2A353 Career Guide
2A353: Tactical Aircraft Maintenance
Career transition guide for Air Force Tactical Aircraft Maintenance (2A353)
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Top civilian roles for 2A353 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.
Aircraft Mechanic/Technician
Aerospace Engineer
Skills to develop:
Aviation Inspector
Skills to develop:
Maintenance Manager
Skills to develop:
Wind Turbine Technician
Skills to develop:
Salary estimates from VWC career data
Hidden Strengths
Cognitive skills your 2A353 training built — and where they transfer.
System Modeling
Understanding how interconnected aircraft systems function as a whole, predicting the impact of repairs or modifications on overall performance and reliability.
The ability to visualize and understand complex systems, predict outcomes based on inputs, and diagnose issues by understanding how different components interact.
Procedural Compliance
Strict adherence to maintenance manuals, safety regulations, and quality control procedures is critical to ensure flight safety and operational readiness.
The capability to consistently follow established protocols, maintain detailed records, and ensure work meets stringent regulatory standards.
Rapid Prioritization
Quickly assessing the severity of aircraft maintenance issues, determining the order in which tasks must be addressed to minimize downtime and maximize operational availability.
The ability to rapidly evaluate situations, identify critical tasks, and allocate resources effectively to meet deadlines and resolve urgent problems.
Situational Awareness
Maintaining constant awareness of the status of multiple aircraft, maintenance schedules, available resources, and potential safety hazards to ensure efficient and safe operations.
The capacity to monitor multiple streams of information, anticipate potential problems, and make informed decisions based on the overall context.
Non-Obvious Career Matches
Wind Turbine Technician
SOC 49-9099.01You've been maintaining complex machinery, troubleshooting mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical systems under pressure. You're used to heights, working outdoors, and following strict safety protocols. A Wind Turbine Technician role puts all of those skills to great use.
Amusement Park Ride Mechanic
SOC 49-9071.00Your background in aircraft maintenance, including detailed inspections, troubleshooting, and repair of complex mechanical and electrical systems, translates perfectly to ensuring the safety and functionality of amusement park rides. You're accustomed to high-stakes environments where precision and safety are paramount.
Quality Control Inspector
SOC 51-9061.00You're highly skilled in inspecting, troubleshooting, and ensuring the proper functioning of complex systems. Your keen eye for detail and commitment to procedural compliance are directly transferable to ensuring product quality in various industries.
Training & Education Equivalencies
Tactical Aircraft Maintenance Training, Sheppard AFB, TX
Topics Covered
- •Aircraft electrical and environmental systems
- •Aircraft hydraulic and pneumatic systems
- •Aircraft engine inspection and maintenance
- •Non-destructive inspection techniques
- •Aircraft structural repair
- •Corrosion control and prevention
- •Use of technical manuals and documentation
- •Aircraft forms and records management
Certification Pathways
Partial Coverage
FAA regulations, specific requirements for general aviation and commercial aircraft, hands-on experience with non-military aircraft.
Business aviation management principles, financial management, human resources, and marketing as applied to aviation.
Recommended Next Certifications
Technical Systems Translation
Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.
| Military System | Civilian Equivalent |
|---|---|
| Integrated Maintenance Data System (IMDS) | Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) software like IBM Maximo or SAP EAM |
| Automated Maintenance Data System (AMDS) | Maintenance Management Software (MMS) or Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) |
| Technical Order (TO) Library Management System | Document Management Systems with version control (e.g., SharePoint, Google Workspace) |
| Joint Deficiency Reporting System (JDRS) | Quality Management Systems (QMS) for defect tracking and reporting (e.g., Jira, Bugzilla) |
| Aerospace Ground Equipment (AGE) | Ground Support Equipment (GSE) used in aviation maintenance, such as aircraft jacks, hydraulic test stands, and power carts |
| Non-Destructive Inspection (NDI) equipment (X-ray, ultrasound) | NDT equipment for quality control and safety inspections in manufacturing and maintenance |
| Hot Pit Refueling Systems | Commercial aviation refueling systems and procedures at airports |
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