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1C051 Career Guide

Air Force

1C051: Airfield Management

Career transition guide for Air Force Airfield Management (1C051)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 1C051 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Airport Operations Specialist

$75K
High matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Familiarity with FAA regulationsSpecific airport software systems

Air Traffic Controller

$138K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

FAA Air Traffic Control certificationRadar and communication systems training

Emergency Management Specialist

$78K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

HAZMAT certificationFEMA emergency management certifications

Logistics Manager

$95K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Supply chain management principlesProject management certification (PMP)

Construction Manager

$98K
Moderate matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

OSHA safety standardsConstruction management software (e.g., Procore)

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 1C051 training built — and where they transfer.

Rapid Prioritization

Airfield managers constantly juggle competing demands: aircraft emergencies, VIP arrivals, runway maintenance, and changing weather conditions. They must rapidly assess each situation and allocate resources effectively to maintain safe and efficient operations.

This ability to quickly assess and respond to changing priorities translates to any fast-paced environment where critical decisions need to be made under pressure.

Situational Awareness

Airfield managers are responsible for maintaining a 360-degree view of all activity on and around the airfield, including aircraft movements, personnel locations, weather conditions, and potential hazards. They need to anticipate potential problems and take proactive steps to mitigate them.

This heightened awareness and ability to anticipate problems translates to roles requiring vigilance and proactive problem-solving in dynamic environments.

Procedural Compliance

Airfield management operates under strict regulations and procedures to ensure safety and efficiency. Airfield managers must have a deep understanding of these protocols and ensure that all operations adhere to them meticulously.

Your dedication to following procedures and regulations makes you an ideal candidate for roles that require a high degree of accuracy and accountability.

Team Synchronization

Airfield managers coordinate with various teams, including air traffic control, maintenance, emergency services, and base operations. They ensure that all teams are working together effectively to achieve common goals.

This ability to coordinate multiple teams towards a common goal is highly valuable in any organization requiring cross-functional collaboration.

Resource Optimization

Airfield managers are responsible for optimizing the use of limited resources, such as runway space, personnel, and equipment, to maximize efficiency and minimize delays.

Your experience optimizing resources in a high-stakes environment translates to any role focused on improving efficiency and reducing waste.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Logistics Coordinator

SOC 49-3042.00

You've been managing the complex flow of aircraft, personnel, and equipment on an airfield. As a Logistics Coordinator, you'll leverage these skills to orchestrate the efficient movement of goods and resources within a supply chain.

Emergency Management Specialist

SOC 29-1129.00

You've been trained to handle airfield emergencies. This experience translates directly to civilian emergency management, where you can apply your skills to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters.

Operations Research Analyst

SOC 15-2031.00

You've been optimizing airfield operations for maximum efficiency. As an Operations Research Analyst, you will use your analytical skills to improve processes, resource allocation, and decision-making in various industries.

Compliance Officer

SOC 13-1041.00

You've been immersed in a world of strict regulations and procedures. As a Compliance Officer, you'll leverage your expertise to ensure that organizations adhere to laws, policies, and ethical standards.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Airfield Management Course, Sheppard AFB

560 training hours14 weeksUp to 6 semester hours recommended

Topics Covered

  • Airfield Safety Inspections
  • NOTAM Procedures
  • Flight Data Processing
  • Airfield Construction Coordination
  • Emergency Response Procedures
  • Airfield Management Software Systems
  • Aeronautical Chart Interpretation
  • Aircrew Coordination and Briefing

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Airport Professional (CAP)70% covered

While the military experience provides a strong foundation in airfield management, further study is needed on the business and regulatory aspects of airport operations, including airport finance, environmental regulations, and strategic planning.

Airport Certified Employee- Operations (ACE-Ops)75% covered

The military provides great operations experience, but study is needed regarding the specific regulations, safety standards, and customer service aspects of civilian airport operations. Need to study FAA regulations and guidelines in greater depth.

Recommended Next Certifications

Airport Master Planner (AMP)Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.)Project Management Professional (PMP)

Technical Systems Translation

Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Flight Information Publications (FLIP)Aeronautical charts and navigation databases (e.g., Jeppesen, ForeFlight)
Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) SystemFAA NOTAM Distribution System (e.g., through flight planning software)
Base Operations System (BOS)Airport Operational Database (AODB)
Airfield Automation System (e.g., MAAS)Airport Management Software (e.g., Amadeus Airport Management Suite)
Bird/Wildlife Aircraft Strike Hazard (BASH) Management ProgramWildlife hazard management programs (ICAO standards)
Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) dataCommercial weather data providers (e.g., AccuWeather, The Weather Company)
Airfield Suitability and Waiver System (ASWS)Airport data and resource management software (e.g., ESRI ArcGIS)

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