Chapter 24

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Aviation Officers

November 2007 Edition

CHAPTER 24

AVIATION OFFICERS

(MOD Sponsor: CINCFLEET: ACOS(CSAV))

CONTENTS

Para2401. Commander (Air) Float2402. Commander (Air) Ashore2403. Lieutenant-Commander (Operations) Afloat2404. Lieutenant-Commander (Operations) ashore2405. Air Traffic Control Personnel2406. Lieutenant-Commander (Flying) Afloat2407. Lieutenant-Commander (Flying) Ashore2408e. Duty Lieutenant-Commander (Flying) and Officer in Charge of Night Flying2409. Flight Deck Officer in CVS2410. Force Commander2411. Squadron Commanding Officer or Flight Commander2412. Squadron Senior Pilot2413. Squadron Senior Observer2414. Squadron Air or Helicopter Warfare Instructor2414a. Aviation Warfare Officer (AvWO)2415. Squadron Electronic Warfare Instructor2416. Flight commander of a Ship’s Flight2417. Flight Deck Officers in Ships Carrying Helicopter Flights2418. Aircraft Controllers in Ships Carrying Helicopter Flights2419. Survival Officer2420. Fire Station Officer2421. Aircraft Control Room Officer (ACRO). See BR7662422. Special Duties List Officers (P), (O) or (AV) - General Duties

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CHAPTER 24

AVIATION OFFICERS

2401. Commander (Air) Float

1. Responsibility to Commanding Officer. The Commander (Air) is the head of the airdepartment and is responsible to the Commanding Officer for the following:

a. The safe and efficient conduct of all flying operations conducted from the ship,including assets from other Services.

b. Provision of advice on all matters pertaining to the use of aircraft, consultingother specialist officers as necessary.

c. Management of the Air Department, which includes all aviation elements andpersonnel when embarked.

d. The provision of supporting advice, guidance and information to theCommand and embarked Battlestaffs.

e. Advising on the operational aspects of all aircraft accidents and incidentsinvolving aircraft operating from, or attached to, the ship or Task Group.

f. An efficient Flight Safety Organisation.

2. Training. He is responsible for administering the continuation training of the following:

a. Flyco personnel: For all aspects of Flyco and Flight Deck operations.

b. Lieutenant Commander (Operations) and Air Operations Officer. For controland co-ordination of aircraft operations and exercises.

c. Flight Deck Officer and Captain of the Flight Deck: For deck movements.

2402. Commander (Air) Ashore

1. Responsibility to Commanding Officer. Commander (Air) is the head of the airdepartment and is responsible to the Commanding Officer for the following:

a. The safe and efficient conduct of all flying operations within the associatedairfield airspace and areas of responsibility.

b. Provision of advice on all matters pertaining to the use of aircraft, consultingother specialist officers as necessary.

c. Management of the Air Department.

d. Advising on the operational aspects of all aircraft accidents and incidentsinvolving aircaft operating from, or attached to the air station or establishment.

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e. An efficient Flight Safety Organisation.

f. Chairmanship of the Flying Control Committee for Air Displays at the TAS orits outstations; he is to be the Display Director or nominate a suitably qualifiedOfficer when appropriate.

g. Co-ordinating Performance Assessments of TAS based Squadrons andFlights in consultation with Force Commanders.

2. Training. He is responsible for administering the continuation training of the following:

a. Lieutenant Commander (Operations) and Lieutenant Commander (Flying):For control and co-ordination of aircraft operations and exercises.

2403. Lieutenant-Commander (Operations) Afloat

1. Responsibility to Commanding Officer. Lieutenant-Commander (Operations) isresponsible to the Commanding Officer for the following:

a. Production and arrangement of Ship and Task Group exercises, deploymentsand operations including full liaison with external planning agencies andauthorities.

b. Co-ordination of exercise, deployment and operational orders and signals.

2. Responsibility to the Executive Officer. He is responsible to the Executive Officerfor:

a. The integration and dissemination of all departmental requirements into a co-ordinated short and long term programme.

