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1T171 Career Guide

Air Force

1T171: Aircrew Flight Equipment Technician

Career transition guide for Air Force Aircrew Flight Equipment Technician (1T171)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 1T171 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technician

$75K
High matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Familiarity with civilian aviation regulations (FAA)Specific knowledge of commercial aircraft systems

Quality Control Inspector

$55K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

ISO 9000 certificationSix Sigma training

Safety Specialist

$68K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

OSHA certificationsRisk assessment methodologies

Technical Trainer

$62K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Instructional design principlesE-learning development tools

Industrial Machinery Mechanic

$53K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Formal mechanical apprenticeship or trade schoolPLC programming

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 1T171 training built — and where they transfer.

Procedural Compliance

Following strict technical manuals and safety regulations when inspecting, maintaining, and repairing life-support equipment like parachutes and oxygen masks. A single mistake could have dire consequences, so meticulous adherence to procedures is paramount.

The ability to consistently adhere to established protocols and regulations, ensuring accuracy and safety in high-stakes environments. This skill translates to any field where precision and consistency are critical.

Situational Awareness

Maintaining a comprehensive understanding of the status of all aircrew flight equipment, potential hazards, and the operational environment. This includes anticipating potential problems and adapting to changing circumstances to ensure aircrew safety.

A heightened awareness of the surrounding environment and the ability to anticipate potential issues. This allows for proactive problem-solving and effective decision-making in dynamic situations, ensuring safety and efficiency.

Resource Optimization

Managing and allocating limited resources, such as equipment, supplies, and personnel, to ensure that aircrews have the necessary gear and training for mission readiness. This includes forecasting needs, prioritizing tasks, and making efficient use of available assets.

Effectively managing and allocating resources to maximize efficiency and achieve desired outcomes. This includes strategic planning, prioritization, and problem-solving to ensure optimal use of available assets.

After-Action Analysis

Evaluating AFE operations, training exercises, and equipment failures to identify areas for improvement and prevent future incidents. This involves collecting data, analyzing trends, and implementing corrective actions to enhance safety and effectiveness.

Analyzing past events and performance data to identify areas for improvement and prevent future errors. This includes data analysis, trend identification, and the implementation of corrective actions to improve processes and outcomes.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Quality Assurance Specialist

SOC 13-1199

You've been meticulously inspecting and maintaining critical life-support equipment, ensuring it meets exacting standards. That attention to detail and commitment to quality directly translates to ensuring products or services meet established benchmarks in the civilian sector.

Compliance Officer

SOC 13-1041

You've been responsible for ensuring that AFE operations adhere to strict regulations and safety protocols. Your experience in interpreting and enforcing compliance standards makes you a great fit for a role ensuring organizations meet legal and ethical requirements.

Emergency Management Specialist

SOC 29-1129.04

You've developed expertise in chemical defense procedures and emergency response planning. This experience is invaluable in preparing for and responding to natural disasters, industrial accidents, and other crises.

Technical Trainer

SOC 25-9041

You've honed your ability to effectively train aircrews on complex equipment and procedures. You can leverage those teaching and communication skills to train employees in a variety of technical fields, ensuring they have the knowledge and skills to perform their jobs safely and effectively.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Aircrew Flight Equipment Apprentice Course, Sheppard AFB, TX

792 training hours18 weeksUp to 9 semester hours recommended in aviation maintenance technology

Topics Covered

  • Aircrew Flight Equipment (AFE) Inspection Procedures
  • Parachute Packing and Maintenance
  • Oxygen Mask and Regulator Maintenance
  • Survival Kit Contents and Usage
  • Night Vision Goggle (NVG) Maintenance
  • Chemical Defense Equipment Procedures
  • Ballistic Armor Inspection and Maintenance
  • Ejection Seat Training

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Professional Supervisor (CPS)60% covered

Requires study of general supervision principles, human resources, and communication skills in a civilian workplace.

Certified Quality Inspector (CQI)50% covered

Requires study of quality control principles, statistics, and auditing techniques relevant to civilian manufacturing.

OSHA 30-Hour General Industry40% covered

Requires study of specific OSHA regulations and standards applicable to general industry, hazard recognition, and safety management systems.

Recommended Next Certifications

Certified Six Sigma Green Belt (CSSGB)Project Management Professional (PMP)Certified Safety Professional (CSP)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Aircrew Flight Equipment (AFE)Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) management systems
Aircrew Chemical Defense Equipment (ACDE)HAZMAT suits and associated monitoring equipment
Joint Service Aircrew Mask (JSAM)Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
Advanced Concept Ejection Seat (ACES) IIAircraft ejection seat mechanisms for aviation companies
AN/AVS-9 Aviator's Night Vision Imaging System (ANVIS)Night vision goggles (NVG) for law enforcement or search and rescue
Status of Resources and Training System (SORTS)Resource management and readiness tracking software
Air Force Equipment Management System (AFEMS)Inventory management software (e.g., asset tracking, supply chain management)
Munitions Accountable Systems Officer (MASO)Armory and ammunition management systems (e.g. used by security companies)

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