The AS Rating
The Aviation Support Equipment Technician rating was establihed in October 1965.
Aviation Support Equipment Technicians operate, maintain, repair and test automotive electrical systems in ground equipment, gasoline and diesel systems, and associated automotive, hydraulic and pneumatic systems. They also maintain gas turbine compressor units, ground air-conditioning units, perform metal fabrication, repair and painting of tow tractors and other aircraft servicing units.
Aviation Support Equipment Technician (AS)
Aviation Support Equipment Technicians perform preventive and corrective maintenance on aviation support equipment, aviation armament handling equipment, aviation mobile firefighting units, and associated components and systems.
They service, inspect, test, troubleshoot, and repair gasoline and diesel engine systems, transmission systems, hydraulic, hydrostatic, and pneumatic systems, steering and suspension systems, cryogenic systems, electrical systems, gas turbine compressor units, electrical and hydraulic power generating equipment, and air-conditioning and refrigeration systems (excluding avionics support equipment). They manufacture and install belts and hoses, do body work, minor welding, painting, and brake service and repair.
Aviation Support Equipment Technicians manage support equipment assets at different command levels, and provide training in operation of aviation support equipment, and they train and test people in vehicle operation.
Qualifications, Interests, and Working Environment
Important qualifications for people interested in this rating include above average competence with tools, equipment, machines and record keeping; be physically fit and possess manual dexterity. The ability to relate well with others, work as a team member, do repetitive tasks and perform detailed work is also helpful. Normal hearing and normal color and depth perception are required.
People in the AS rating may be assigned to sea or shore duty. They may work in hangars and sheltered areas, on flight decks or on flight lines at air stations. They work closely with others, do mostly physical work and require little supervision. Wind and noise levels are high. AS ASVAB Test requirement.
Credit Recommendations
The American Council on Education recommends that semester hour credits be awarded in the vocational certificate or lower-division bachelor's/associate's degree categories for automobile electricity, basic electricity, diesel engines, hydraulic brakes and basic shop practices courses taken in this rating.