might do
- Operate and maintain catapults, arresting gear, and associated systems for aircraft carrier operations
- Install and maintain visual landing aids
- Test and maintain launch and recovery equipment using test equipment and hand tools
- Activate airfield arresting systems during emergency landings
- Direct aircraft launch and recovery operations using hand or light signals
- Maintain logs of airplane launches, recoveries, and equipment maintenance
AI & the future of this role
This role requires complex physical coordination, real-time decision-making in high-stakes environments, and adaptability to unpredictable emergencies—areas where AI and robotics still lag behind human expertise. However, some maintenance and testing tasks could be partially automated with advanced robotics.
Does Aircraft Launch and Recovery Specialists fit your values?
Take the free LostInCareer assessment to see personalized matches based on your core values—not just a personality label.
Includes O*NET® 30.3 Database information by USDOL/ETA under CC BY 4.0; modified by LostInCareer. Wage/outlook from BLS. Attribution details