3. Responsibility to Commander (Air). He is responsible to Commander (Air) for:

a. Planning, control and co-ordination of aircraft operations, exercises andmovements in consultation with SWO and other specialist officers asnecessary.

b. Administrative control and safety of aircraft other than those under the controlof AWO and those under the control of the Lieutenant-Commander (Flying).

c. Co-ordination of the search and rescue organisation.

d. Briefing and de-briefing for embarked aircrew.

e. Provision of air maps and charts, air traffic and flight information documents.

f. Compilation of operational plans for normal and emergency situations.

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2404. Lieutenant-Commander (Operations) ashore

1. The primary purpose of Lieutenant-Commander (Operations) ashore is to co-ordinateand control all air operations and exercises involving the Air Station, its squadrons andvisiting aircraft so that tasks are conducted efficiently, safely and economically.

2. The specific duties of Lieutenant-Commander (Operations) ashore will be dictated bythe individual Naval Air Stations and the following generic duties are given as guidanceonly:

a. Management of the Operations/Air Operations organisation(s).

b. Planning and co-ordination of the Air Station input to exercises, operationsand displays.

c. Monitoring of operational readiness and preparation of inputs to performanceand readiness reports.

d. Acting as Divisional Officer/Line Manager for Operations Departmentpersonnel.

2405. Air Traffic Control Personnel

1. Senior Air Traffic Control Officer, Duty Air Traffic Control Officer, Approach ControlRoom Supervisor, and ATCOs at sea:

a. Responsibilities for Air Traffic Control personnel afloat/ashore are containedin BR767 (Order 600) and Naval Aviation Orders

2406. Lieutenant-Commander (Flying) Afloat

1. Responsibility. Lieutenant-Commander (Flying) is the deputy head of hisdepartment. He is responsible to the head of the air department for:

a. Controlling all aircraft being launched or recovered onboard.

b. Taking all measures available to him to ensure the safety of aircraft beinglaunched or recovered and of all aircraft airborne in the immediate vicinity ofthe ship, other than helicopters engaged in anti-submarine operations orexercises for which those officers exercising control remain responsible.

c. Ensuring that the relative wind speed and direction and the condition of theflight deck are suitable before giving the signal permitting aircraft to belaunched or recovered.

d. Ensuring that deck run distances are correct for each fixed-wing aircraft beforelaunch.

e. Reporting and initiating assistance to any aircraft under his control which maybe in difficulty or distress and ensuring that other relevant departmentsconcerned are informed.

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f. Initiating AIRMOVE action for any aircraft under his control which may bediverted.

g. Organising and taking measures to ensure the training of personnel in flightdeck drills, fire fighting and NBCD measures within the air department exceptin those areas under the Air Engineer Officer. (See Para 1101).

2. Ship Associated Factors: LPH/CVS. Where no ACRO is borne Lieutenant-Commander (Flying) is to undertake the duties set out in BR 766, Embarked AviationOperating Handbook.

2407. Lieutenant-Commander (Flying) Ashore

1. Responsibility. Lieutenant-Commander (Flying) is the deputy head of hisdepartment. He is responsible to the head of the air department for:

a. The management and monitoring of the use of all airfield facilities.

b. Flight safety matters pertaining to the standards and practices of aircraft andall personnel on the airfield.

2408e. Duty Lieutenant-Commander (Flying) and Officer in Charge of Night Flying

1. Night Flying or Flying in Marginal Weather Conditions. The decision on whetherflying by night or in marginal weather conditions shall begin or continue is one for thecommand, but may be delegated to Commander (Air) or Lieutenant-Commander (Flying).

2. The duty Lieutenant-Commander (Flying) (or Officer in Charge of Night Flying), in theabsence of the officers referred to in Clause 1 above, is acting on their behalf and isresponsible for the whole conduct of flying, including the decision as to whether theconditions are suitable for the exercises being continued.

