Coast Guard Aviation Training
Coast Guard Aviation personnel undergo rigorous training to prepare for the demanding missions they will face. From pilots to rescue swimmers to maintenance technicians, every member of the aviation community receives specialized instruction.
Pilot Training
Naval Flight Training
Coast Guard pilots attend naval flight training alongside Navy and Marine Corps aviators:
- Aviation Preflight Indoctrination (API): Pensacola, FL - 6 weeks of academics, water survival, and physical training
- Primary Flight Training: T-6B Texan II at NAS Whiting Field or Corpus Christi - basic flight skills
- Advanced Flight Training: TH-57 (helicopter) or T-44/T-6 (fixed-wing) depending on track
- Designation: Naval Aviator wings awarded upon completion
Coast Guard Specific Training
After receiving wings, pilots attend:
- C-School: Aircraft-specific training at Aviation Training Center Mobile
- Operational Training: Qualification at assigned air station
- Aircraft Commander: Advanced qualification for mission commander
Aviation Survival Technician (AST) - Rescue Swimmer
AST "A" School - Elizabeth City, NC
The AST rating produces the Coast Guard's elite rescue swimmers. Training is among the most demanding in the military:
- Duration: 24 weeks
- Attrition Rate: ~50%
- Prerequisites: Excellent physical fitness, swimming ability
AST Training Phases
- Physical Training: Intense physical conditioning, running, swimming, calisthenics
- Pool Week: Water confidence training, drown-proofing, buddy breathing
- EMT Training: Emergency Medical Technician certification
- Rescue Techniques: Water rescue, cliff rescue, helicopter deployment
- Helicopter Operations: Hoist operations, aircraft egress, crew coordination
- Final Exercise: Full mission profile demonstrating all skills
"So Others May Live"
The AST motto reflects the selfless dedication required of rescue swimmers. They deploy into the most dangerous conditions - hurricanes, freezing waters, capsized vessels - to save lives.
Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT)
AMT "A" School - Elizabeth City, NC
Duration: 26 weeks
AMTs maintain aircraft airframes, engines, rotor systems, and mechanical components. Training covers:
- Aircraft structural repair
- Powerplant maintenance
- Rotor and flight control systems
- Hydraulic and fuel systems
- Coast Guard-specific aircraft systems
Avionics Electrical Technician (AET)
AET "A" School - Elizabeth City, NC
Duration: 26 weeks
AETs maintain aircraft electrical, instrument, and avionics systems:
- Navigation and communication equipment
- Radar and sensor systems
- Flight instruments and autopilots
- Electrical power generation and distribution
- Mission systems and computers
Flight Mechanic Training
Qualified AMTs and AETs can become flight mechanics, serving as aircrew members:
- Basic Aircrewman School: Aviation Training Center Mobile
- Aircraft Specific Training: MH-60 or MH-65 flight mechanic course
- Operational Qualification: Complete syllabus at operational unit
Flight Mechanic Duties
- Operate rescue hoist during SAR missions
- Deploy rescue swimmer
- Manage cabin during operations
- Assist pilots with navigation and communication
- Perform preflight and postflight inspections
Continuing Training
All aviation personnel undergo regular training throughout their careers:
- Annual Proficiency: Minimum flight hours and mission types
- Simulator Training: Emergency procedures and instrument flying
- Water Survival: Annual dunker training and water egress
- Physical Fitness: Semi-annual fitness assessments (AST)