Aircrew Flight Equipment: What You Need to Know

Aircrew Flight Equipment (AFE) is an extremely important asset for the safety and performance of aircrew members on every flight. 

This essential equipment ensures the protection of the aircrew members and pilots when they are performing their functions at optimal efficiency under adverse weather conditions in the sky. In this article, let us explain what AFE includes, how it is maintained, and why it is important.

What is Aircrew Flight Equipment?

Support aircraft mission and aircrew operations by providing required flight equipment and life support gear.

Coordinates and conducts inspection, maintenance, fittings, and adjustments for A.F.E., A.C.B.R.N. gear, and other items. Maintains records and accomplished all task guidance procedures for assigned AFE.

Reports and prepares for all chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats and coordinates crew decontamination process.

Assembles, inspects, cleans, repairs, and packs aircraft and special warfare-specific gear, including flotation devices, emergency escape systems, and parachutes. Trains and supervises training of A.C.B.R.N. gear and aircrew survival techniques.

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They work with:

• Oxygen regulators

• Helmets and oxygen masks

• Quick-don masks

• Parachutes

• Survival kits

• Locator beacons

• Lap belts, headrests, and armrests

Their staff consists of former U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard A.F.E. professionals. TASK staff are fully qualified to handle flight equipment requirements and keep safety equipment up to date. 

They have also established a sewing shop along with their equipment maintenance shop to provide rapid and recurring maintenance, which helps keep crews safe and decrease aircraft downtime. Let TASK take care of your equipment needs and schedules.

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Aircrew Flight Equipment Specialist

Aircrew Flight Equipment includes Airmen who support several squadrons by inspecting, maintaining, and fitting the gear needed for safe flights. They check all equipment before and after flights, covering everything from safety gear to weapons.

Their work involves both simple visual checks and taking equipment apart and rebuilding it. Examples of gear they work on include helmets, oxygen masks, harnesses, anti-gravity suits, survival vests, radios, and optical devices.

Tech. Sgt. Yabumoto, in charge of usaf aircrew flight equipment, explains, “We’re essential to flight missions. Just as maintenance prepares the aircraft, we prepare the aircrew. You can’t establish air superiority without anti-gravity suits to prevent fainting during combat or oxygen systems to fly high.”

Master Sgt. Michael Seymour adds that the signaling, communication, and survival gear they provide helps protect pilots, even if they land in enemy territory.

Aircrew Flight Equipment Bases

Aircrew Flight Equipment (AFE) personnel are stationed at various U.S. Air Force bases worldwide, supporting aircrew safety and mission readiness. Some key bases with usaf Aircrew Flight Equipment teams include:

Lackland A.F.B., Texas: Where A.F.E. training takes place.

Davis-Monthan A.F.B., Arizona : Supports rescue and attack squadrons.

Nellis A.F.B., Nevada : A.F.E. for combat training.

Langley A.F.B., Virginia : Supports F-22 squadrons.

Ramstein AFB, Germany : AFE for NATO operations.

Yokota A.F.B., Japan : A.F.E. for Pacific Air Forces.

Kadena A.F.B., Japan : Supports fighter squadrons.

Andersen AFB, Guam : AFE for the Indo-Pacific region.

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Role of Aircrew Flight Equipment Personnel

Aircrew Flight Equipment is not just the equipment; qualified personnel are also responsible for managing and maintaining it. Airmen in the A.F.E. community ensure all the flight equipment remains above average working conditions. They support several squadrons, which require their incumbents to perform several critical tasks, including:

• Inspection: Pre-flight and post-flight, the A.F.E. personnel inspect that equipment so it will be safe.
• Maintenance: The gear is in good working order, ready to go if needed.
• Fitting: AFE personnel tailor each item to suit every crew member. A good fit is particularly important for the safety of oxygen masks and anti-gravity suits.

A.F.E. personnel are trained in handling and servicing this equipment, often disassembling and rebuilding items to assure reliability.

The Inspection Process

Inspecting the gear is one of the most important tasks of the aircrew flight equipment air force​ personnel. This task is challenging as inspections range from a simple visual check to a deep evaluation in which the gear is removed, cleaned, and back together. 

These checks point out any problems that might affect the safety of the aircrew.

For example:

• Helmets and Oxygen Masks: Check for hairline cracks in the helmets and the fittings to ensure they fit securely and ensure all communication devices work.
• Antigravity Suits: Inspect them to ensure they operate correctly in pressurizing to maintain the proper flow of blood during high-speed maneuvering.
• Survival Vests and Radios: Inspect survival equipment, including flares, first aid kits, and radios, to ensure they will function when the aircrews need them.

Because aircrew flight equipment air force​ personnel check equipment regularly, malfunctions associated with equipment that might put the safety of aircrew members at risk are often prevented.

Special Training for AFE Personnel

AFE Airmen go through extensive training to manage this critical equipment. They are skilled in inspecting, maintaining, and repairing each piece. Some personnel are even trained to handle specialized equipment, such as gear, to protect against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats (CBRN).

aircrew flight equipment air force​ teams are also prepared for emergencies involving these hazards. In case of a CBRN attack, they manage Aircrew Contamination Control Areas (ACCAs), where they decontaminate and process crew members who may have been exposed to hazardous materials. This is another layer of protection that AFE provides to keep aircrew members safe in extreme conditions.

