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7520 Career Guide

Marine Corps

7520: Fixed-Wing Transport Pilot

Career transition guide for Marine Corps Fixed-Wing Transport Pilot (7520)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 7520 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Airline Pilot, Copilot, or Flight Engineer

$200K
High matchVery high demand

Commercial Pilot

$95K
High matchHigh demand

Air Traffic Controller

$135K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

FAA Air Traffic Control certification

Flight Instructor

$80K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) rating

Aerospace Engineer

$125K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace EngineeringSpecific software proficiency (e.g., CAD, MATLAB)

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 7520 training built — and where they transfer.

Situational Awareness

As a pilot, you constantly monitor a multitude of factors including weather, aircraft systems, air traffic, and fuel levels to maintain a comprehensive understanding of your environment and ensure safety.

This translates to an exceptional ability to perceive and understand complex environments in real-time, allowing you to anticipate potential problems and make informed decisions under pressure.

Rapid Prioritization

In flight, unexpected events can occur rapidly. You must quickly assess the severity of these events and prioritize actions to mitigate risks and maintain control of the aircraft.

This skill enables you to efficiently manage competing demands, focus on critical tasks, and make decisive choices when faced with urgent and complex situations.

Procedural Compliance

Adhering to strict protocols and checklists is crucial for safe flight operations. You follow established procedures meticulously to ensure every aspect of the flight is executed correctly.

Your dedication to following established procedures and maintaining high standards of accuracy translates to reliability and consistency in any role requiring adherence to strict guidelines.

System Modeling

As a pilot, you possess an in-depth understanding of the aircraft's complex systems and how they interact. This enables you to diagnose problems, predict outcomes, and make informed decisions regarding aircraft operation.

This skill allows you to understand and analyze complex systems, predict their behavior, and optimize their performance. You can quickly learn and apply your knowledge to new technologies and processes.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Air Traffic Controller

SOC 53-2021.00

You've been managing complex airspace and making split-second decisions while piloting an aircraft. Now, as an Air Traffic Controller (53-2011.00), you can leverage that experience from a different vantage point, ensuring the safety and efficiency of air travel for others.

Emergency Management Director

SOC 11-9161.00

You've honed your ability to rapidly assess risks, prioritize actions, and maintain calm under pressure in the cockpit. As an Emergency Management Director (11-9161.00), you'll use those skills to prepare for and respond to crises, protecting communities and saving lives.

Logistics Manager

SOC 11-3071.00

You've always been responsible for the safe and efficient transport of passengers and cargo as a pilot, coordinating with dispatchers, and managing resources to ensure smooth operations. Now you can transfer these skills to a career as a Logistics Manager (11-3071.00), where you will oversee supply chain operations and ensure the timely delivery of goods.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Naval Air Training Command, various locations including NAS Pensacola, FL and MCAS Cherry Point, NC

1,200 training hours52 weeksUp to 30 semester hours recommended in aviation technology and management.

Topics Covered

  • Aerodynamics and Aircraft Systems
  • Navigation and Flight Planning
  • Multi-Engine Aircraft Operations
  • Instrument Flight Procedures
  • Aviation Safety and Risk Management
  • Crew Resource Management (CRM)
  • Tactical Flight Operations
  • Survival Training

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Commercial Pilot License (CPL)70% covered

Differences in FAA regulations, specific aircraft type ratings, and potentially some flight hour requirements may need to be met.

Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate60% covered

Need to meet specific flight hour requirements, pass the ATP written and practical exams, and fulfill any additional requirements set by the FAA. Prior military flight experience counts, but some differences exist.

Recommended Next Certifications

Certified Aviation Manager (CAM)Aviation Safety Officer (ASO)Project Management Professional (PMP)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
AN/APN-194 Radar AltimeterCommercial Radar Altimeters (e.g., FreeFlight Systems, Honeywell)
AN/ARN-147 VOR/ILS Navigation SystemCommercial VOR/ILS Navigation Systems (e.g., Garmin, Collins Aerospace)
Global Positioning System (GPS) Military User Equipment (MUE)Commercial GPS Navigation Systems (e.g., Garmin, ForeFlight)
TCAS II (Traffic Collision Avoidance System)Commercial TCAS II Systems (e.g., ACSS, Honeywell)
Secure Voice Communication Systems (e.g., AN/ARC-210)Commercial Aviation VHF/UHF Radios with secure communication options (e.g., Becker Avionics)
Aircraft Flight Management System (FMS)Commercial Flight Management Systems (e.g., Rockwell Collins, Universal Avionics)

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