3. It follows that this officer must be carefully selected from senior and experiencedLieutenants and Lieutenant-Commanders or suitably qualified Military Support FunctionPersonnel, and that he must, when on duty, be fully conversant with what exercises arebeing carried out, with the forecast weather and with the various limitations and restrictionsapplicable to each type of aircraft airborne from the airfield, as well as the necessary actionto be taken in emergency. He should also take steps to acquaint himself with the actualweather conditions in the exercise area.

4. In the planning of night flying programmes when marginal or adverse weatherconditions are forecast it is essential that, before flying starts, arrangements be made forthe immediate diversion of aircraft. The appropriate diversion airfields should benominated, alerted and state of aids ascertained.

5. At airfields with several types of aircraft and aircrew in different stages of training, thevarious criteria for flying to continue must be clearly laid down by the command.

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2409. Flight Deck Officer in CVS

1. Responsibilities. The Flight Deck Officer (FDO) is responsible to Lieutenant-Commander (Flying) for:

a. Controlling the movement on the flight deck of aircraft manned by aircrewbefore launching and after recovery and giving the advisory signal for launchor take-off of fixed-wing aircraft; and to helicopters as may be required.

b. Controlling the movement on the flight deck of aircraft not manned by aircrewto meet the requirements of the Aircraft Control Room Officer.

c. Ensuring that safety procedures are correctly observed by personneloperating aircraft, vehicles, and air equipment (excluding maintenanceequipment) on the flight deck.

d. Directing the work of the aircraft handling parties.

e. Assisting any aircraft in danger on the flight deck.

f. Taking charge of the removal of crashed aircraft from the landing area after theaircraft has been prepared for lifting by the Air Engineer Officer.

g. Taking charge of the flight deck NBCD parties, and organising the measuresfor pre-wetting.

h. Undertaking the organisation and supervising the training of personnel in flightdeck fire-fighting, flight deck drills, and NBCD measures.

i. Having custody of the flight deck fire-fighting equipment and ensuring that it isin proper working order and readily available.

j. Ensuring that all equipment on the flight deck is correctly secured when notrequired for immediate use.

k. The seamanship safety aspects of handling explosive stores on the flightdeck.

2410. Force Commander

1. The primary role of the NAC Force Commander is to provide force coherence andcapability management in the generation of operationally capable Squadrons and Flights.

2. Additionally, they fulfil the following secondary roles:

a. The focal point and subject matter experts for platform-based aviation issueswithin Fleet.

b. To act as Customer 2 (Pivotal Management) for their respective platforms andfuture replacement aircraft.

c. To provide Force programming advice to Fleet N5.

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3. Accountability. The Force Commander is located at the TAS, or appropriate satellite,under the Military Command and line authority of the TAS Commanding Officer. However,in order to provide the Fleet HQ with a point of contact for platform-centric capabilityissues, they are functionally accountable to the Fleet HQ for the accomplishment of thosetasks.

4. Authority and Command Relationships. The NAC Force Commanders exerciseboth Military Command and Administrative Control over their squadrons and taff and, assuch, will continue to be represented on the Fleet Bridge Card. Command of front-linesquardrons and flights by the Force Commander is only applicable when they aredisembarked at the TAS, or on detachment from the TAS. On embarkation, accountabilityof the Squadron CO or Flight Commander switches to the Ship’s Commanding Officer orCTF/CTG/Component Commander, as applicable. However, it is necessary for the ForceCommander to retain a degree of oversight over embarked Squadrons and Flights in orderto manage force capability. For example, it may be necessary to re-allocate aircraft of acertain configuration, or re-appoint aircrew with specific qualifications, from one front-lineunit to another, that decision would be taken by the Force Commander (in consultation withthe necessary Fleet AV/2SL staff).

5. The Force Commander has functional authority over the Senior Aircraft Engineer(SAE) for all Required Operating Fleet Control, Technical Support and Modification Controlissues.

6. The NAC Force Commander exercises Military Command over his HQ staff andsquadron COs. He has TACOM over his respective Force Units for the generation of forcepackages to achieve appropriate force structure, size and capability.

