What the Course Entails and Exam Details

The material covered in the Airman NAVEDTRA training and exam is comprehensive, focusing on the core principles required to safely and effectively work within a Naval aviation environment. The course typically covers the following key areas:

• Naval Aviation History and Organization: Understanding the structure of Naval aviation, the chain of command, and the roles of major commands (e.g., NETC, CNATRA).
• Aerodynamics and Principles of Flight: Basic physics of flight, including Newton's laws, Bernoulli's principle, airfoils, and the four forces (lift, weight, thrust, drag).
• Aircraft and Engine Fundamentals: General knowledge of fixed-wing, rotary-wing, and unmanned aircraft, as well as jet and turboprop engines.
• Safety and Regulations: Rigorous focus on Personal Qualification Standards (PQS), Naval Aviation Maintenance Program (NAMP), hearing conservation, and hazmat procedures.
• Aviation Tools and Equipment: Familiarization with standard aviation tools, ground support equipment (GSE), and maintenance practices.
• Flight Deck and Airfield Operations: Understanding safety protocols on active flight decks and airfields, aircraft handling, and communication signals.
• Basic Damage Control and Firefighting: Core training for all Sailors, but applied to the aviation context.

 What to Expect in the Final Exam

While the exact format of a specific practice or qualification exam can vary by command, most USN NAVEDTRA Airman-related exams follow a standardized, multiple-choice format. This allows for objective assessment across a large body of material. The official exam is usually administered digitally via a command's Educational Services Officer (ESO) or at a designated testing facility on a military base. To be considered qualified, Sailors must achieve a passing score, which is typically around 75-80%, reflecting a strong command of the material. There are time limits, often between 1 to 2 hours, to simulate the conditions of an actual advancement or striker exam. Specific rules include standard military integrity protocols; no unauthorized study materials or electronic devices are allowed, and test-takers must present valid military identification. Only the final score is generally provided, rather than a detailed, question-by-question breakdown.

How to Study and Exam Centers

Preparation for the NAVEDTRA Airman exam must be structured and diligent. The best approach combines self-study of the primary manuals with command-led training and practical application. Actionable strategies include:

• Study the Primary Manual: Your single most important resource is NAVEDTRA 14014, Airman. Download a copy from the Navy Advancement Center (NAC) or the MyNavyHR website. Create an active outline and summary notes.
• Utilize Official PQS and Rate Training Manuals: In addition to the main manual, review the Airman Professional Qualification Standard (PQS). This document explicitly lists what you are expected to know and demonstrate.
• Leverage Online Practice Tools: Use official Navy COOL (Credentialing Opportunities On-Line) and specific command-provided practice question banks to simulate the exam. Mometrix or similar civilian platforms can also be useful, but verify they align with the current USN standards.
• Engage in On-the-Job Training (OJT): As a PACT Sailor, you are likely already working in a general aviation environment. Relate everything you study back to the aircraft, tools, and processes you see daily.
• Form or Join Study Groups: Collaborate with fellow Airmen within your command. Discussing concepts like aerodynamics or flight deck safety helps solidify knowledge.
• Practice with Time Constraints: Take practice quizzes under timed conditions to get a feel for the pacing you will need.

Testing Centers: Official exams are administered internally by your command. You must request a testing slot via your chain of command or Educational Services Officer (ESO). They will coordinate the testing, which may be on a physical computer station or, occasionally, paper-based, depending on the command's resources.

 Job Opportunities from the Course

Successfully completing the Airman NAVEDTRA qualification process is the critical gateway for a PACT Sailor to receive a specific rating ('strike'). This designation unlocks specialized training (Class "A" Schools) and a clearly defined career path with increased responsibility and pay. The potential career paths (Ratings) that this certification unlocks include:

• Aviation Machinist’s Mate (AD): Aircraft engine maintenance and repair.
• Aviation Electrician’s Mate (AE): Aircraft electrical and power systems maintenance.
• Aviation Electronics Technician (AT): Aircraft communication, navigation, and weapons electronics (avionics).
• Aviation Structural Mechanic (AM): Aircraft airframes, hydraulics, and structural repair.
• Aviation Structural Mechanic - Safety Equipment (AME): Aviation life support, oxygen, and ejection systems.
• Aviation Ordnanceman (AO): Handling, loading, and maintenance of aviation weapons and ammunition.
• Air Traffic Controller (AC): Managing safe movement of Navy aircraft at bases and on carriers.
• Naval Aircrewman (AW): Serving as non-pilot flight crew (mechanics, operators, rescue swimmers) on a wide range of aircraft.
• Aviation Maintenance Administrationman (AZ): Managing clerical and administrative duties related to aircraft maintenance.
• Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (AB): Overseeing flight deck and airfield operations, divided into distinct specialties: Handling (ABH), Fuel (ABF), and Launch and Recovery Equipment (ABE).