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Role Overview

Military aircraft mechanics keep jets, helicopters and drones safe to fly.

Across the services these roles have different names, for example:

• Army aviation mechanics like 15N Avionic Mechanic and 15G/15H structural and powerplant specialties
• Navy and Marine Corps aviation structural mechanics and related ratings in the aviation community
• Air Force aircraft maintenance and crew chief AFSCs in the 2A career field, recently being consolidated into a smaller set of maintenance specialties

Whatever the exact title, the core mission is the same:

Inspect, troubleshoot, repair and service military aircraft so they are safe, reliable and ready for combat or support missions.

If you like working with your hands, solving technical problems, and being close to aircraft without actually flying them, this is one of the most important and transferable technical careers in the military.

What Military Aircraft Mechanics Do

Aircraft maintenance is broad, so most mechanics specialize in one or more areas: airframe, engines, hydraulics, avionics, or safety equipment.

Common responsibilities across branches include:

• Perform preflight and postflight inspections
• Diagnose mechanical, hydraulic, structural or electrical issues
• Remove and replace worn or damaged parts
• Use technical manuals and digital maintenance systems to follow procedures
• Conduct scheduled phase inspections and heavy maintenance
• Document all work in maintenance logs and databases

Airframe and structural work

Navy aviation structural mechanics, for example, maintain:

• Fuselage, wings, tail surfaces and flight controls
• Hydraulic and pneumatic systems, landing gear, brakes and related components
• Pressurization, air conditioning and some utility systems

Army aircraft structural repairers and similar MOS perform comparable tasks on helicopters and fixed wing aircraft.

Powerplant and systems

Other maintainers focus on:

• Jet and turbine engines
• Fuel systems and ignition
• Gearboxes and rotor systems on helicopters
• Auxiliary power units

They test, remove, repair and reinstall these components according to strict procedures.

Avionics and electronics

Avionic mechanics maintain:

• Navigation and communications systems
• Flight control electronics
• Identification friend or foe (IFF) and security related avionics
• Integrated flight management and sensor systems

Army 15N Avionic Mechanics, for example, work on communications security, navigation and flight control equipment on helicopters and other aircraft.

Launch, recovery and specialties

Depending on unit and aircraft type, mechanics may also:

• Marshal aircraft on the flight line
• Tow and park aircraft
• Service tires, struts, oxygen and hydraulic systems
• Maintain safety and egress systems, such as seats, harnesses and some ejection components

In short, if it moves, leaks, bends, spins or makes the aircraft go, an aircraft mechanic is responsible for keeping it in spec.

Work Environment

You can work in multiple settings throughout a career:

• Flight line and ramps
  • Outdoor work around running aircraft, jet blast, noise and weather
  • Launch and recovery, quick turns, servicing
• Hangars
  • Larger scheduled inspections and deeper maintenance in more controlled conditions
• Back shops
  • Component repair shops for hydraulics, avionics, engines, composites, sheet metal and more
• Deployed locations
  • Flight lines and temporary hangars at forward operating bases or carrier decks
  • Often long hours, tight timelines and austere conditions

Expect:

• Shift work, including nights and weekends
• Overtime when operational tempo is high
• Physical work: climbing stands, working overhead, lifting components
• Hearing protection, eye protection and strict safety rules

For many maintainers, the environment is both challenging and rewarding. You are very close to the mission, but you rarely sit still at a desk.

Entry Requirements And Training Path

Each branch has its own job codes, but the path has the same broad shape.

Basic eligibility

• Meet standard enlistment criteria for age, citizenship and background
• High school diploma or GED
• Adequate vision, color perception and hearing
• Ability to obtain at least a Secret clearance for many maintenance jobs

Aptitude

You must take the ASVAB. Aviation maintenance jobs generally require strong:

• Mechanical comprehension
• Electronics and technical scores
• Math and reading ability to interpret manuals

Recruiters can show up to date line score requirements for specific MOS, AFSC or ratings.

Training pipeline

1. Basic training / boot camp
   • 8 to 10 weeks depending on service
   • Physical conditioning, military customs and core soldier, sailor, airman or marine skills
2. Technical school / AIT / A school

Examples:

1. • Army Avionic Mechanic AIT is about 25 weeks after basic training
   • Army aviation structural and repairers attend similar length courses for their specialties
   • Navy Aviation Structural Mechanics attend rating specific A schools that cover hydraulics, structures and safety equipment
   • Air Force aircraft maintenance apprentices attend 2A technical training, then on the job upgrade training, all guided by the aircraft maintenance CFETP

You learn:

1. • Aircraft systems and basic aerodynamics
   • Tool use, torqueing, safety wire, rigging and precision measurement
   • Reading technical orders and wiring diagrams
   • Troubleshooting logic and fault isolation
   • Maintenance documentation and digital systems
2. On the job training

Once in a squadron or unit, you:

1. • Work under supervision on real aircraft
   • Qualify on specific tasks and systems
   • Progress through career field skill levels from apprentice to journeyman to craftsman

The learning curve is steep at first, but after a couple of years you become a go to expert on your particular airframe or system.

