Aircraft Mechanic
$75KHigh match
High demand
Live · Guide v1.06152 · Career GuideValidated · Lightcast Labor DataUpdated · Q2 20262026 Cohort Active
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USMC · 6152Career Guide · Maintenance · VWC.CG.6152.R.04
6152 · USMC · EnlistedCH-46 Helicopter Airframe
CH-46 Helicopter Airframe
Mechanic.
Marine Corps 6152 (CH-46 Helicopter Airframe Mechanic). 640 hours of formal training translate to 4 validated civilian career pathways with salary bands of $55K–$78K. Sourced from DoD training data and Lightcast labor signals.
Training hours640DoD pipeline
ACE creditACEUp to 9 semester hours recommended in aviation maintenance technology
Tech roles4mapped to your code
Civilian pathways4validated
Cert coverage2/5direct + partial
/ 01 · Tech Roles
Roles your code maps to.
Industry tech roles your 6152 background maps to — picked from BLS-anchored occupations using your training, cognitive skills, and systems experience.
Sort · Match descending
/ 02 · Skill Bridge
The gap, named.
What 6152 training already gave you, and the specific gaps to close — not a generic checklist.
Already have05
- 01Helicopter Airframe Maintenance→ Systematic Troubleshooting
- 02Pattern Recognition→ Anomaly Detection
- 03Procedural Compliance→ Adherence to coding standards and testing protocols
- 04Hydraulic Systems Maintenance→ Understanding of interconnected systems
- 05Corrosion Control and Prevention→ Focus on system integrity and reliability
To learn08
The concrete gap to bridge — specific to the roles above, not a generic checklist.
+Python fundamentals+Selenium or Cypress for web testing+Cloud computing basics (AWS, Azure, or GCP)+Configuration management tools (e.g., Ansible, Puppet)+SQL for data querying+Data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)+Help desk ticketing systems (e.g., Zendesk, ServiceNow)+Remote desktop support tools
How VWC fits
Vets Who Code is a free, full-time software engineering accelerator for veterans, active duty, and military spouses. We close the fundamentals — terminal, web platform, AI tooling, portfolio projects — so the rest of this list becomes specialization, not square one.
See VWC Programs →/ 03 · Civilian Pathways
Where your code lands.
Aerospace Engineering Technician
$78KGood match
Growing demand
Skills to develop
- — CAD software
- — Engineering principles
Wind Turbine Technician
$60KModerate match
Very high demand
Skills to develop
- — Climbing certification
- — Electrical systems knowledge
Maintenance Technician (General)
$55KGood match
Stable demand
Skills to develop
- — PLC troubleshooting
- — HVAC systems
/ 04 · Hidden Strengths
What the code built.
Cognitive skills your 6152 training built — and where they transfer in civilian work.
Pattern Recognition
As a helicopter airframe mechanic, you quickly identify potential problems by recognizing deviations from established patterns in the airframe's condition, sounds, and performance.
Transfers to
This skill translates to the ability to quickly diagnose and troubleshoot complex issues by identifying anomalies and deviations from expected norms in various systems and processes.
Procedural Compliance
Your work demands strict adherence to maintenance manuals and safety protocols. You follow detailed procedures precisely to ensure the airworthiness of the helicopter and the safety of the flight crew.
Transfers to
This demonstrates your commitment to following established guidelines and protocols, ensuring accuracy, safety, and quality in any task. It highlights your ability to work within defined parameters to achieve desired outcomes.
System Modeling
You understand the interconnectedness of various helicopter systems (hydraulic, electrical, mechanical) and how they affect each other. This allows you to predict the impact of repairs or modifications on the overall performance of the aircraft.
Transfers to
You possess the ability to understand complex systems, their interactions, and how changes in one area can impact others. This skill is crucial for problem-solving, optimization, and risk assessment in various professional settings.
Situational Awareness
You are constantly aware of the overall condition of the helicopter, the progress of maintenance tasks, and potential hazards in the hangar or on the flight line. This awareness allows you to anticipate problems and take proactive measures.
Transfers to
This highlights your ability to remain vigilant, observant, and responsive to changes in your environment. You can anticipate potential problems and take proactive measures to mitigate risks and optimize performance.
/ 05 · Non-Obvious Matches
Roles the recruiter won't suggest.
Adjacent civilian roles your training maps to that conventional military-to-civilian advice tends to miss.
Wind Turbine Technician
SOC 49-9086You've been working with complex mechanical systems, troubleshooting issues at height, and adhering to strict safety protocols. Your airframe mechanic experience directly translates to maintaining and repairing wind turbines.
Adjacent · MatchAmusement Park Ride Mechanic
SOC 49-9041You've been responsible for the safety and functionality of a critical piece of machinery. Your expertise in diagnosing and repairing complex mechanical systems makes you an ideal candidate for maintaining amusement park rides.
Adjacent · MatchElevator Mechanic
SOC 47-4021You've been working with intricate systems and ensuring the safety of personnel and equipment. Your attention to detail and experience in maintaining complex mechanical systems make you a great fit for installing, maintaining, and repairing elevators and escalators.
Adjacent · Match/ 06 · Training & Certs
What you trained on.
Academy
CH-46E Airframe Mechanic Course
Marine Corps Air Station New River, NC640hHours
16wkWeeks
ACECredit
Up to 9 semester hours recommended in aviation maintenance technology
Topics · 8
- Basic helicopter aerodynamics
- CH-46E helicopter systems overview
- Airframe structures and materials
- Hydraulic systems maintenance and repair
- Landing gear systems maintenance
- Flight control systems maintenance
- Corrosion control and prevention
- Non-destructive inspection techniques
Partial coverage · 2
- Airframe Technician Certification70%
General aviation airframe knowledge, composite repair techniques, and specific FAA regulations.
- Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) General60%
Knowledge of FAA regulations (FARs), aviation maintenance record keeping, basic electricity, weight and balance.
Recommended next · 03
- FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) LicenseAdjacent
- NDT Level II Certification (specific method such as Ultrasonic Testing or Radiographic Testing)Adjacent
- Certified Aviation Manager (CAM)Adjacent
/ 07 · Systems Translation
What you ran, in their words.
Military systems you operated and their civilian equivalents for your resume.
| Military System | Civilian Equivalent | Domain |
|---|---|---|
| CH-46 Sea Knight Helicopter Airframe | Sikorsky S-61 or Boeing Vertol 107 series helicopters (depending on specific airframe details) | Operations |
| Hydraulic Test Stand (various models) | Hydraulic system testing equipment | Operations |
| NDT (Nondestructive Testing) equipment (dye penetrant, magnetic particle) | Industrial NDT equipment and services | Operations |
| NAVSEA Technical Manuals | Airbus or Boeing Maintenance Manuals, FAA regulations | Operations |
| Aviation Life Support Systems (ALSS) | Commercial aviation safety equipment maintenance (e.g., parachutes, oxygen systems) | Operations |
| Corrosion Control Program | Commercial aircraft corrosion prevention and control programs | Operations |
/ Translator · Live
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