Job Descriptions
Arresting Gear Operator Job Description
Arresting Gear Operator job description template with responsibilities, requirements and similar job titles.
Quick answer
The Arresting Gear Operator plays a crucial role in ensuring the safe and efficient takeoff and landing of aircraft on carriers. This position involves operating and maintaining catapults and arresting gear, as well as associated mechanical, hydraulic, and control systems.

Job Brief
The Arresting Gear Operator plays a crucial role in ensuring the safe and efficient takeoff and landing of aircraft on carriers. This position involves operating and maintaining catapults and arresting gear, as well as associated mechanical, hydraulic, and control systems. Candidates should possess hands-on experience with launch and recovery equipment, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to work under high-pressure situations while directing aircraft operations.Responsibilities
- Operate and maintain catapults, arresting gear, and associated mechanical and hydraulic systems.
- Install and maintain visual landing aids to assist aircraft during takeoff and landing.
- Test and maintain launch and recovery equipment using electric and mechanical test equipment and hand tools.
- Activate airfield arresting systems, including crash barriers and cables, during emergency landings.
- Direct aircraft launch and recovery operations utilizing hand or light signals.
- Maintain accurate logs of airplane launches, recoveries, and equipment maintenance activities.
- Conduct regular inspections and perform preventative maintenance on arresting gear systems.
- Collaborate with flight deck personnel to ensure seamless operations during aircraft handling.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent; technical training in aviation mechanics or related field preferred.
- Proven experience as an Arresting Gear Operator or in a similar role within military or aviation environments.
- Solid understanding of mechanical, hydraulic, and control systems associated with aircraft operations.
- Certification in aircraft handling and safety procedures is highly desirable.
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work in high-stress environments and make quick decisions.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to effectively direct operations.
- Willingness to work irregular hours, including nights and weekends, as required.
Similar Job Titles
- Aviation Maintenance Technician
- Flight Deck Operator
- Aircraft Launch and Recovery Specialist
- Catapult and Arresting Gear Technician
- Aircraft Handling Officer
- Naval Aviation Technician
- Aircraft Recovery Operations Specialist
- Flight Operations Crew Member
Frequently asked questions
What are the main responsibilities of an Arresting Gear Operator?
Typical responsibilities include Operate and maintain catapults, arresting gear, and associated mechanical and hydraulic systems, Install and maintain visual landing aids to assist aircraft during takeoff and landing, Test and maintain launch and recovery equipment using electric and mechanical test equipment and hand tools, Activate airfield arresting systems, including crash barriers and cables, during emergency landings, Direct aircraft launch and recovery operations utilizing hand or light signals and Maintain accurate logs of airplane launches, recoveries, and equipment maintenance activities.
What qualifications does an Arresting Gear Operator need?
Common requirements include High school diploma or equivalent; technical training in aviation mechanics or related field preferred, Proven experience as an Arresting Gear Operator or in a similar role within military or aviation environments, Solid understanding of mechanical, hydraulic, and control systems associated with aircraft operations, Certification in aircraft handling and safety procedures is highly desirable, Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills and Ability to work in high-stress environments and make quick decisions.
What job titles are similar to Arresting Gear Operator?
Similar job titles include Aviation Maintenance Technician, Flight Deck Operator, Aircraft Launch and Recovery Specialist, Catapult and Arresting Gear Technician, Aircraft Handling Officer, Naval Aviation Technician, Aircraft Recovery Operations Specialist and Flight Operations Crew Member.
How do I use this Arresting Gear Operator job description template?
Copy the template, adjust the responsibilities and requirements to your team, add your company details, salary range and location, then post it to your careers page and job boards.