Airborne Electronic Sensor Operator

Overview

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. Amongst others, 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:

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

Work environment

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.

Entry plans

• Direct Entry Options

No previous work experience or career related skills are required. CAF recruiters can help you decide if your personal interests and attributes match the criteria for this occupation.

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.

Training

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:

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

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 Operator may be offered the opportunity to develop specialized skills through formal courses and on-the-job training, including:

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

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

Part time options

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

Pilot

Aerospace Control Operator

Signing Bonus

Accelerated Pay Increment

In Demand

Browse Careers

• Navy Careers
• All Careers
• Army Careers
• Air Force Careers
• Reserve Careers

Joining the Forces

• Paid Education
• Ways to Join
• Naval Experience Program
• Apply Now
• Programs for Indigenous Peoples
• Basic Training
• Can I Join
• Applicant Portal
• Steps to Join

Life In The Forces

• Pay & Benefits
• Community
• Success Stories

About Us

• Values & Ethos
• Women in the CAF
• Army
• Navy
• Air Force

Get in Touch

• Find a Recruiting Centre
• Help Centre
• Contact Us
• Recruiting Events

Terms and Conditions

• Français

Related Civilian Occupations

• Airborne Survey Operator
• Airborne Radar Operator
• Law Enforcement Thermographer