2411. Squadron Commanding Officer or Flight Commander

1. Responsibilities. The Squadron Commanding Officer or Flight Commander isresponsible to the Commanding Officer, where a head of air department is nominated hewill be responsible through the head of air department for all matters concerning hissquadron or flight and in particular the following:

a. The preservation of airworthiness of individual aircraft by ensuring thatpersonnel under command operate and maintain aircraft within therequirements and limits specified in the Release to Service and theAirworthiness Documentation Set.

b. In operational squadrons or flights, achieving and maintaining a high standardof fighting efficiency.

c. The safety of squadron or flight aircraft and personnel and any passengerscarried.

d. Administration, discipline, morale, welfare, training and efficiency of thesquadron or flight.

e. The custody of squadron or flight aircraft and mobile equipment.

f. Closely liaising with the Communications Officer so that efficientcommunications are ensured.

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g. Seeking advice as necessary from specialist officers on matters affecting thesquadron or flight and associated training.

h. Keeping a complete record of all accidents and ensuring written reports onForm A25 are rendered as required by JSP 551, Military Flight Safety.Duplicates are to be retained in the squadron, flight, parent squadron, ship orstation records.

i. Keeping such other records and rendering reports as may be required bycurrent regulations.

j. Ensuring that divisional duties (See Chapter 18) are properly carried out in hissquadron or flight.

2. Functional Authority. Additionally he is subject to the functional authority of the shipor station Air Engineer Officer, for the following:

a. The material and modification state of his aircraft and all associatedequipment.

b. Providing maintenance ratings, designated ‘augmentees’ by complement, tothe ship or air station support facilities.

2412. Squadron Senior Pilot

1. Responsibilities. The Senior Pilot is appointed as such by MoD(Navy) and insquadrons of single seat aircraft, and in other squadrons in which he is senior to the SeniorObserver, he will be Second-in-Command of the squadron. He is responsible to theSquadron Commanding Officer for:

a. Conduct of the Executive Officer responsibilities (see Chapter 9 Section III)when appointed as such.

b. Continuation training of squadron pilots.

c. The safe and efficient conduct of flying operations and the maintenance of ahigh standard of air discipline within the squadron.

d. Preparing himself for duties as a detachment commander; to which end hemay be required to assume greater responsibility and be delegated greaterauthority in certain circumstances, as required by the Commanding Officerand as authorised by him.

e. The maintenance of standards and practices of all pilots, monitoringcontinuation training and currency to provide combat-ready pilots (limitedcombat-ready from training squadrons).

f. Promotion of Flight Safety. He is to act as the Flight Safety Officer and chairthe Squadron Flight Safety Committee meetings.

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g. The establishment of an efficient Post Crash Management organisation,identifying procedures and personnel for all environments.

h. Liaison with NFSF and other outside agencies on matters of flying standardsand pilot related topics.

2413. Squadron Senior Observer

1. Responsibilities. The Senior Observer is appointed as such by MoD(Navy) and willbe Second in Command of the squadron if senior to the Senior Pilot. He is responsible tothe squadron Commanding Officer for the following:

a. Conduct of the Executive Officer responsibilities (see Chapter 9 Section III)when appointed as such.

b. Maintenance of an efficient Operations and Communications organisationsuch that the Squadron aims and objectives can be met. He is to be thesquadron Operations Officer.

c. The maintenance of standards and practices of all Observers, monitoringcontinuation training and currency to provide combat-ready observers andaircrewmen (limited combat-ready from training squadrons).

d. Preparing himself for duties as a detachment commander; to which end hemay be required to assume greater responsibility and be delegated greaterauthority in certain circumstances, as required by the Commanding Officerand as authorised by him.

e. Training of observers and aircrewmen in the squadron.

f. Conduct of flying and flying discipline of observers and aircrewmen.

g. To initiate and develop policy, procedures and tactics for navigation, rolespecific doctrine and associated tactics.

h. Correspondence with TAS/FLEET and parent ship on matters relating tooperational tasking.

i. Liaison with NFSF and other outside agencies on matters of flying standardsand observer related topics.

