AM Career Guide
AM: Aviation Structural Mechanic
Career transition guide for Navy Aviation Structural Mechanic (AM)
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Top civilian roles for AM veterans, with average salary and market demand data.
Aircraft Mechanic/Technician
Aerospace Engineer
Skills to develop:
Quality Control Inspector
Skills to develop:
Welder
Skills to develop:
Avionics Technician
Skills to develop:
Salary estimates from VWC career data
Hidden Strengths
Cognitive skills your AM training built — and where they transfer.
Procedural Compliance
Strict adherence to maintenance manuals, safety regulations, and quality control procedures is paramount when working on aircraft. One deviation can have catastrophic consequences, so flawless execution is a must.
The ability to meticulously follow established protocols and guidelines, ensuring accuracy and safety in high-stakes environments.
System Modeling
Aircraft are complex systems with interdependent components. Aviation Structural Mechanics need to understand how each part affects the whole and predict the impact of maintenance or repairs on overall performance.
Understanding how individual components interact within a larger system, enabling effective troubleshooting, maintenance, and optimization.
Situational Awareness
Constantly monitoring the condition of aircraft, anticipating potential problems, and adapting to changing circumstances during maintenance operations are critical. This includes awareness of environmental factors and the activities of other team members.
Maintaining a comprehensive awareness of the surrounding environment, potential risks, and the actions of others to ensure safe and effective operations.
Resource Optimization
Aviation Structural Mechanics are responsible for managing tools, equipment, and materials efficiently to complete maintenance tasks on time and within budget. They must also prioritize tasks based on urgency and available resources.
Effectively allocating and managing resources, including time, materials, and personnel, to maximize productivity and minimize waste.
Non-Obvious Career Matches
Wind Turbine Technician
SOC 49-9086You've been trained to maintain complex mechanical systems in demanding environments. As a Wind Turbine Technician, you'll use your skills in structural repair, hydraulics, and electrical systems to keep these massive machines running smoothly, often working at heights and in challenging weather conditions.
Amusement and Recreation Mechanic
SOC 49-9091You're adept at ensuring the safety and functionality of complex machinery. Amusement parks rely on technicians to maintain rides with the highest level of safety and precision, similar to maintaining an aircraft. You've been doing that all along.
Industrial Machinery Mechanic
SOC 49-9041You've honed your skills in diagnosing and repairing mechanical issues in complex systems. As an Industrial Machinery Mechanic, you will apply your expertise to maintain and repair a wide range of industrial equipment, ensuring optimal performance and minimizing downtime.
Commercial Diver
SOC 49-9099Your experience with maintenance and repair in challenging conditions translates well to underwater work. You're already comfortable with safety protocols and complex systems, making you a strong candidate for inspecting, repairing, and maintaining underwater structures like pipelines and offshore platforms.
Training & Education Equivalencies
Aviation Structural Mechanic (AM) 'A' School, Naval Air Station Pensacola
Topics Covered
- •Aircraft structures and materials
- •Corrosion control and prevention
- •Hydraulic systems maintenance
- •Landing gear systems
- •Flight control systems
- •Metal fabrication and repair
- •Non-destructive testing (NDT) methods
- •Welding and metal joining
Certification Pathways
Partial Coverage
Requires specific training on civilian aircraft models, passing FAA written, oral, and practical exams, and documenting required practical experience on civilian aircraft.
Requires knowledge of AWS standards, welding processes beyond those used in aviation, and passing the CWI exam.
Requires further training and certification in specific NDT methods such as radiography, ultrasonics, and eddy current testing, and meeting ASNT experience requirements.
Recommended Next Certifications
Technical Systems Translation
Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.
| Military System | Civilian Equivalent |
|---|---|
| Non-Destructive Inspection (NDI) equipment (dye penetrant, zyglo) | Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) equipment (dye penetrant, fluorescent penetrant inspection) |
| Aircraft Hydraulic Systems Test Stands | Hydraulic System Analyzers/Simulators |
| Corrosion Control Application Systems (e.g., MIL-PRF-85285) | Industrial paint spraying and coating systems |
| Aircraft Wheel and Tire Servicing Equipment (Nitrogen service carts) | Automotive and Aircraft Tire Inflation and Balancing Equipment |
| NAVSEA Standard Items (Welding Procedures) | AWS (American Welding Society) Standards |
| Aircraft Airframe Structural Repair Manuals (SRM) | Aircraft Structural Repair Manuals (Boeing, Airbus) |
| Automated Maintenance Environment (AME) | Maintenance Management Software (eMaint, Fiix) |
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