Core Skills And Personal Traits

Aircraft mechanics who thrive in this field usually have:

• Mechanical aptitude
  You enjoy taking things apart, understanding how they work and putting them back together correctly.
• Attention to detail
  A missed cotter pin or mis torqued bolt can have serious consequences.
• Patience for troubleshooting
  Not every fault is obvious. You follow the steps, rule out possibilities and stay systematic.
• Comfort with responsibility
  Your signature says an aircraft is safe to fly. That is a serious responsibility.
• Physical stamina
  You will stand, kneel, climb and work in awkward positions in heat, cold or noise.
• Team mindset
  Maintenance is a team sport. You coordinate with other shops, production supervisors and aircrew.
• Learning mindset
  Aircraft systems are complex and change over time. You keep learning new systems and modifications.

If you prefer hands on work to a desk, and you like the idea that your efforts directly keep people alive in the air, those are strong signals this path could fit you.

Education And Long Term Learning

Minimum entry is high school, but the military gives you a foundation that can be built into more.

While serving, many aircraft mechanics:

• Earn associate degrees in aviation maintenance technology, aeronautics or related fields
• Use tuition assistance and the GI Bill to complete bachelor degrees later on
• Pursue civilian aviation maintenance credentials such as FAA Airframe and Powerplant licenses, often with credit for military training

DoD COOL and service specific credentialing programs list many civilian certifications aligned with aviation mechanics MOS and ratings, including FAA A&P, structural repair and avionics credentials, often with exam and fee assistance.

Civilian trade schools note that it typically takes 17 to 24 months to complete an FAA approved A&P program in the civilian world, while military experience can shorten some pathways.

The more you combine military experience, FAA licenses and degrees, the wider your options after service.

Earnings Potential And Benefits

In the military

Base pay is set by rank and years of service. Roughly:

• New enlisted members start around the mid 20,000 dollars per year in base pay
• By the time you are an E4 or E5 mechanic with a few years in, base pay is typically in the low to mid 30,000 to low 40,000 dollar range
• When you add housing allowance, food allowance and healthcare, effective total compensation can reach roughly 40,000 to 60,000 plus dollars for mid grade maintainers, sometimes more in high housing cost areas

You may also see:

• Reenlistment bonuses for certain high demand maintenance specialties
• Special duty pay in some assignments or environments

The real financial punch often comes from how your experience sets you up for civilian aviation maintenance.

Civilian aircraft mechanic salary

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:

• The median annual wage for aircraft mechanics and service technicians was 78,680 dollars in May 2024
• Avionics technicians had a median wage of 81,390 dollars in May 2024

Overall, aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians as a combined group had a median wage of about 79,140 dollars and a projected job growth of 5 percent from 2024 to 2034, which is faster than the average for all occupations.

Salary details:

• Lowest 10 percent of aircraft mechanics earn under roughly 48,000 dollars
• Top 10 percent earn more than 120,000 dollars, especially at major airlines and specialized employers

Other salary analysis sites show:

• Average aircraft mechanic salaries often in the mid 60,000 to mid 70,000 dollar range
• Airline and unionized positions paying more than 40 dollars per hour, with top of scale mechanics at major airlines exceeding 50 dollars per hour

Your exact earnings depend on:

• Employer type (airline, MRO, manufacturer, government)
• Certifications (FAA A&P, avionics, inspection authorization)
• Years of experience and supervisory responsibility
• Geographic location and cost of living

Military experience plus FAA licensing can put you in a strong position to reach the upper end of the range over time.

Day In The Life Of A Military Aircraft Mechanic

Your day will look different in peacetime garrison versus deployment, but here is a common pattern for a line squadron mechanic.

Before shift

• Arrive early, attend roll call or production meeting
• Review the flight schedule, open discrepancies and priorities for the day
• Receive your work cards or tasks from the production supervisor

During the shift

You might:

• Perform preflight inspections on assigned aircraft
  • Walk around, check panels, surfaces, leaks, tires, struts and visible components
  • Verify servicing of oil, hydraulics and nitrogen where applicable
• Troubleshoot write ups from aircrew
  • Read discrepancy: noise, vibration, light, system fault
  • Use technical orders to follow troubleshooting steps
  • Use test equipment, meters or built in test features
• Remove and replace components
  • Pull panels and access doors
  • Disconnect and remove pumps, actuators, valves or avionics boxes
  • Install new or overhauled units
  • Rig and adjust flight controls or linkages as needed
• Conduct scheduled inspections
  • Phase inspections based on flight hours
  • Detailed look at structures, systems and critical components
• Document everything
  • Enter actions in maintenance logs or digital systems
  • Sign off tasks with correct codes and remarks

End of shift

• Hand over status of aircraft and jobs to the next shift
• Secure tools and equipment
• Attend debrief or quick huddle on the day’s events

On deployment you might also:

• Work longer hours to turn aircraft quickly between missions
• Deal with supply challenges for parts
• Work in heat, dust or cold with limited hangar space
• Help set up or tear down temporary maintenance facilities

It is a mix of routine tasks and unexpected troubleshooting surprises.

