How do I go about using my 15T training in the civilian sector?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Nov 2020 12:11:39 -0500

Now that I am home from training. (I am in the National Guard) I want to start using my training in the civilian sector. How do I go about doing that? I don’t even know what I should be looking for career opportunity wise. I do eventually want to get my A&P and possibly my pilots license. Those are my 5 and 10 year goals. So where should I start?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2020 12:19 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Nov 2020 12:19:42 -0500

Hmmmm. Try USAJobs. Search for your area. One never knows. Also, try talking with you area hospital that has Life Flights. If they can't hire you ,then perhaps they could point you in the direction of someone who can/will.

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Nov 23 at 2020 12:40 PM

MAJ Javier Rivera — Mon, 23 Nov 2020 12:40:41 -0500

With the understanding that m not in the aviation maintenance industry, but know one or two folks... The most important thing is to have your A&P license. There’s no exception. Here is something to get you in the right path.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/gaining-ap-certification-wmilitary-experience-part-1-4-joe-williams

Gaining A&P Certification w/Military Experience (Part 1 of 4)

Chesapeake, VA (April 9, 2015) I'm writing this today as I have recently just completed the first step in obtaining my A&P certification utilizing my experience in the military. I want to share some knowledge, and put that good old saying "I wish I would have known this in the beginning" to rest, fo

Response by GySgt Gary Cordeiro made Nov 23 at 2020 12:54 PM

GySgt Gary Cordeiro — Mon, 23 Nov 2020 12:54:58 -0500

Police departments, news agencies, forest service, all need maintenance. Seek and ye shall find.

Response by PO1 Jamie Springman made Nov 23 at 2020 2:56 PM

PO1 Jamie Springman — Mon, 23 Nov 2020 14:56:59 -0500

When I retired I had a plan similar to yours. What I found is that most civilian aviation maintenance jobs require that you already have your A&P. They won't even talk to you without it. That being said, the government does not require an A&P license if you have previous government training. I would recommend going to USAJobs.gov to look for a job in the aircraft maintenance field or a contractor company that has a government contract. At least it will get your foot in the door, and a paycheck, while you get your license and any other training you may need or want. Good luck with your search.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2020 4:17 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Nov 2020 16:17:31 -0500

As a 15T, you're set up pretty well for civilian aviation jobs. Many government agencies around the country and the world use the civilian variant of the UH-60 Blackhawk, called the S-70.

As many have already said, USAJOBS.com is a good starting point. Do a search for aviation maintenance jobs. You'll find them. There are civilian contractor jobs overseas (Middle East) that are very lucrative.

If you are going to make Aviation Maintenance a career, definitely get your A&P License. There are several around the country. There is/was one right near Fort Campbell, KY that would allow you to take their course that teaches you the FAA exam, and then take the test, based solely on your experience (3 years minimum) wrenching on helicopters. The GI Bill will also cover costs of getting your A&P. Fort Eustis has a program that will give you a great head start on getting your A&P. Call up the Aviation Maintenance School.

Good luck.

Response by SFC Robert Goyer made Nov 24 at 2020 10:52 AM

SFC Robert Goyer — Tue, 24 Nov 2020 10:52:24 -0500

Get your A&P now. Try looking at government agencies (USAJOBS) who use that airframe - Customs & Border Patrol. Seeing their requirements will drive your education and training.

Response by LCDR Keith Trepanier made Nov 24 at 2020 2:15 PM

LCDR Keith Trepanier — Tue, 24 Nov 2020 14:15:14 -0500

Since you are in the NG, I will guess you want to stay in your area so going off to different places is not a great option. You do not need your A&P to work on civilian aircraft. You need it to sign off on the work so you will have to work somewhere that has A&Ps already. That severely limits you on what you can do so you need to be working on your A&P as soon as possible. Your unit should be able to assist you with that.

With that said, you need to look at larger FBOs, airlines, and repair stations. if you live near a larger metropolitan airport, there should be a few organizations that would take a look at you. Smaller airports may have some companies that may have some opportunities as well. Many of them will hire someone with your skills to augment the actual A&Ps. Small organizations like medical transport companies are not going to give you the time of day as they need people who can work independently which requires an A&P.

Good luck to you.

Response by SP6 Reynaldo Garcia made May 10 at 2021 11:41 AM

SP6 Reynaldo Garcia — Mon, 10 May 2021 11:41:33 -0400

Getting your Airframe and Powerplant license is the first thing. The Aviation field is a very diverse field, there is different helicopter jobs, Airlines and general aviation. I have been an A&P mechanic for 40-years, there has been hard and good times but I have enjoyed it. I wish you luck.