Aircraft Loadmaster

The United States Air Force depends on their Aircraft Loadmasters to properly load, secure, and escort both passengers and supplies on each Air Force aircraft that takes flight.

These enlisted women and men custom-load the aircraft before each flight.

They are responsible for not only providing for the comfort and well-being of passengers during their flight but Aircraft Loadmasters also calculate proper weight distribution to ensure the flight meets both Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Air Force regulations.

Air Force Aviation Loadmasters ensure the security and safety of everything and everyone onboard all Air Force flights.

To become an Aircraft Loadmaster in the United States Air Force there are specific requirements and qualifications one must meet, which include:

• Must be a member of the US Air Force.
• Must be between the ages of 17 and 39.
• Must have normal depth perception.
• Height must be no less than 64 inches and no more than 77 inches.
• Completion of a National Agency Check, Local Agency Checks, and Credit Checks.
• Must have an Armed Forces Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) score of at least 57.
• Must be able to lift 70 pounds or more.
• Must meet the qualifications for aviation service according to AF 11-402 (Aviation and Parachutist Service, Aeronautical Rating and Badges).

Prior to becoming an Air Force Aircraft Loadmaster, you must successfully complete the Air Force Basic Military Training course, commonly referred to as Boot Camp.

After BMT, Air Force Aircraft Loadmasters must complete the Aircrew Fundamentals Course also at Lackland Air Force Base.

The duration of the course is two weeks long.

Upon successful completion of the Enlisted Aircrew Undergraduate Course, airmen then immediately move on to survival training.

Air Force Aircraft Loadmasters must complete the 17-day Combat Survival Training Course at Fairchild Air Force Base, WA, followed by a 4-day Water Survival-Parachuting Course which is conducted at Pensacola Naval Air Station, FL.

Then they move on to the Basic Loadmaster Course (BLM). This course is conducted at either Altus Air Force base in Oklahoma, or Little Rock, Arkansas, and lasts 5 weeks.

Upon completing this course, Airmen earn the Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC) 1A2X1.

Finally, you go to your aircraft-specific course, location is dependent on the type of aircraft that you will be assigned to and includes:

• C-130 – Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas
• C-17 (For Loadmaster airdrop and instructors) – Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma
• EC-130J – Harrisburg Air National Guard Base, Pennsylvania
• HC-130J – Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico
• MC-130H – Hurlburt Field, Florida
• MC-130J: Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico

Pay for an Air Force Aircraft Loadmaster is identical to all other enlisted personnel (in all branches), based on an airman’s rank and length of service.

Rank - Monthly Pay (per month)

E-1 Airman Basic +4 months - $1,917

E-2 Airman - $2,149

E-3 Airman First Class - $2,259

E-4 Senior Airman - $2,503

E-5 Staff Sergeant - $2,730

E-6 Technical Sergeant - $2,980

E-7 Master Sergeant - $3,445

Air Force Aircraft Loadmasters may be entitled to other forms of compensation including basic allowance for housing (BAH), basic allowance for subsistence (BAS), and other forms of compensation such as hazardous duty pay if eligible.

Life as an Air Force Aircraft Loadmaster can sometimes be stressful due to high operations tempo and frequent missions.

Aircraft Loadmasters perform a variety of duties, including:

• Perform visual inspections and operation checks on loading systems prior to loading cargo onto the aircraft.
• Accomplish loading and off-loading aircraft functions.
• Complete weight and balance calculations.
• Review the load manifests prior to the cargo load.
• Provide for the safety and comfort of passengers and troops.
• Ensure security of cargo, mail, and baggage during flight.
• Supervise cargo/passenger loading and offloading activities.
• Demonstrate use of life support equipment.
• Perform aircrew functions and mission-specific qualification duties, such as the airdrop of personnel and cargo.

There are a great many benefits afforded to Air Force Aircraft Loadmasters.

These include opportunities to travel and see the world, advanced educational benefits, unlimited opportunities for advancement, control over your career, and 30 days of paid vacation, annually.

If you are considering joining the Air Force, why not give serious consideration to a career as an Air Force Aircraft Loadmaster? You will learn a valuable skill, travel the world, and perform a vital service to your country.