2414. Squadron Air or Helicopter Warfare Instructor

1. Responsibilities. The Squadron Air or Helicopter Warfare Instructor is responsible tothe Squadron Commander for:

a. Training aircrew in the use and delivery of air weapons, the development andstandardisation of correct weapon delivery techniques, and the indoctrinationand training of aircrew in air warfare tactics generally.

b. Co-ordinating the squadron’s weapons supply requirements in conjunctionwith the appropriate ship’s departments.

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c. Assessing, analysing and recording results of practices in conjunction withspecialist officers if appropriate.

d. Submitting armament practice returns and reports.

e. Liaising with technical specialists on the weapon system.

f. Determining the sight, weapon system and weapon fuzing settings to be used.

2414a. Aviation Warfare Officer (AvWO)

1. Responsibilities. Developed from the Squadron Warfare Instructor qualification, theAvWO is a Command Advisor and specialist in the tactical employment of maritimeaviation assets. He is responsible to the Command for:

a. Maintaining a level of Operational Capability that matches unit readiness.

b. Advising Command on the employment of air assets across the spectrum ofthe Core Maritime Roles.

c. To deliver an effective contribution to Join Operations at Unit level.

d. Planning, conducting and advising on Air Operations and their contribution toForce Projection and Force Protection at Unit level.

e. The safe employment of aircraft weaponry specific to own aircraft type.

f. Promoting tactical doctrine and the tactical development of own aircraft type.

2415. Squadron Electronic Warfare Instructor

1. Responsibilities. The Squadron Electronic Warfare Instructor is responsible to theSquadron Commander through the Senior Observer for:

a. Training aircrew in EW equipment and its tactical use.

b. Advice on EW intelligence matters and initiating tactical doctrine.

c. Liaising with technical experts in the EW field.

d. Recording and analysis of EW exercises.

e. EW trials co-ordination.

2416. Flight commander of a Ship’s Flight

1. Responsibilities. The Flight Commander of a ship’s flight, when embarked, hasresponsibilities similar to those of a Squadron Commander (see Para 2411) insofar asthese responsibilities are applicable to service in ships which have no Air Departmentother than the Flight itself. In ships without a Commander (Air) or Lieutenant-Commander(Air) he is to assume the responsibilities laid down in Para 2401.

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2. Responsibility to Commanding Officer. The Flight Commander is responsible tothe Commanding Officer for:

a. The preservation of airworthiness of the aircraft by ensuring that personnelunder command operate and maintain the aircraft within the requirements andlimits specified in the Release to Service and the AirworthinessDocumentation Set.

b. The safety of the aircraft, aircrew, flight personnel and any passengers carried.

c. Rendering routine reports in accordance with current regulations.

d. The correct attachment of weapons to his aircraft, and final preparation of theweapon system within the aircraft. If the Flight Commander is an observer, thisis the pilot’s responsibility.

3. Responsibility to the Principal Warfare Officer. The Flight Commander isresponsible to the Principal Warfare Officer for:

a. Information on the aircrafts’ state of readiness.

b. Advice on the tactical use of the aircraft, its weapons and sensors.

c. Operating the aircraft as directed, subject to the limitations implied in clause2a above.

4. Responsibility to the Operations Officer. The Flight Commander is responsible tothe Operations Officer for:

a. The operational efficiency of airborne weapon systems, and of officers andratings of the Flight.

b. Collaboration on exercises and practices involving airborne sonar or airdelivered weapons; the safety measures recording and analysisrequirements.

c. Routine ship’s administration of the ship’s flight.

d. In the absence of a qualified Meteorological Officer, meteorology.

5. When disembarked at his parent air station, the Flight Commander is responsible tothe parent station Commander (Air) through the Headquarters Squadron Commander.When disembarked elsewhere the provisions of this Article are generally applicable,modified as necessary to suit particular circumstances.

2417. Flight Deck Officers in Ships Carrying Helicopter Flights

1. Responsibilities to Commanding Officer. The Flight Deck Officer is responsible tothe Commanding Officer of the ship for:

a. The safe conduct of flight deck operations required for helicopter launchesand recoveries.

