Marine MOS 6116 CH-53E Mechanic to Civilian: Complete Career Transition Guide (2025 Salary Data)

Bottom Line Up Front

As a 6116 CH-53E/K Mechanic, you've maintained the largest, most complex, and most powerful helicopter in the U.S. military inventory. Your experience with seven-blade rotor systems, triple-engine powerplants, dual-main transmission systems, advanced hydraulics, and heavy-lift operations makes you a highly specialized and valuable mechanic in civilian aviation. Realistic first-year salaries range from $62,000-$78,000 with your military experience, hitting $88,000-$110,000+ with an A&P license and heavy helicopter specialization. Your CH-53 experience translates directly to civilian heavy-lift helicopter operations, Sikorsky support contracts, offshore oil & gas aviation, and MRO facilities. Defense contractors, helicopter operators, and Sikorsky actively recruit CH-53 mechanics—your platform-specific expertise is in high demand.

Let's address the elephant in the room

You might think: "CH-53s are military-only. There's no civilian equivalent. Will my experience transfer?"

Absolutely yes. Your CH-53 experience is gold in civilian aviation.

Here's why: The CH-53E Super Stallion and CH-53K King Stallion are built by Sikorsky (Lockheed Martin), which also manufactures civilian helicopters (S-76, S-92) and military helicopters for international customers. The engineering principles, systems design, and maintenance philosophy are consistent across Sikorsky platforms.

More importantly, you've maintained the most complex helicopter in existence:

• Three turboshaft engines (civilian helicopters have 1-2 engines—you're overqualified)
• Seven-blade rotor system (most civilian helicopters have 2-5 blades—you understand advanced rotor dynamics)
• Dual main transmissions (civilian helicopters have simpler transmission systems)
• Advanced hydraulic systems with triple redundancy
• Heavy-lift operations with external cargo hooks, sling loads, and shipboard operations

If you can maintain a CH-53, you can maintain any civilian helicopter. Sikorsky S-92s (offshore oil & gas), Bell 412s (utility), AW139s (EMS/corporate)—these are less complex than what you've worked on.

The challenge isn't your skills—it's understanding how to get your A&P license, which civilian sectors need heavy helicopter experience, and how to leverage your CH-53 expertise for maximum earning potential.

Let's break it down.

Understanding the A&P license pathway for 6116s

The A&P (Airframe and Powerplant) license is your key to civilian aviation. As a 6116, you've worked on integrated CH-53 systems, qualifying you for both Airframe and Powerplant ratings.

What the FAA requires:

Traditional civilian route: 30 months documented experience (18 months airframe + 18 months powerplant) OR FAA Part 147 school (18-24 months, $15,000-40,000).

Your route as a 6116: Your documented CH-53 maintenance time counts toward both Airframe and Powerplant requirements because you've maintained airframe systems (rotor heads, transmissions, hydraulics, structures) and powerplant systems (T64 engines, fuel systems, engine accessories).

Converting your 6116 experience to an A&P:

Step 1: Document your CH-53 experience

• NAVMC 10772 (Enlisted Qualification Record) showing 6116 school and CH-53 qualification
• Training certificates (6116 school, CH-53E/K platform training, any advanced courses)
• Maintenance logbooks showing documented hours on CH-53 airframe and powerplant systems
• Letter from maintenance officer detailing your comprehensive CH-53 maintenance duties

Step 2: Visit your local FSDO (Flight Standards District Office) Schedule an appointment with an FAA Aviation Safety Inspector to review your documentation. They'll determine if you qualify to take the A&P exams without civilian school.

Most 6116s with 3+ years and 1,500+ documented hours qualify for both Airframe and Powerplant based on integrated CH-53 maintenance.

Step 3: Take the FAA exams

• Written tests: General, Airframe, Powerplant - $175 each ($525 total)
• Oral & Practical (O&P) exam: Hands-on with DME (Designated Mechanic Examiner) - $500-900
• Total cost: $1,025-1,425
• Study time: 2-4 months using ASA test prep materials

Reality check: Your CH-53 experience is directly applicable to the A&P practical exam. You've done everything the test requires—rotor systems, transmissions, engines, hydraulics, electrical systems. The O&P exam will feel like a regular day of maintenance (just with an examiner watching).

Timeline: 3-6 months from EAS to full A&P certificate.

Best civilian career paths for 6116 CH-53 mechanics

Defense contractors (military CH-53 support) - HIGHEST PAY

Civilian job titles:

• CH-53 mechanic (contractor)
• Field service representative (FSR) - CH-53 platform
• Depot maintenance technician (CH-53)
• Quality assurance representative (CH-53)
• Senior helicopter mechanic (military aircraft)

Salary ranges (2024-2025 data):

• CONUS contractor CH-53 mechanic: $70,000-$88,000
• OCONUS field service rep: $100,000-$135,000
• Senior FSR (deployed): $120,000-$160,000
• Depot-level mechanic (FRC): $75,000-$98,000

What translates directly: Everything. You're maintaining the exact same aircraft—CH-53E Super Stallions and CH-53K King Stallions. Same systems, same tech manuals (IETM), same procedures, same troubleshooting. You just get paid significantly more as a civilian contractor.

Companies actively hiring:

• Sikorsky (Lockheed Martin): Primary CH-53K/E contractor, largest employer of CH-53 mechanics
• StandardAero: CH-53 support contracts at Marine bases
• VT Group (now part of Balfour Beatty): CH-53 maintenance and logistics support
• Amentum (formerly AECOM/DynCorp): Multi-platform military aviation support including CH-53
• AAR Corp: Government services division supports CH-53 operations
• KBR: Military aviation maintenance contracts

Certifications needed:

• A&P license (preferred but sometimes not required for CH-53-specific military contracts)
• Security clearance (Secret or higher—you already have it, massive advantage)
• CH-53 platform qualification (you already have this from military service)

Reality check: Defense contracting for CH-53s is the highest-paying option for 6116s, especially OCONUS.

