Leading aircraftman
Leading aircraftman or leading aircraftwoman is an enlisted rank used by some air forces, with origins from the Royal Air Force. The rank is used by air forces of many countries that have historical British influence.
Leading aircraftman is usually immediately senior to aircraftman and immediately below senior aircraftman.
The rank was renamed air specialist in the Royal Air Force in July 2022.
History
The rank originated in the Royal Air Force, when it was formed in 1918. It replaced the Royal Flying Corps rank of air mechanic 1st class. It was only a trade classification until 1 January 1951, when it became a rank, although it is non-supervisory.Australia
Leading aircraftman is a rank in the Royal Australian Air Force where it is the senior aircraftman rank.Canada
It was a rank until 1968 in the Royal Canadian Air Force being replaced by the army rank of private after unification, which then in 2015 was replaced by aviator.New Zealand
In the Royal New Zealand Air Force, the rank is awarded after three years of service or completion of a senior trade course, whichever comes first.Leading air cadet in the New Zealand Air Training Corps also uses the propeller badge. It is not technically a rank, and may be awarded to cadets who have attended a minimum of thirty parades, or completed one year in a unit. The rank is generally awarded to those cadets who show obvious leadership skill.