aircrewman: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2 (Low frequency, specialised)Technical / Formal / Military
Quick answer
What does “aircrewman” mean?
A member of an aircraft's flight crew, particularly one who is not a pilot, performing specialised duties such as navigation, engineering, or operating weapons/systems.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A member of an aircraft's flight crew, particularly one who is not a pilot, performing specialised duties such as navigation, engineering, or operating weapons/systems.
A military or civilian aviation professional serving as part of the operating team aboard an aircraft. The term is typically gender-neutral but historically refers to male crew members; 'aircrew' or 'crew member' are now more common for general reference.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Used in both UK and US military aviation, but the US Navy and Marines use it more specifically for enlisted flight crew (e.g., Helicopter Aircrewman). The RAF may use it in official classifications, but 'aircrew' is more common in general discourse.
Connotations
Strong military/technical connotation in both. Slightly more archaic in everyday UK English.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general language. Higher frequency in specific military/aviation documents and personnel designations.
Grammar
How to Use “aircrewman” in a Sentence
[The/An] + aircrewman + [verb of duty: operated, monitored, reported][Military branch] + aircrewmanAircrewman + [preposition: on, aboard, for] + [aircraft type]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “aircrewman” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He was aircrewman-qualified after the intensive course.
- The role involves aircrewman duties.
American English
- He aircrewmaned the mission successfully. (Rare/contextual)
adverb
British English
- He performed aircrewman-like. (Rare)
American English
- The system was operated aircrewman-style. (Rare)
adjective
British English
- The aircrewman training programme is rigorous.
- He held an aircrewman position.
American English
- She completed the aircrewman qualification exam.
- Aircrewman standards are high.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical or technical studies of military aviation.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Primary context. Used in military manuals, training documents, personnel records, and aviation regulations to denote a specific crew position.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “aircrewman”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “aircrewman”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “aircrewman”
- Using it as a general term for any airline staff (e.g., flight attendants).
- Using it to refer to the pilot.
- Using plural 'aircrewmens' (correct: 'aircrewmen').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is not common in everyday language. Its primary use is in specific military aviation contexts for official job titles or classifications, where 'aircrew member' is often the modern, gender-neutral equivalent.
Historically, the term was male-specific. In modern, formal military contexts, the official title for a specific role might still be 'Aircrewman' (e.g., US Navy 'Naval Aircrewman'), which can apply to any gender. However, in general descriptive language, 'aircrew member' is the preferred neutral term.
The pilot is the person who flies the aircraft. An aircrewman is another essential crew member with specialised non-piloting duties, such as operating weapons systems, navigation, sensors, cargo, or performing in-flight engineering and rescue operations.
The standard plural is 'aircrewmen'.
A member of an aircraft's flight crew, particularly one who is not a pilot, performing specialised duties such as navigation, engineering, or operating weapons/systems.
Aircrewman is usually technical / formal / military in register.
Aircrewman: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɛəˌkruːmən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɛrˌkruːmən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To earn one's wings as an aircrewman.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: AIR CREW MAN → a man (person) who is part of the CREW in the AIR.
Conceptual Metaphor
A PART OF THE MACHINE: The aircrewman is conceptualised as an essential, specialised component of the aircraft system.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'aircrewman' most appropriately used?