Master aircrew


Master aircrew is the warrant-officer rank held by aircrew in the Royal [Air Force]. It is equivalent to warrant officer in other trades, and is effectively the highest non-commissioned aircrew rank. It has a NATO rank code of OR-9.
People holding this rank used to be referred to by different titles depending on their specialisation:
This rank is the sole survivor of a system of separate ranks for aircrew which existed between 1 July 1946 and 1950. Other designations, such as master pilot and master navigator, once existed, but now these specialisations are only held by officers.
The badge of rank is a small version of the Royal Arms with an eagle below, all surrounded by a wreath. Master aircrew receive a warrant signed by the Secretary of State for Defence.

New Zealand

The Royal [New Zealand Air Force] used the rank until June 2007 when the Master Aircrew rank reverted to Warrant Officer.