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2A655 Career Guide

Air Force

2A655: Aircraft Hydraulic Systems Maintenance

Career transition guide for Air Force Aircraft Hydraulic Systems Maintenance (2A655)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 2A655 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Aircraft Mechanic/Technician

$73K
High matchHigh demand

Avionics Technician

$78K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

FAA A&P LicenseSpecific avionics systems training

Hydraulic Technician

$65K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Commercial hydraulic systems experienceRelevant certifications (e.g., Certified Fluid Power Technician)

Wind Turbine Technician

$60K
Moderate matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

Electrical systems knowledgeClimbing/Working at Heights certificationWind turbine-specific training

Aerospace Engineering Technician

$68K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

CAD software proficiencyEngineering principles knowledgeData analysis

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 2A655 training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

You use technical orders and schematic diagrams to understand the intricate relationships within aircraft hydraulic and pneumatic systems, allowing you to predict how changes in one part affect the whole.

This ability to visualize and understand complex systems translates directly to fields that require understanding how interconnected components function together, such as industrial machinery or even financial markets.

Procedural Compliance

You meticulously follow detailed maintenance procedures, technical orders, and safety protocols while inspecting, repairing, and overhauling aircraft systems.

Your commitment to precision and adherence to established protocols is highly valuable in regulated industries where safety and accuracy are paramount, such as healthcare or quality assurance.

Degraded-Mode Operations

You're skilled at troubleshooting malfunctions and performing repairs under pressure, often with limited resources or in challenging environments, to get aircraft systems back online.

This ability to maintain functionality and resolve problems in less-than-ideal circumstances is essential for roles that demand adaptability and problem-solving in dynamic situations, like emergency management or field service engineering.

Situational Awareness

You constantly monitor the overall status of aircraft hydraulic and pneumatic systems, identifying potential issues before they escalate into major problems and ensuring safe operation.

Your ability to perceive and understand the surrounding environment and anticipate potential problems is crucial in roles that require proactive risk management and informed decision-making, such as project management or operations management.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Wind Turbine Technician

SOC 49-9086.00

You've been working with complex mechanical and hydraulic systems, and the troubleshooting skills you honed on aircraft will transfer perfectly to maintaining wind turbines. Plus, your commitment to safety and following procedures is crucial in this high-stakes environment.

Robotics Technician

SOC 49-9069.00

You've been working with intricate systems that demand precision and problem-solving. Your experience in hydraulics and pneumatics provides a strong foundation for robotics, where these principles are commonly applied. You already know how to use schematics and technical manuals.

Elevator Mechanic

SOC 47-4021.00

You've been working with complex hydraulic and electrical systems, understanding how all the parts work together to ensure smooth and safe operation. Elevator mechanics require a similar skillset, including troubleshooting malfunctions, performing preventative maintenance, and adhering to strict safety regulations.

Training & Education Equivalencies

2A655 Technical Training, Sheppard AFB, TX

640 training hours16 weeksUp to 9 semester hours recommended in Hydraulics Technology or Aviation Maintenance Technology

Topics Covered

  • Hydraulic Fundamentals and Theory
  • Aircraft Hydraulic System Components (pumps, valves, actuators)
  • Troubleshooting Hydraulic Systems
  • Reading and Interpreting Hydraulic Schematics
  • Repair and Overhaul of Hydraulic Components
  • Hydraulic System Servicing and Bleeding
  • Inspection and Testing Procedures
  • Use of Technical Orders and Maintenance Documentation

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Fluid Power Hydraulic Specialist70% covered

Requires study of advanced hydraulic principles, specific component design, and fluid power safety practices not explicitly covered in aircraft maintenance.

Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) - Airframe60% covered

Need to study general aviation maintenance regulations (FAR Part 43), basic physics, and more specific airframe structures. Requires FAA testing.

Recommended Next Certifications

Lean Six Sigma Green BeltProject Management Professional (PMP)Certified Aviation Manager (CAM)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Automated Maintenance System (various)Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) software
Aircraft Hydraulic Test StandHydraulic System Test Bench
TO 1-1-691 - Aircraft Hydraulic and Pneumatic Standard Practices and Aircraft General Purpose Hand ToolsAircraft Maintenance Manuals and Standard Aviation Hand Tools
Integrated Maintenance Data System (IMDS)Maintenance Management Software
Hydraulic Fluid Contamination Analysis KitFluid Analysis and Diagnostic Testing Equipment
Support Equipment (SE) - Hydraulic Power Units (HPU)Mobile Hydraulic Power Packs

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