This guide provides helpful information for those looking into joining the Navy as an Aviation Structural Mechanic—Safety Equipment (AME) during the Fiscal Year 2025.
The Navy has only one rate with the word “safety” in its name. As an Aviation Structural Mechanic—Safety Equipment, you keep Naval Aviators safe in the upper atmosphere.
As a member of this team, you will be responsible for everything from the heating, oxygen, and pressure systems that keep humans alive at high altitudes to the safety harnesses and ejection systems that keep aviators safe.
Look no farther if you want a job that saves lives.
Job Description
Aviation Structural Mechanics—Safety Equipment (AME) are Navy enlisted Sailors who take care of ejection seats, parts that release the canopy, environmental control, fire extinguishing, and life support systems. These Sailors oversee maintaining and repairing the aircraft’s utility systems. They operate on systems including air conditioning, heating, pressurization, and oxygen, as well as a variety of safety equipment.
Job Responsibilities
Aviation Structural Mechanics—Safety Equipment (AME) are responsible for life-support systems and aircraft utility systems that keep personnel safe at high altitudes. This includes maintaining, repairing, and inspecting essential flight equipment.
Key Duties
- Maintain oxygen systems (gaseous and liquid), cockpit pressurization, heating, cooling, and ventilation
- Repair avionics cooling, anti-gravity systems, utility systems, valves, and control mechanisms
- Inspect, remove, and install ejection seats, shoulder harnesses, and lap belts
- Adjust and maintain canopy ejection systems, life raft ejection systems, and fire extinguishing systems
- Operate and maintain liquid oxygen, gaseous oxygen, and nitrogen support equipment
- Perform daily, pre-flight, and post-flight aircraft inspections
Work Environment
- AMEs can be assigned to sea or shore duty worldwide
- Work locations include hangars, aircraft carrier flight decks, and flight lines at air stations
- Those who volunteer for aircrew duty may serve aboard aircraft
- Expect physical labor as part of a small, highly skilled team
Other Role: Aviation Environmental and Egress Technician
Aviation Environmental and Egress Technicians specialize in maintaining and repairing aircraft safety and environmental systems that protect pilots and crew members.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain and repair ejection seats, crash-worthy seats, and canopy systems
- Service gaseous and liquid oxygen/nitrogen systems
- Maintain environmental control systems (aircraft air conditioning & pressurization)
- Handle explosive devices (Cartridge Actuated Devices (CAD) & Propellant Actuated Devices (PAD))
- Prepare aircraft for flight schedules and perform routine maintenance
- Conduct daily, pre-flight, post-flight, and periodic aircraft inspections
Rank Structure
| Pay Grade | Rate | Abbreviation | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| E-1 | Airman Recruit | AR | Airman Recruit |
| E-2 | Airman Apprentice | AA | Airman Apprentice |
| E-3 | Airman | AN | Airman |
| E-4 | Aviation Structural Mechanic (Safety Equipment) Third Class | AME3 | Petty Officer Third Class |
| E-5 | Aviation Structural Mechanic (Safety Equipment) Second Class | AME2 | Petty Officer Second Class |
| E-6 | Aviation Structural Mechanic (Safety Equipment) First Class | AME1 | Petty Officer First Class |
| E-7 | Chief Aviation Structural Mechanic (Safety Equipment) | AMEC | Chief Petty Officer |
| E-8 | Senior Chief Aviation Structural Mechanic | AMCS | Senior Chief Petty Officer |
| E-9 | Master Chief Aircraft Maintenanceman | AFCM | Master Chief Petty Officer |
Note on Advancement
- At the E-8 pay grade, the Aviation Structural Mechanic (Safety Equipment) (AME) rating merges with the Aviation Structural Mechanic (AM) rating under the title Senior Chief Aviation Structural Mechanic (AMCS).
- At the E-9 level, both AM and AME further combine with the Aviation Machinist’s Mate (AD) rating to form the Master Chief Aircraft Maintenanceman (AFCM).
- This consolidation ensures senior enlisted leadership across these aviation maintenance specialties within the Navy.
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 Grade | Less than 2 Years | Over 2 Years | Over 3 Years | Over 4 Years | Over 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.
Training and Career Opportunities
Upon completion of initial training at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes (known as Boot Camp), you’ll report for specialized training, including:
Class “A” Technical School Details
| School | Location | Approx. Training Time | Subjects Covered | Training Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class “A” Technical School | Pensacola, FL | 9 weeks | Basic aviation structural mechanics, aviation theory, and skills required for AME rating | Group instruction, classroom, and hands-on shop training |
After Class “A” School, AMEs attend:
- A one-week Intermediate Level maintenance school or
- A three-week Organizational Level maintenance school
- AMEs assigned to squadrons with ejection seat aircraft must also attend two weeks of egress training.
After training, you may be assigned to:
- An aviation squadron, aircraft carrier, Navy ship, naval air station, or aviation shore facility in the U.S. or overseas.
Promotion opportunities are regularly available but are competitive and based on performance.
Generally, AMEs return to school for specialized training when receiving a new aircraft assignment.
Advanced Training
Advanced training as an Aviation Structural Mechanic (Safety Equipment) may also be available during later stages of your career.
For those with leadership aspirations and a college degree, officer roles may be available, providing opportunities to lead and train others.
Post-Service Opportunities
The specialized training and work experience gained in this role can lead to valuable civilian career opportunities, such as:
- Aircraft maintenance
- Aviation mechanics
- Aerospace industry roles
Fleet & Shore Assignments
- AMEs may be assigned to aviation squadrons, aircraft carriers, Navy ships, naval air stations, or aviation shore facilities.
- Each time AMEs are assigned to new equipment, they return to school for specific training.
- During a 20-year career, AMEs spend about 50% of their time at fleet units and 50% at shore stations.
Qualifications to Join
Eligibility & Requirements
To become an Aviation Structural Mechanic (Safety Equipment) (AME), you must meet the following requirements:
- Education: High-school diploma or equivalent
- Citizenship: U.S. citizen
- Security Clearance: Required
Qualifications
- Aptitude for working with tools, equipment, and machines
- Attention to detail and ability to perform precise work
- Strong record-keeping skills
- Team-oriented mindset
Physical Requirements:
- Normal use of hands
- High level of physical fitness
- Normal hearing & color perception (mandatory)
Testing & Additional Requirements
ASVAB Score:
- VE + AR + MK + AS = 210
- OR VE + AR + MK + MC = 210
Vision & Hearing:
- Correctable to 20/20 (Uncorrected must not exceed 20/100)
- Normal color perception
- Normal hearing (Thresholds at 3000hz, 4000hz, 5000hz, 6000hz must be under 30db, with no single frequency over 45db.)
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 Structural Mechanics—Safety Equipment (AME), contact your local Navy Enlisted Recruiter. They will provide you with more detailed information you’re unlikely to find online.
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