Navy Aviation Machinist’s Mate (AD): Definitive Guide (2025)

This guide provides helpful information for those looking into joining the Navy as an Aviation Machinist’s Mate (AD) during Fiscal Year 2025.

Some people are afraid of complicated machines, while others want to work with them. As a Navy Aviation Machinist’s Mate, you could be one of the few mechanics who can say they have fixed the engines of an F-35C Lightning II.

As soon as you get to your first squadron, you will be up close and personal with the engines of the Navy’s biggest, most powerful fighter jets and other aircraft. Get your hands dirty by testing and fixing things like engines, fuel systems, propellers, and more.

In the real world, this kind of experience takes years to get. We think you are ready to join the Navy now.

Job Description

navy-ad-insignia
AD Insignia – Credit: U.S. Navy

Aviation Machinist’s Mates (AD) are Navy enlisted Sailors who maintain, inspect, troubleshoot, store, and de-store aircraft engines and their related systems, such as fuel, lubrication, compression, combustion, exhaust, accessory gearbox, aircraft mounted accessory drive, propeller, anti-ice, and bleed air systems.

ADs go wherever the planes go—hangars, flight decks, air stations, aircraft carriers. Could be on land, could be out at sea.


What They Do

  • Install, repair, and maintain aircraft engines, fuel systems, gearboxes, and drive accessories.
  • Work on planes at air stations and on ships.
  • Overhaul whole aircraft engines—turboshaft, turboprop, turbojet.
  • Run oil analysis tests to spot engine wear and failures.
  • Check and fine-tune jet engine performance.
  • Handle helicopter engine repairs.
  • Fix and maintain propellers.
  • Serve as an Aircrewman, flying with the crew if needed.

If the engines don’t work, the planes don’t fly. ADs make sure they do.

Different Roles

Aviation Machinist’s Mate – Intermediate Level

Heavy Engine Repair & Testing

  • Repair turboshaft, turbofan, turbojet, and turboprop engines at an intermediate level.
  • Work on propellers, rotors, gearboxes, and drive accessories.
  • Use jet test cells and high-tech calibration equipment to test engine performance.

Aviation Machinist’s Mate – Organizational Level

Daily Flight Readiness & Troubleshooting

  • Conduct scheduled and unscheduled maintenance on aircraft engines, transmissions, rotors, and fuel systems.
  • Inspect, remove, install, configure, and troubleshoot propulsion components.
  • Ensure aircraft are ready for daily flight operations.

Rank Structure

Pay GradeRateAbbreviationTitle
E-1Airman RecruitARAirman Recruit
E-2Airman ApprenticeAAAirman Apprentice
E-3AirmanANAirman
E-4Aviation Machinist’s Mate Third ClassAD3Petty Officer Third Class
E-5Aviation Machinist’s Mate Second ClassAD2Petty Officer Second Class
E-6Aviation Machinist’s Mate First ClassAD1Petty Officer First Class
E-7Chief Aviation Machinist’s MateADCChief Petty Officer
E-8Senior Chief Aviation Machinist’s MateADCSSenior Chief Petty Officer
E-9Master Chief Aircraft MaintenancemanAFCMMaster Chief Petty Officer

Salary and Benefits

Salary for the First 6 Years

Monthly pay for Navy enlisted Sailors (E-1 to E-6) in the first six years is laid out in the January  2025 Active Duty Pay chart:

Pay GradeLess than 2 YearsOver 2 YearsOver 3 YearsOver 4 YearsOver 6 Years
E-1$2,108.10$2,108.10$2,108.10$2,108.10$2,108.10
E-2$2,362.80$2,362.80$2,362.80$2,362.80$2,362.80
E-3$2,484.60$2,640.60$2,800.80$2,800.80$2,800.80
E-4$2,752.20$2,892.90$3,049.80$3,204.30$3,341.40
E-5$3,001.50$3,203.70$3,358.80$3,517.20$3,763.80
E-6$3,276.60$3,606.00$3,765.00$3,919.80$4,080.60

Extra Pays and Allowances

Housing Allowance (BAH):
For members living off-base. Covers rent, based on rank, location, and if they have dependents.

Subsistence Allowance (BAS):
Enlisted get $465.77 monthly for food.

Hazard Duty Pay:
For dangerous jobs. Pays $150-$250 per month, depending on the job.

Sea Pay:
For those assigned to ships or deployed units. Depends on rank and time at sea, from $50 to $750 a month.

Special and Incentive Pays:
Bonuses for certain roles, like air traffic control or unique skills. These can be a few hundred to thousands per year.

Source: Figures are from the Defense Finance and Accounting Service.

