6172 Career Guide
6172: CH-46 Helicopter Crew Chief
Career transition guide for Marine Corps CH-46 Helicopter Crew Chief (6172)
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Top civilian roles for 6172 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.
Aircraft Mechanic / Service Technician
Avionics Technician
Skills to develop:
Maintenance Supervisor
Skills to develop:
Wind Turbine Technician
Skills to develop:
Quality Control Inspector
Skills to develop:
Salary estimates from VWC career data
Hidden Strengths
Cognitive skills your 6172 training built — and where they transfer.
Situational Awareness
As a CH-46 crew chief, you constantly monitor the helicopter's systems, environmental conditions, and the positions of other aircraft to ensure mission safety and success.
This translates to a heightened ability to perceive and understand your environment in a fast-paced setting, allowing you to anticipate potential problems and react effectively.
Procedural Compliance
You meticulously follow maintenance manuals, checklists, and safety protocols to ensure the CH-46 is operating within strict parameters and to prevent malfunctions.
Your commitment to following detailed procedures and adhering to regulations makes you highly reliable and reduces errors in any work environment.
Team Synchronization
Working as a member of the flight crew, you seamlessly coordinate your actions with pilots and other crew members during all phases of flight, including pre-flight checks, in-flight operations, and emergency procedures.
You have a proven ability to work effectively within a team, coordinating your actions with others to achieve common goals, even under pressure.
Degraded-Mode Operations
You are trained to respond quickly and calmly to equipment malfunctions and other emergencies, utilizing backup systems and alternative procedures to maintain control and complete the mission safely.
You excel at remaining calm and resourceful under pressure, quickly adapting to unexpected challenges and finding solutions to keep operations running smoothly.
Rapid Prioritization
During flight, you must quickly assess and prioritize competing demands, such as monitoring system performance, responding to pilot requests, and addressing potential hazards.
You can rapidly assess the urgency and importance of tasks, enabling you to effectively manage competing demands and make critical decisions in real-time.
Non-Obvious Career Matches
Wind Turbine Technician
SOC 49-9086.00You've been maintaining complex mechanical systems in demanding environments, often under time constraints. As a Wind Turbine Technician (49-9086.00), you'll use your skills to inspect, maintain, and repair wind turbines, ensuring they operate efficiently and safely.
Industrial Machinery Mechanic
SOC 49-9041.00You're a master of diagnosing and fixing mechanical issues, and industrial machinery is no different than a helicopter in theory. You'll apply your troubleshooting skills to keep production lines running smoothly as an Industrial Machinery Mechanic (49-9041.00).
Power Plant Operator
SOC 51-8013.00You've learned to monitor intricate systems and respond swiftly to anomalies. As a Power Plant Operator (51-8013.00), you'll oversee the operation of power-generating equipment, ensuring a consistent and reliable energy supply.
Training & Education Equivalencies
CH-46 Crew Chief School, Marine Corps Air Station New River, NC
Topics Covered
- •Helicopter safety procedures
- •Aircraft maintenance documentation
- •CH-46 aircraft systems (hydraulics, electrical, engine)
- •Pre-flight and post-flight inspections
- •In-flight emergency procedures
- •Aircraft weight and balance calculations
- •Basic helicopter repair techniques
- •Aircraft communications systems
Certification Pathways
Partial Coverage
Study for FAA written, oral, and practical exams. Focus on general aviation aircraft, FARs, and specific powerplant and airframe systems outside of the CH-46.
Focus study on business management principles, leadership, strategic planning, and financial management within aviation, as CAM is heavily focused on managing aviation departments and resources.
Recommended Next Certifications
Technical Systems Translation
Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.
| Military System | Civilian Equivalent |
|---|---|
| CH-46 Sea Knight Helicopter Systems | Commercial Helicopter Maintenance and Avionics Systems (e.g., Sikorsky, Boeing models) |
| AN/ARC-210 RT-1794(C) VHF/UHF Radio | Commercial aviation VHF/UHF communication radios (e.g., Garmin, Collins Aerospace) |
| AN/APN-194 Radar Altimeter | Commercial aircraft radar altimeters (e.g., Honeywell, Thales) |
| Aircraft Flight Control Systems | Fly-by-wire systems, hydraulic systems, and autopilot systems used in commercial aircraft |
| T700-GE-401C Turboshaft Engine | Commercial Turboshaft Engine Maintenance and Repair (e.g., Pratt & Whitney, Rolls-Royce) |
| Advanced Helicopter Survivability Equipment (AHSE) | Countermeasure systems, including missile warning and laser warning systems used in commercial and VIP transport helicopters. |
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