155A Career Guide
155A: Fixed Wing Aviator
Career transition guide for Army Fixed Wing Aviator (155A)
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Top civilian roles for 155A veterans, with average salary and market demand data.
Airline Pilot, Co-Pilot, or Flight Engineer
Skills to develop:
Commercial Pilot (e.g., Corporate, Cargo, Charter)
Skills to develop:
Air Traffic Controller
Skills to develop:
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Pilot/Operator
Skills to develop:
Flight Instructor
Skills to develop:
Salary estimates from VWC career data
Hidden Strengths
Cognitive skills your 155A training built — and where they transfer.
Situational Awareness
As a Fixed Wing Aviator, you constantly monitor a dynamic environment, integrating data from instruments, air traffic control, and visual cues to maintain awareness of your aircraft's position, surrounding traffic, and potential threats.
This heightened awareness translates to an ability to quickly assess complex situations, anticipate potential problems, and make informed decisions under pressure in any dynamic environment.
Rapid Prioritization
During flight, you are constantly bombarded with information and potential problems, from mechanical issues to changes in weather patterns. You must rapidly assess the severity of each issue and prioritize actions to ensure the safety of the crew and the success of the mission.
This skill translates directly to any fast-paced, high-pressure environment where you need to quickly identify and address the most critical issues while maintaining overall stability.
System Modeling
Fixed Wing Aviators develop a deep understanding of aircraft systems, including engines, avionics, and flight controls. You use this knowledge to predict how these systems will respond under various conditions and to troubleshoot malfunctions effectively.
This ability to model complex systems allows you to understand the interdependencies of different components and to anticipate potential problems before they arise. You can apply this skill to any complex system, from financial markets to manufacturing processes.
Degraded-Mode Operations
Fixed Wing Aviators are trained to handle emergencies and system failures in flight. You must be able to adapt to unexpected circumstances, troubleshoot problems under pressure, and safely land the aircraft even when systems are not functioning optimally.
Your experience in degraded-mode operations demonstrates your ability to remain calm and effective in crisis situations. You are adept at problem-solving under pressure and finding creative solutions when resources are limited.
After-Action Analysis
Following each flight, you participate in debriefings to analyze performance, identify areas for improvement, and share lessons learned with other pilots. This process ensures continuous improvement in flight operations and safety.
Your experience with after-action analysis demonstrates your commitment to continuous improvement and your ability to learn from both successes and failures. You can apply this skill to any field where performance is critical and constant improvement is desired.
Non-Obvious Career Matches
Emergency Management Director
SOC 11-9161.00You've been trained to maintain composure and make critical decisions under pressure while managing complex systems. Your experience in planning, coordinating, and executing missions in dynamic environments directly translates to overseeing disaster preparedness and response efforts.
Logistics Manager
SOC 11-3071.00You've been responsible for planning and executing flight operations, including managing resources, coordinating personnel, and ensuring the safe and efficient movement of aircraft. This experience makes you well-suited to manage complex supply chains and logistics networks in the civilian sector.
Business Continuity Planner
SOC 13-1199.00You've demonstrated the ability to anticipate potential disruptions and develop contingency plans to maintain operations in degraded modes. Your experience in risk management and crisis response makes you a valuable asset in helping organizations prepare for and recover from unexpected events.
Training & Education Equivalencies
Fixed Wing Multi-Engine Qualification Course, Fort Rucker
Topics Covered
- •Aircraft Systems (Fixed Wing)
- •Flight Planning and Navigation
- •Aeromedical Evacuation Procedures
- •Tactical Flight Operations
- •Electronic Surveillance Techniques
- •Crew Resource Management
- •Emergency Procedures (Fixed Wing)
Certification Pathways
Partial Coverage
Differences in civilian aviation regulations, specific aircraft type ratings, and potentially some flight hour requirements.
Formal civilian flight instructor training covering instructional techniques, FAA regulations from an instructor's perspective, and standardization procedures.
Recommended Next Certifications
Technical Systems Translation
Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.
| Military System | Civilian Equivalent |
|---|---|
| Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AFATDS) | Military grade field communication and data transfer system |
| AN/ARC-231 Skyfire Radio | Commercial aviation VHF/UHF communication radios |
| AN/AVS-9 Night Vision Goggles (NVG) | High-end commercial night vision equipment for aviation |
| Joint Precision Approach and Landing System (JPALS) | Commercial aviation precision landing systems (e.g., Instrument Landing System - ILS) |
| Blue Force Tracker (BFT) | Real-time GPS fleet management systems |
| Aircrew Training Program (ATP) | FAA approved pilot training programs |
| Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) | Commercial weather monitoring and forecasting systems |
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