Career Growth Stages And Promotion Path

Although each service uses different labels, the underlying pattern is similar.

Stage 1: Apprentice mechanic

• Ranks: E1 to E3
• Focus: learning basic tasks, tools, safety and technical data
• Work: assist journeymen, complete simple jobs, learn your aircraft type

Stage 2: Journeyman mechanic

• Ranks: typically E4 to E5
• Work:
  • Independently perform inspections and component changes
  • Lead small teams on jobs
  • Train new apprentices
  • Cross train on additional systems or shops

Stage 3: Craftsman / shift leader

• Ranks: usually E6 and above
• Work:
  • Plan and supervise maintenance for a section or shift
  • Coordinate with production superintendents and operations
  • Ensure documentation, quality and safety compliance
  • Mentor junior maintainers and oversee training plans

Stage 4: Senior NCO and beyond

• Manage entire shops or maintenance flights
• Advise commanders on aircraft status and maintenance strategies
• Move into quality assurance, maintenance control or higher staff roles

There are also options to:

• Become a warrant officer or maintenance officer in some branches
• Transition into aircraft maintenance management positions on the civilian side, where six figure salaries are common for experienced leaders

Employment Outlook

Several factors shape the outlook for aircraft mechanics:

• The BLS projects 5 percent growth for aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians from 2024 to 2034, faster than average.
• Aviation industry sources point to a significant wave of retirements, since the average FAA mechanic age is in the mid 50s, which should create many replacement openings.
• Global air travel and cargo demand have generally trended upward over time, driving continued need for maintenance personnel.

For you, that means:

• Military aircraft mechanics who earn FAA A&P licenses are in a strong position to find work after service
• There are opportunities in airlines, regional carriers, business aviation, helicopter operators, manufacturers, MRO shops and government fleets

Inside the military, aircraft maintenance remains critical to readiness, and Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and Army aviation units all continue to man large maintenance communities, even as they refine job codes and specialty structures.

Advantages Of A Military Aircraft Mechanic Career

People who enjoy this route often talk about:

• Clear mission impact
  Aircraft do not fly without you. The connection between your work and mission success is direct.
• Hands on, technical work
  You work with tools, machines and complex systems every day.
• Transferable skills
  Your experience and certifications map directly to one of the better paid skilled trades in the civilian world.
• Variety of aircraft and locations
  Helicopters, fighters, transports, carriers, remote airfields and more over a career.
• Steady demand
  Airframes age, fleets grow, and regulations require maintenance. That keeps demand steady.

Challenges And Realities

It is important to be honest about the tougher parts:

• Physical demands
  Climbing stands, working overhead, dealing with awkward positions and heavy components.
• Shift work and long hours
  Nights, weekends, deployments and surge periods are normal.
• Weather and environment
  Working in rain, heat, cold and around noise on the flight line.
• Pressure and responsibility
  Mistakes can mean serious safety issues. There is pressure to get it right and on time.
• Grease and grime
  This is not a clean office job. You will get dirty.

If you are comfortable with these realities, the career can be very rewarding.

Is This Career A Good Fit For You

You might be a strong match for aircraft maintenance if you:

• Prefer hands on work to sitting behind a desk
• Like machines, engines and tools
• Enjoy solving mechanical puzzles and fixing things
• Are comfortable with responsibility and high standards
• Do not mind getting dirty, working hard and staying late when missions demand it

If you are not sure, it can help to look beyond the cool factor of jets and helicopters and understand your deeper motivations.

Is this career a good fit for you
Take the MAPP assessment at www.assessment.com to see how your motivational profile aligns with a career as a military aircraft mechanic and with other technical, combat and support roles.

The MAPP assessment helps you see whether you are naturally energized by practical, mechanical work, analytical problem solving, people focused roles, leadership or creative tasks. That insight makes it much easier to decide between aviation maintenance, cyber, engineering, logistics, intelligence and other paths.

How To Get Started

1. Take the MAPP assessment
   Use your results as a foundation for talking with a recruiter about aviation roles.
2. Talk to a recruiter about aircraft maintenance specialties
   Ask specifically about aviation mechanic MOS, Air Force 2A aircraft maintenance AFSCs, Navy aviation ratings and Marine aviation mechanics, along with ASVAB and contract options.
3. Strengthen your foundation now
   • Take automotive, shop or electronics classes
   • Practice basic mechanical work, even on cars or small engines
   • Stay physically fit
4. Plan for FAA certification early
   While serving, learn how your branch’s training and experience can qualify you to sit for FAA A&P exams after separation and what documentation you will need.
5. Think long term
   Decide whether you want to stay in for 20 years or use a single enlistment as a launch pad into civilian aviation maintenance, then choose assignments and education that support that plan.

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