Specialty Summary: Accomplishes preflight and post-flight of aircraft and aircraft systems. Receives cargo/passenger load briefings, checks placement of cargo/passengers against aircraft limitations/restrictions, determines adequacy of cargo documentation. If required, load plans cargo/passenger loads. Supervises cargo/passenger loading and offloading activities. Determines cargo placement and restraint requirements and directs and checks the placement of restraint equipment. Computes aircraft weight and balance. Demonstrates use of life support equipment. Accomplishes passenger comfort activities during flight. Performs aircrew functions and other mission specific qualification duties to include the airdrop of personnel and equipment/cargo. Related DoD Occupational Subgroup: 105000.
Duties and Responsibilities: Receives cargo/passenger load briefing and reviews load plan and cargo documentation. Accomplishes load planning of cargo/passenger loads if required. Reviews aircraft forms for condition of aircraft. Accomplishes preflight inspection of aerospace ground equipment and applies external power to the aircraft. Operates aircraft radio systems. Accomplishes pre-flight inspection of the aircraft and cargo/airdrop systems according to flight manual procedures.
Supervises cargo/passenger loading and off-loading operations. Directs the placement of material handling equipment to accomplish cargo on/off loading operations. Operates the aircraft winch to on/offload cargo. Ensures cargo/passengers are placed according to load plans. Determines cargo restrains requirements according to criteria and directs and checks the application of cargo restraint equipment. Checks cargo/passenger loads against manifests.
Ensures availability of fleet service equipment and passenger comfort items. Receives and signs receipts for and stows in-flight meals. Accomplishes passenger briefings to include the use of emergency equipment, evacuation procedures, and border clearance requirements. Demonstrates the use of passenger emergency oxygen systems and life vests. Computes and completes aircraft weight and balance documentation either manually or electronically.
Accomplishes in-flight checks according to flight manual procedures. Monitors cargo and provides for passenger comfort. Prepares and dispenses passenger meals, snacks and refreshments. Completes required aircraft forms documentation and border clearance requirements.
Airdrop qualified Loadmasters only: Conducts cargo and personnel airdrops according to directives. Attaches extraction parachutes to cargo and platforms. Inspects cargo and platforms, extraction systems and connects static lines. Checks tiedowns, parachutes, containers, suspension systems, and extraction systems to ensure proper cargo extraction or release. Operates aircraft airdrop systems and supervises cargo and paratroopers exiting the aircraft.
Specialty Qualifications: Knowledge is mandatory of: Types, capacities, and configuration of transport aircraft; arithmetic; emergency equipment and in-flight emergency procedures; personal equipment and oxygen use; communications; current flying directives; interpreting diagrams, loading charts, and technical publications; border agency clearance dispensing and preserving food aboard aircraft; and cargo restraint techniques.
Education. For entry into this specialty, completion of a high school education with courses in mathematics, computer principles, typing, speech and English is desirable.
Training. The following training is mandatory for award of the AFSC indicated: Completion of the Aircrew Fundamentals Course is mandatory for pipeline and non-aviation service cross training students and completion of the Aircraft Loadmaster course is mandatory for award of AFSC 1A231.
Experience. The following experience is mandatory for award of the AFSC indicated:
1A251. Qualification in and possession of AFSC 1A231. Also, knowledge of types, capacities, and configuration of transport aircraft; weight and balance factors, arithmetic; cargo restraint techniques; emergency equipment and in-flight emergency procedures; using personal equipment and oxygen, communications; current flying directives; interpreting diagrams, loading charts, and applicable technical publications; border agency clearance requirements and forms; principles of dispensing and preserving food aboard aircraft; operation of cargo loading equipment; and cargo and personnel airdrop techniques and equipment.
1A271. Qualification in and possession of AFSC 1A251. Also, experience in types, capacities, and configuration of transport aircraft; airdrop techniques; weight and balance factors; arithmetic; emergency equipment and in-flight emergency procedures; personal equipment and oxygen use; communications; current flying directives; interpreting diagrams, loading charts, and applicable technical publications; border agency clearance requirements and forms; principles of dispensing and preserving food aboard aircraft; and cargo restraint techniques.
1A291. Qualification in and possession of AFSC 1A271. Also, experience in directing functions such as loading military cargo aircraft and establishing procedures for maintaining related records.
Other: The following are mandatory as indicated: See attachment 4 for additional entry requirements. For entry, award, and retention of these AFSCs: Physical qualification for aircrew duty according to AFI 48-123, Medical Examinations and Standards, , Class III medical standards. Qualification for aviation service according to AFI 11-402, Aviation And Parachutist Service, Aeronautical Ratings and Badges. Must maintain eligibility to deploy and mobilize worldwide. Specialty requires routine access to Secret material or similar environment. For award and retention of AFSCs 1A2XX, completion of a current National Agency Check, Local Agency Checks and Credit (NACLC) according to AFI 31‑501, Personnel Security Program Management. NOTE: Award of the 3-skill level without a completed NACLC is authorized provided an interim Secret security clearance has been granted according to AFI 31-501.
