The Rotary Aircrew Handbook - UNITAF Force Manual (FM)




The Rotary Aircrew Handbook
Aircrews provide a vital transport and logistical boost to infantry forces, for reconnaissance, fire support, logistics and transport.



Estimated

Rotary Crew Chief (General)
Rotary Aircrew • Air Operations

A crew chief is a member of the helicopter crew that acts as a door gunner for the duration of the helicopter's employment. Unlike a 'door gunner' role, the crew chief does not disembark from the helicopter except in the event of an emergency (such as being shot down). The crew chief is responsible for communicating the proximity of obstacles to the pilot when in close terrain and attempting to land. This is done with simple concise verbal commands to the pilot to tell him which way to move the helo to avoid obstacles, such as "Tree on left, move right 10 meters". Finally the crew chief takes charge of any assets, equipment or troops embarking the asset.

Estimated

Rotary Observer (General)
Rotary Aircrew • Air Operations

The rotary observer uses optical equipment to observe the battlefield and communicate with Forward Air Control and Command Units enemy movement and observations on the battlefield. The observer is typically part of a non-combat aircrew, and assists the Pilot. Observers can also be trainee pilots.

Estimated

Rotary Gunner (General)
Rotary Aircrew • Air Operations

Not to be confused with a "Crew chief", the door gunner communicates with the crew chief and pilot and assists them in returning fire on enemy contacts. Like the crew chief, the gunner is also responsible for communicating the proximity of obstacles to the pilot when in close terrain and attempting to land.
Estimated

Rotary Pilot (General)
Rotary Aircrew • Air Operations

General Rotary Pilots fly typically un-armed airframes (or airframes with side or door gunners) distinguishing them from their Multi and Attack counterparts. The helo pilot maneuvers the helo tactically in order to accomplish the assigned mission, as the senior member of the crew he flies the helo and is responsible for the safety of all embarked on it, plans the route the helo will use into/out of the combat zone and has the final say on LZ selection and is authorized to change the LZ en route due to evolving threat assessments, to include threats at the LZ itself.

Estimated

Rotary Weapon Systems Operator (Attack)
Rotary Aircrew • Air Operations

The helo gunner helps to navigate and observe prior to combat, and once in combat, he scans for and engages the enemy while communicating his needs to the pilot. In attack aircraft he is also able to take the controls in order to fly the aircraft - this can be done to give the pilot an opportunity to safely mark a new path on his map or otherwise familiarize himself with it, or when the pilot is wounded or killed in the air. As the junior crew he assists in navigation, scanning for the enemy and communicates his needs to the pilot, as well as communicating with ground forces while the pilot concentrates on flying the aircraft. He will take control and fly the aircraft if the pilot is killed or incapacitated.

Estimated

Rotary Pilot (Multi)
Rotary Aircrew • Air Operations

Rotary pilots in a multi-role platform perform general utility, airlift, transport and observation taskings but specifically in aircraft which are loaded to perform a combat role using unguided munitions. Typical examples are UH-60 Blackhawk or UH-1Y Venom armed with Hydra FFARs.
Estimated

Rotary Pilot (Attack)
Rotary Aircrew • Air Operations

The helo pilot maneuvers the helo tactically in order to accomplish the assigned mission. In attack helicopters he is responsible for employing unguided rockets (FFARs) or bombs, if the aircraft has them and communicates with the gunner to maintain the gunner's situational awareness. This includes notifying the gunner of locations of friendly forces, upcoming maneuvers, and anything else that might assist him. He maintains situational awareness around the aircraft at all times. The gunner is often focusing on a given target, such as when using the gunsight, and thus it is important that the pilot continue to scan.

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