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2A393 Career Guide

Air Force

2A393: Tactical Aircraft Maintenance

Career transition guide for Air Force Tactical Aircraft Maintenance (2A393)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 2A393 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Aircraft Mechanic/Technician

$73K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) license

Aerospace Engineer

$125K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace EngineeringCAD software proficiencyFEA/CFD analysis skills

Quality Control Inspector

$55K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

ASQ Certified Quality Inspector (CQI) certificationKnowledge of GD&TExperience with precision measuring instruments

Maintenance Supervisor

$85K
High matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Project Management Professional (PMP) certificationLeadership trainingExperience with maintenance management software

Wind Turbine Technician

$60K
Moderate matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

Wind turbine technician certificationSafety training (e.g., OSHA 30)Climbing and rescue training

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 2A393 training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

You develop a mental model of complex aircraft systems to quickly diagnose and repair malfunctions. This involves understanding how various components interact and predicting the impact of changes.

This ability to understand complex systems translates to roles where you need to analyze intricate processes, identify bottlenecks, and implement improvements.

Procedural Compliance

Adhering to strict maintenance procedures and technical documentation is critical for safety and operational readiness. You ensure all work is performed according to established protocols.

Your commitment to following procedures makes you well-suited for roles requiring adherence to regulations and quality control standards.

Situational Awareness

Maintaining constant awareness of the operational status of aircraft, environmental conditions, and potential hazards is essential for preventing accidents and ensuring mission success.

This heightened awareness translates to civilian settings where you must quickly assess situations, identify risks, and make informed decisions.

Rapid Prioritization

When multiple aircraft need maintenance simultaneously, you quickly assess the severity of the issues, operational requirements, and available resources to prioritize tasks effectively.

Your ability to rapidly assess and prioritize tasks is valuable in high-pressure civilian environments where you must manage competing demands and meet tight deadlines.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Quality Assurance Manager

SOC 11-3051.00

You've been meticulously inspecting aircraft and ensuring compliance with stringent regulations. As a Quality Assurance Manager, you'll leverage your experience to oversee quality control processes, identify defects, and implement corrective actions in various industries. Your keen eye for detail and commitment to precision will be invaluable.

Process Improvement Specialist

SOC 13-1081.00

You've been analyzing maintenance processes to identify inefficiencies and improve turnaround times. As a Process Improvement Specialist, you'll apply your problem-solving skills to streamline workflows, eliminate waste, and enhance productivity in organizations. Your ability to think critically and implement effective solutions will make you a valuable asset.

Compliance Officer

SOC 13-1041.00

You've been ensuring compliance with complex technical manuals and safety regulations. As a Compliance Officer, you'll use your expertise to develop and implement compliance programs, monitor adherence to regulations, and mitigate risks in heavily regulated industries. Your attention to detail and commitment to upholding standards will be essential.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Tactical Aircraft Maintenance Course, Sheppard Air Force Base, TX

1,120 training hours28 weeksUp to 15 semester hours recommended in aviation maintenance technology

Topics Covered

  • Aircraft systems (electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic)
  • Engine maintenance and repair (specific to assigned aircraft)
  • Avionics troubleshooting and repair
  • Airframe inspection and repair techniques
  • Corrosion control and prevention
  • Use of technical manuals and documentation
  • Safety procedures and practices in aircraft maintenance
  • Aircraft Forms and Records Maintenance

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification70% covered

While military training provides a strong foundation, FAA-specific regulations, civilian aircraft systems, and practical examination preparation require additional study. Focus on FAR Part 66 regulations and hands-on experience with general aviation aircraft.

Certified Aviation Manager (CAM)30% covered

This role has supervisory experience, but needs to develop knowledge of business aviation management principles, financial management, marketing, and human resources as they apply to civilian aviation operations.

Recommended Next Certifications

Inspection Authorization (IA)Lean Six Sigma Green BeltProject Management Professional (PMP)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Automated Maintenance Data System (e.g., IMDS, G081)Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) software (e.g., SAP, IBM Maximo)
Joint Oil Analysis Program (JOAP)Predictive Maintenance software with oil analysis capabilities
Technical Order (TO) library (paper and digital)Online technical documentation and maintenance manuals (e.g., Mitchell1, Alldata)
Aerospace Ground Equipment (AGE) (various types)Industrial-grade power generators, hydraulic test stands, and pneumatic systems
Non-Destructive Inspection (NDI) equipment (X-ray, ultrasound, eddy current)NDT equipment for material testing and quality control
Hot pit refueling systemsHigh-volume fuel dispensing systems with safety interlocks
Crash Recovery Equipment (cranes, recovery vehicles)Heavy-duty towing and recovery vehicles and lifting equipment

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