Airborne Electronic Sensor Operator

As a member of the military, Airborne Electronic Sensor Operators use advanced electronic sensor systems onboard long-range patrol aircraft, maritime helicopters, search and rescue aircraft and remotely piloted aircraft. They are responsible to participate as crewmembers on a variety of maritime and overland missions. Missions include underwater warfare, above-water warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) and search and rescue. They often provide assistance to other government departments and agencies in the collection of evidence on fisheries, pollution and counter-narcotics patrols.

Their primary technical responsibilities are to:

• Perform common aircrew tasks on fixed wing, rotary wing and remotely-piloted aircraft
• Conduct mission planning and preparation
• Perform photo reconnaissance in an operational environment
• Perform armament and search stores duties, to include arming/de-arming torpedoes, flairs, sono buoys and deploying survival kits
• Manage tactical information using aircraft data management systems
• Operate radar, electro-optic/infrared systems, magnetic anomaly detection (MAD) systems, acoustic systems and electronic support measures (ESM) equipment
• Conduct helicopter utility operations such as personnel and cargo hoisting, cargo slinging and confined area operations
• Perform as a helicopter door gunner
• Conduct routine and tactical communications on radios and internal communication systems

Airborne Electronic Sensor Operators normally work onboard aircraft; however, they may also work on airbase flight lines, on ship flight decks and with operational ground support combat groups. They are usually stationed at bases on the East and West coasts of Canada. They deploy worldwide, in support of Canadian and Allied countries’ operations and exercises.

If you chose a career in the Regular Force, upon completion of all required training, you will be assigned to your first base. While there is some flexibility with regards to postings (relocations), accommodations can’t always be made, and therefore, you can likely expect to move at some point in your career. However, if you decide to join the Primary Reserve Force, you will do so through a specific Reserve unit. Outside of training, your chosen Reserve unit will be your workplace on a part time basis, and you will not be obligated to relocate to a different base. As part of the Primary Reserve Force, you typically work one night per week and some weekends as a minimum with possibilities of full‑time employment.

The minimum required education to apply for this occupation is the completion of the provincial requirements for a high school diploma in Canada including Grade 10 Academic Math or Québec Secondary 5 with Math 426 or 436 / SN 4/TS 4. Foreign education may be accepted.

The first stage of training is the Basic Military Qualification course, or Basic Training, held at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint‑Jean‑sur‑Richelieu, Quebec. This training provides the basic core skills and knowledge common to all trades. A goal of this course is to ensure that all recruits maintain the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) physical fitness standard; as a result, the training is physically demanding. Following Environmental Training (Land and Sea survival as well as Aeromedical Training) candidates attend the 4 month Basic Airborne Electronic Sensor Operator Course at 17 Wing in Winnipeg, Manitoba. This training develops the core competencies required to function as an aircrew member. The course syllabus includes the following basic topics:

• Basic aviation concepts and theory of flight
• Basic meteorology
• Human Performance in Military Aviation
• Conducting flight duties
• Conducting radio communications & monitor ATC clearances
• Basic electronic warfare & electronic sensor theory
• Airfield operations
• Airborne radar operations
• Basic airborne navigation
• Identifying targets using radar, electronic support measures and electro‑optic/infrared sensors

Following the Basic Airborne Electronic Sensor Operator Course, candidates will complete operational aircrew training on one of three platforms, either the CP140M Aurora at 14 Wing Greenwood, NS, the CH148 Cyclone at 12 Wing Shearwater, NS or the CC295 Kingfisher at 19 Wing Comox. Upon completion of this 6 month long operational aircrew training, candidates will reach the operationally functional point and will be available for first employment.

Airborne Electronic Sensor Operators may be offered the opportunity to develop specialized skills through formal courses and on‑the‑job training, including:

• Flight Instructor
• Aircrew Standards
• Operational Test & Evaluation
• Flying Supervisor
• Project Management

As they progress in their career, Airborne Electronic Sensor Operators who demonstrate the required ability and potential will be offered advanced training. Available courses include:

• Advanced electronic warfare
• Advanced acoustic analysis
• Advanced electronic intelligence analysis
• Tactical electronic warfare instructor training
• Instructional techniques
• Leadership and management specialty training
• Advanced survival, escape and evasion

This position is available for part‑time employment with the Primary Reserve at certain locations across Canada. Reserve Force members usually serve part time at an Air Force wing in their community. They are not posted or required to do a military move. However, they can volunteer to move to another base. They may also volunteer for deployment on a military mission within or outside Canada. This occupation is only open to members of the Regular Force who have been trained as Airborne Electronic Sensor Operators and wish to transfer to the Reserve Force or former military members who have the Airborne Electronic Sensor Operator qualification. Air Reserve members are trained to the same level as their Regular Force counterparts and are employed in the same unit and perform the same job. Air Reserve members usually serve up to 12 days per month in a regular work day, with opportunities to serve full‑time for short durations as needed. They are paid 92.8 percent of Regular Force rates of pay, receive a reasonable benefits package and may qualify to contribute to a pension plan.

Related Careers: Aerospace Control Officer, Air Combat Systems Officer, Pilot.