Benefits

  • Healthcare: Active-duty personnel are eligible for free complete medical and dental treatment. Tricare programs are inexpensive for families to use.
  • Housing Accomodation: Depending on location, rank, and family size, free on-base accommodation or a tax-free housing allowance (BAH) for off-base living are available.
  • Food: Monthly Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) for food costs is known as the “food allowance.”
  • Blended Retirement System (BRS): Conventional pensions are no longer available to active-duty personnel. Rather:
    • Thrift Savings Plan (TSP): Up to 5% in government matching and automatic contributions.
    • Retirement Pay: After 20 years of service, you’re eligible for monthly payments according on the BRS formula, which combines TSP savings with a calculated pension.
  • Education:
    • Availability of tuition assistance programs that pay for all or part of college tuition.
    • Support for higher education under the post-9/11 GI Bill.
    • Navy College Program to support education while on service.
  • Life Insurance: Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) provides coverage up to $500,000.
  • Vacation: ten or more federal holidays plus thirty days of paid vacation each year.
  • Extra Benefits:
    • Exchanges and commissaries provide tax-free purchasing.
    • Discounted travel via military resorts, access to fitness centers, and leisure amenities.
Navy-AD-Aviation-Machinists-Mate-Image-704X396

Training and Career Opportunities

After completing Boot Camp, ADs report for specialized technical training. This includes:


Initial Training

AD Core “A” School (4 weeks – Pensacola, FL)

  • Covers aviation theory, physics, and gas turbine engine components.
  • Classroom instruction and hands-on training.

AD Strand “A” School (2 weeks – Various Locations)

  • Specialized training in one of three aircraft engine types:
    • Helo (Helicopter Engines)
    • Turbojet (Jet Engines)
    • Turboprop (Propeller-Driven Jet Engines)
  • Locations: Lemoore, CA | Norfolk, VA | San Diego, CA | Whidbey Island, WA | Jacksonville, FL | Tinker, OK.

Advanced Technical “C” School (En route to duty station)

  • Focused training on specific aircraft at your first duty assignment, such as:
    • F/A-18 Super Hornet
    • EA-6B Growler
    • P-8 Poseidon
    • E-2 Hawkeye
    • C-2 Greyhound

Duty Assignments

After training, ADs may be assigned to:

  • Naval Air Stations (U.S. or overseas).
  • Aviation Squadrons.
  • Aircraft Carriers or Aviation-Capable Ships.
  • Aviation Shore Facilities.

During a 20-year career, ADs spend 55% of their time at sea and 45% at shore stations.


Career Growth & Advanced Training

  • Promotion opportunities are available based on performance.
  • “C” School specialization available after initial assignments.
  • Leadership paths include Officer roles for those with a degree.

Post-Service Opportunities

The skills and certifications gained as an AD translate to civilian careers in:

  • Airline and airport maintenance.
  • Aircraft manufacturing.
  • Power plant and industrial mechanics.

From Training to the Fleet

ADs train hard, specialize fast, and keep Navy aircraft running wherever they go—land or sea.

Qualification to Join

To qualify as an Aviation Machinist’s Mate (AD), you must meet the following criteria:


Basic Requirements

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • U.S. citizen, security clearance required
  • Strong communication skills (written and spoken)
  • Able to perform detailed work and keep accurate records
  • Team-oriented with good memory and focus

Physical Requirements

  • Good manual dexterity (must have normal use of hands)
  • No speech impediments
  • Must have normal hearing and color perception (no exceptions)

ASVAB Requirements

  • VE + MK + EI = 152 OR
  • VE + MK + AS = 152

Hearing & Vision Standards (No Waivers)

  • Normal color perception required
  • Normal hearing required
    • Frequencies tested: 3000Hz, 4000Hz, 5000Hz, 6000Hz
    • Average threshold must be under 30dB
    • No single frequency over 45dB
    • Failure to meet these limits disqualifies an applicant

What Makes a Good AD?

  • Clear communication—must be able to speak and write effectively.
  • Strong memory—work involves repetitive tasks and detailed record-keeping.
  • Attention to detail—precision is key in aircraft engine maintenance.
  • Teamwork—ADs work side by side with other aviation specialists.

The enlistment qualification requirements above are current as of Fiscal Year 2025, per the Navy Personnel Command. This information is not readily available to the public. So, contact your local Navy Enlisted Recruiter for the most current requirements to join the Navy as an enlisted Sailor.

More Information

If you wish to learn more about becoming an Aviation Machinist’s Mate (AD), contact your local Navy Enlisted Recruiter. They will provide you with more detailed information you’re unlikely to find online.

You may also be interested in the following related Navy Enlisted jobs:

Ted Kingston
I’m a Navy veteran who used to serve as a Navy recruiter. This website is the most reliable source of information for all Enlisted Navy Sailor aspirants. In coordination with a network of current and former Navy recruiters, my goal is to make reliable information easily available to you so you can make informed career decisions.

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