EAWS Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield EAWS facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What does the EAWS insignia symbolize? → It symbolizes a sailor's proficiency in naval aviation operations.
2. Which frequency band is primarily used for military tactical aviation voice communications due to its line-of-sight reliability? → UHF (300–3000 MHz)
3. What is a key benefit of earning the EAWS qualification for an enlisted sailor? → It enhances their career prospects by showcasing their expertise in aviation operations.
4. What is the purpose of a 'PRC-90' or 'PRC-112' survival radio? → Personnel recovery and search and rescue communications
5. What is the recommended ratio of chest compressions to rescue breaths for single-rescuer adult CPR? → 30 compressions to 2 breaths
6. What does the acronym TACAN stand for? → Tactical Air Navigation
7. What two pieces of navigation information does a TACAN system provide to the aircrew? → Bearing and distance (DME)
8. Which internationally recognized VHF frequency is used for civilian aeronautical distress communications? → 121.5 MHz
9. During CPR on an adult victim, what is the correct sequence of actions according to current American Heart Association guidelines adopted by the Navy? → Compressions, Airway, Breathing (C-A-B)
10. During night flight operations, what piece of equipment is mandatory for a plane director to use while marshaling aircraft? → A pair of illuminated wands.
11. Which safety pin configuration is required before handling live ordnance? → All pins installed
12. The Automatic Direction Finder (ADF) determines an aircraft's bearing relative to which type of ground station? → Non-Directional Beacon (NDB)
13. Why is it important for sailors to participate in ongoing training after earning their EAWS qualification? → To remain effective and competent in supporting naval aviation missions.
14. What does 'HEED' stand for in aviation survival equipment? → Helicopter Emergency Egress Device
15. IFF Mode 3/A is used primarily for which purpose? → Civil and military ATC identification using a 4-digit code
16. What U.S. Navy aircraft carrier served as the launch platform for the Doolittle Raid on Tokyo in April 1942? → USS Hornet (CV-8)
17. What does COMSEC stand for in the context of naval aviation? → Communications Security
18. Which of the following is the most appropriate immediate action for a shipmate who has fainted but is still breathing? → Have them sit with their head between their knees or lie them down
19. What type of propellant is used to initiate most modern ejection seats? → Pyrotechnic cartridge or solid rocket motor
20. What unique capability does the Automatic Carrier Landing System (ACLS) provide to carrier-based aircraft? → Fully automatic approach and landing in zero-visibility conditions
21. Which signal mirror technique is used to aim reflected sunlight at a rescue aircraft? → Use the aim-through hole to align reflection with target
22. What is the purpose of 'downloading' ordnance from an aircraft? → Removing weapons from the aircraft after a mission
23. In addition to written exams, what other component is crucial for EAWS qualification? → Demonstration of practical proficiency in aviation systems and procedures.
24. What must a sailor do before appearing before the EAWS qualification board? → Pass both oral and written exams.
25. What is the purpose of a personal locator beacon (PLB)? → Automatically transmit distress signals to search and rescue satellites
26. What color smoke signal is internationally recognized as a distress signal? → Orange
27. What is the purpose of an AIM-9 Sidewinder missile? → Air-to-air heat-seeking engagement
28. How does the Global Positioning System (GPS) determine an aircraft's position? → By calculating position from timing signals received from orbiting satellites
29. Which organization publishes the Naval Air Training and Operating Procedures Standardization (NATOPS) manual? → NAVAIR
30. What is a 'misfire' in ordnance terminology? → A weapon that fails to fire after being triggered