Who is responsible for de-arming the seat in an aircraft?

The responsibility for de-arming the seat in an aircraft, particularly in the context of the Super Hornet, lies with the pilot or designated Aircrew Maintenance Equipment Specialist (AMES). This is a critical safety procedure performed to ensure that the ejection seat is safely rendered inactive before personnel perform tasks such as maintenance or pre-flight checks. The pilot, given their role in the operation and safety of the aircraft, is directly involved in this process, ensuring that the aircraft is secure and that there are no risks of accidental ejection during ground operations.

Designated maintenance personnel, while knowledgeable and capable of performing various tasks on the aircraft, typically follow the instructions or procedures set forth by the pilot during these activities. Thus, the pilot, or AMES, are specifically tasked with this responsibility to maintain the highest safety standards around the aircraft.