Supporting Safe Flight Missions

AFE is essential in supporting safe and effective missions. As Tech. Sgt. Yabumoto, an aircrew flight equipment air force​ Non-Commissioned Officer, states, “We are a mission essential to sortie generation. Where maintenance generates aircraft, we generate aircrew.” 

This statement highlights that just as an aircraft needs maintenance to fly, aircrews need AFE to stay safe in the air.

Without properly fitted anti-gravity suits, oxygen masks, and other protective equipment, aircrew members wouldn’t be able to fly at high altitudes or perform intense combat maneuvers. aircrew flight equipment air force​ plays a direct role in keeping the aircrew prepared and mission-ready.

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Survival and Communication in Emergency Landings

The devices monitored by AFE personnel also include the survival and communications equipment for adverse or emergency landings. Master Sgt. Michael Seymour reported, “Signaling equipment, the communication aspect and survival tools could save a pilot’s life if he ejects from the aircraft and lands in hostile territory.”

In this respect:

Survival Kits: Survival vests usually include survival kits, which incorporate fire starters, water purification tablets, and first aid kits to help the crew members until rescue.

Locator Beacons: These devices make it easier for search and rescue teams to track downed pilots.

Radios and Communication Devices: These devices allow contact with base and rescue teams, even in isolated or hostile areas.

AFE personnel ensure that all these items are packed, functional, and ready for use.

Aircrew Flight Equipment Job Description

Required Knowledge

Aircrew Flight Equipment afsc technicians need to understand the following:

• Inspection and Maintenance: How to inspect and maintain various equipment.
• Parachute Handling: How parachutes are made and how temperature and humidity affect them.
• Handling Rubberized Items: Understanding how heat, pressure, and solvents impact rubber items.
• Handling Hazardous Materials: How to handle, use, and dispose of hazardous materials, including pyrotechnics.
• Equipment Inspection and Maintenance: How to inspect, fit, and maintain flight equipment and A.C.B.R.N. gear.
• Supply and Contamination Control: Managing supplies, controlling contamination, and following technical guidelines.
• Training and Planning: Conducting aircrew training, planning for emergencies, and knowing supply and policy procedures.

Aircrew Flight Equipment Civilian jobs Education Requirements 

A high school diploma is needed, ideally with classes in speech, general science, mechanics, and basic computer skills.

Training

To qualify, completion of an introductory Aircrew Flight Equipment afsc training course is required.

Experience Levels

• 1P051X: Basic qualification and experience in equipment inspection and aircrew training.
• 1P071X: Experience in supervising inspections, quality checks, and training programs.
• 1P091: Advanced experience in managing and planning A.F.E. operations and readiness.

Additional Qualifications

• Must have a valid state driver’s license for government vehicles.
• Must pass color vision tests and have correctable 20/20 vision.
• It would help if you did not have claustrophobia or tendencies toward it.
• Requires the ability to speak clearly and maintain secure network access for cybersecurity.

Security Requirements

• Must complete security background checks to access Secret-level information.

Aircrew Flight Equipment Salary

• High Salary: Up to $115,640
• Low Salary: Around $25,020

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Final Thoughts

Aircrew Flight Equipment is not an important part of a mission, but it actually forms the very foundation of keeping the aircrew safe and capable. From oxygen masks to survival kits, each piece plays a significant role in supporting all flight missions, combat preparedness, and emergency preparedness.

AFE professionals are expert professionals who ensure every piece of equipment is inspected, maintained, and ready. Their knowledge of fitting and maintaining equipment ensures that aircrews are free to pursue their missions with confidence, knowing they are prepared for whatever they face.

FAQs

What is Aircrew Flight Equipment?

Aircrew Flight Equipment, or AFE, is the safety gear and survival equipment that pilots and other aircrew may need to ensure their safety while flying. This can include a helmet, oxygen mask, parachute, or survival kit.

What is the code for Aircrew Flight Equipment A.F.S.C.?

The Air Force Specialty Code for Aircrew Flight Equipment is 1P0X1.

What is an In-Flight Crew?

In-flight crew, or aircrew, are people who operate an aircraft on a mission. The group includes pilots, co-pilots, navigators, and many specialists who handle and operate the flights.

What Is Aircrew Duty?

Aircrew duty refers to the work assigned to the aircrew or the tasks the aircrew should accomplish during their flight. This work can include flying an aircraft, performing navigation, managing safety equipment, and executing all the other duties pertaining to a flight to make the flight safe to complete.

How long is Aircrew Flight Equipment tech school?

The Aircrew Flight Equipment school typically runs for about 10 weeks.

Is being an Aircrew Flight Equipment promising career?

Yes. It is good. It will engage you in hands-on work, involve dealing with safety gear, which is very important, and allow for the development of your skills. It will also open an avenue for military and civilian careers.