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b. Controlling aircraft on the correct take-off and approach paths using standardhelicopter marshalling signals.

c. Ensuring that the relative wind speed and direction, condition of the flight deckand ship movement are suitable before giving:

(1) The signal permitting aircraft to be launched or recovered.

(2) The executive signal to engage or disengage rotors.

d. Advising the pilot on the correct approach and landing path by means of R/Tor the approved visual signals.

e. The safe and timely use of the following signals which are to be interpreted bythe pilot as mandatory:

(1) Wave-off.

(2) Hold on deck (lashings are on or being put on/taken off).

f. The fire-fighting and crash-rescue organisation on the flight deck, theserviceability and availability of fire-fighting equipment and the training offiresuitmen and crash and rescue crews.

g. Ensuring the security of the flight deck and hangar and safe stowage of allloose equipment, including aircraft maintenance equipment, at all times.

h. Taking charge of all incidents and accidents on the flight deck. Whereexplosives are involved, he is to take advice from the relevant Specialist UserOfficer until relieved of this responsibility by the Explosives ResponsibleOfficer.

i. Providing and maintaining a log book in accordance with the ‘Instructions toUsers’ contained therein.

2418. Aircraft Controllers in Ships Carrying Helicopter Flights

1. The Aircraft Controllers’ responsibilities are laid down in Para 2606.

2419. Survival Officer

1. Responsibility to Air Engineer Officers. The ship (or station) Survival Officer isresponsible to the ship (or station) Air Engineer Officer for the following:

a. Organisation of the survival equipment section and the technical efficiency ofthe ratings employed therein.

b. Employment of front line squadron/flight survival equipment ratings within thesection organisation.

c. Efficient maintenance of all aircraft aircrew survival equipment and aircrewflying clothing (See also BR 768, Naval Aviation Engineering StaffInstructions).

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2. Responsibility to Commander (Air). He is responsible to the ship (or station)Commander (Air) for the following:

a. Maintaining the Survival Officer’s register in accordance with currentinstructions.

b. Conduct of all aircrew drills appertaining to survival equipment in compliancewith current instructions.

c. Training of aircrew in survival equipment matters.

d. Recording of survival equipment practices and instruction completed byaircrew.

e. Briefing of passengers who are required to wear survival equipment.

3. Squadron/Flight Survival Officer. The Squadron/Flight Survival Officer is to co-operate with the ship (or station) Survival Officer on all matters of survival equipment asthey affect the squadron/flight and to assist in the training of aircrew in survival equipmentand survival matters. When a ship/station Survival Officer is not borne he is to undertakethe equivalent duties and responsibilities in the squadron/flight.

2420. Fire Station Officer

1. Responsibilities. The Fire Station Officer is responsible to Commander (Air) at aNaval Air Station for the following:

a. Provision of a fully manned crash and rescue tender in working order to beused for watchkeeping on the airfield under the direction of the Air TrafficControl Officer.

b. Training and efficiency of the crash and rescue tender crews.

c. Ensuring the equipment, as supplied to the crash and rescue tenders, is keptin proper working order by regular care and maintenance, and that completedress for the crew is available and worn when on duty. All vehicle andequipment defects are to be reported to the Defence Fire Risk ManagementOrganisation.

d. Rendering reports on all aircraft and structural fires.

2. Additionally, he is responsible to the Executive Officer for first attendance fire-fightingand for precautions against fire throughout the air station, under the guidance of the AreaFire Prevention Officer.

2421. Aircraft Control Room Officer (ACRO). See BR 766

2422. Special Duties List Officers (P), (O) or (AV) - General Duties

1. A Special Duties List officer (P), (O) or (AV) is to undertake the duties appropriate tohis qualifications and the instructional and administrative duties of his sub-specialisation.When serving afloat and not required for duties with aircraft, he is to undertake such ship’sduties, including watchkeeping, as his Captain may consider him fit to perform, havingregard to his rank, seniority, training and experience.

Chapter 24

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