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6251 Career Guide

Marine Corps

6251: Fixed-Wing Aircraft Airframe Mechanic Trainee

Career transition guide for Marine Corps Fixed-Wing Aircraft Airframe Mechanic Trainee (6251)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 6251 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Aircraft Mechanic

$73K
High matchHigh demand

Avionics Technician

$78K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

FCC licenseSpecific avionics system certifications

Aerospace Engineering Technician

$72K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

CAD software proficiencyData analysis skills

Quality Control Inspector (Aerospace)

$65K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

ASQ certificationKnowledge of FAA regulations

Wind Turbine Technician

$58K
Moderate matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

OSHA safety trainingClimbing certificationElectrical systems knowledge

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 6251 training built — and where they transfer.

Pattern Recognition

As a fixed-wing aircraft airframe mechanic trainee, you learn to quickly identify patterns in aircraft system behavior to diagnose potential issues before they escalate.

This ability to recognize subtle patterns translates to a keen eye for identifying trends and anomalies in data, financial markets, or even consumer behavior.

Procedural Compliance

You are trained to meticulously follow detailed maintenance procedures and safety protocols to ensure the airworthiness of aircraft.

Your commitment to precise execution and adherence to protocols makes you highly valuable in roles requiring strict regulatory compliance and quality control.

System Modeling

By learning the interconnectedness of aircraft airframe systems, you develop a mental model of how different components interact and affect overall performance.

This skill allows you to understand complex systems and processes, enabling you to excel in roles that involve process optimization, data analysis, or engineering design.

Situational Awareness

Working around aircraft requires constant awareness of your surroundings, including the movement of other personnel and equipment, to prevent accidents and ensure safety.

Your heightened awareness of your environment and the potential impact of your actions makes you adept at risk management and proactive problem-solving.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Quality Control Analyst

SOC 19-4041

You've been trained to identify deviations from established standards in aircraft maintenance, making you well-suited to ensure product quality in manufacturing or other industries. Your procedural compliance skills are directly transferable.

Data Analyst

SOC 15-2051

You've been trained to spot patterns and anomalies in complex systems. Your ability to quickly recognize potential issues based on subtle signs translates well to identifying trends and insights from large datasets.

Logistics Coordinator

SOC 13-1081

You've gained experience managing and coordinating the flow of materials and resources in a high-pressure environment. You are familiar with logistics from your time working with aircraft parts.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Airframe Mechanic Apprentice Program, Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point, NC

240 training hours6 weeksUp to 3 semester hours in Aviation Maintenance Technology

Topics Covered

  • Basic Aircraft Hardware and Materials
  • Aircraft Structural Repair Fundamentals
  • Corrosion Control and Prevention
  • Hydraulic Systems Overview
  • Pneumatic Systems Overview
  • Basic Electrical Theory
  • Safety Procedures and Regulations

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) License60% covered

Specific aircraft systems knowledge (engine, electrical, hydraulics), FAA regulations, and hands-on experience on specific aircraft models are needed. Practical exams required.

Recommended Next Certifications

FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) LicenseCertified Aviation Manager (CAM)Aviation Safety Certificate

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Naval Aviation Maintenance Program (NAMP)FAA Aircraft Maintenance Regulations (14 CFR Part 145)
Joint Technical Data Integration (JTDI)SAE International standards for technical data
Aircraft Maintenance Logs and RecordsElectronic Flight Bag (EFB) applications with maintenance tracking
Corrosion Control ProgramNDT (Non-Destructive Testing) and material analysis services
Hydraulic Power System Test StandCommercial hydraulic system diagnostic and repair equipment
NDT Equipment (X-ray, Ultrasound)Industrial radiography and ultrasonic testing equipment
Automated Maintenance Environment (AME)Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) software for aviation maintenance

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