You're typically:

• Embedded with Marine squadrons at bases (MCAS Miramar, New River, Kaneohe Bay, Futenma)
• Working at Fleet Readiness Centers (FRC Cherry Point, FRC Corpus Christi)
• Deployed OCONUS supporting Marine operations (Okinawa, Middle East, etc.)

Job security is contract-dependent. CH-53K is replacing the CH-53E fleet, which means decades of sustainment work ahead. The Marine Corps will fly CH-53s through 2060+, ensuring long-term contractor demand.

OCONUS deployments mean long hours (12-hour days, 6-7 days/week) in deployed locations. But you're making $100K-160K. Many contractors work 8-10 months deployed, then take 2-4 months off (unpaid but you've banked serious cash).

Best for: 6116s who want maximum income, are willing to work OCONUS, want to stay connected to military aviation and the CH-53 community.

Offshore oil & gas helicopter operations (heavy-lift focus)

Civilian job titles:

• Offshore helicopter mechanic
• Heavy-lift helicopter mechanic
• Sikorsky S-92 mechanic
• Rotary-wing A&P mechanic (offshore operations)

Salary ranges:

• Entry offshore helicopter mechanic: $68,000-$82,000
• Experienced S-92 mechanic: $82,000-$98,000
• Lead mechanic / crew chief: $95,000-$115,000
• Maintenance supervisor (offshore): $105,000-$130,000

What translates directly: Your CH-53 heavy-lift experience translates directly to offshore helicopter operations. Sikorsky S-92s are the primary heavy-lift helicopters for offshore oil & gas (transporting workers to oil rigs in Gulf of Mexico, North Sea, etc.).

CH-53 systems knowledge transfers to S-92s:

• Both are Sikorsky designs with similar engineering philosophy
• Twin-engine turbine powerplants (S-92 has two engines vs. CH-53's three—simpler)
• Advanced rotor systems and transmissions
• Hydraulic flight control systems
• Heavy-lift operations and external load work

Companies actively hiring:

• Bristow Group: World's largest offshore helicopter operator (S-92 fleet)
• Era Group: Offshore oil & gas helicopter services (S-92s)
• PHI Inc.: Offshore helicopter services (S-92s and medium helicopters)
• CHC Helicopter: Global offshore helicopter operator (S-92 fleet)
• Air Center Helicopters: Offshore Gulf of Mexico operations

Certifications needed:

• A&P license (required)
• S-92 type training (provided by employer)
• Offshore survival training (HUET—Helicopter Underwater Egress Training, provided)
• Heavy-lift and external load experience (you have this from CH-53 sling load ops)

Reality check: Offshore helicopter operations pay well and offer unique lifestyle options. Many offshore mechanics work rotational schedules—14 days on / 14 days off, or 28 days on / 14 days off. You're typically based at heliports near oil fields (Gulf Coast cities like Louisiana, Texas).

Work is hands-on and mission-critical. If the helicopter is down, workers can't get to oil rigs. High pressure, but rewarding.

The offshore oil & gas industry is cyclical based on oil prices. When oil is booming, jobs are plentiful and pay is high. When oil prices crash, hiring slows. But S-92 mechanics are always needed—helicopters still fly even during downturns.

Best for: 6116s who want heavy-lift helicopter work, like rotational schedules, and want to work on Sikorsky platforms similar to CH-53s.

Helicopter operators (EMS, utility, and heavy-lift)

Civilian job titles:

• Helicopter mechanic (heavy helicopters)
• Rotary-wing A&P mechanic
• EMS helicopter mechanic
• Utility helicopter mechanic
• Maintenance crew chief

Salary ranges:

• Entry helicopter mechanic: $62,000-$75,000
• EMS helicopter mechanic: $68,000-$83,000
• Heavy helicopter mechanic: $75,000-$92,000
• Crew chief / lead mechanic: $88,000-$105,000
• Director of Maintenance (small operator): $100,000-$125,000

What translates directly: Your CH-53 experience makes you overqualified for most civilian helicopters, which is a good problem to have. You've maintained a triple-engine, heavy-lift platform—civilian Bell 412s, Sikorsky S-76s, AW139s, Airbus H145s are simpler.

Companies actively hiring:

• EMS operators: Air Methods, PHI Air Medical, REACH, LifeNet, Med-Trans (flying medium and light helicopters)
• Utility operators: Erickson Incorporated (S-64 Skycranes—heavy-lift), Columbia Helicopters (heavy-lift)
• Helicopter services: Bristow, Era Group, PHI Inc.
• Tourism: Maverick, Papillon, Liberty (smaller helicopters but high volume)

Certifications needed:

• A&P license (required)
• Helicopter type training (provided by employer)
• Mountain/remote operations experience (your military deployments count)

Reality check: Civilian helicopter operators love hiring former CH-53 mechanics because:

• You understand complex rotor systems better than anyone
• You've worked heavy-lift ops (external loads, cargo hooks, sling operations)
• You can troubleshoot multi-engine systems
• You've maintained aircraft in austere environments with limited resources

EMS bases are typically in smaller cities (helicopters stationed near hospitals). Pay is solid but not contractor-level. However, many mechanics prefer the lifestyle—smaller teams, mission-focused work (EMS saves lives), and variety.

Best for: 6116s who want to continue helicopter work in mission-focused operations, prefer smaller teams, and want better work-life balance than contracting.

Commercial airlines (transition to fixed-wing)

Civilian job titles:

• Aircraft maintenance technician (AMT)
• Line maintenance mechanic
• Heavy maintenance mechanic
• Engine shop mechanic

Salary ranges:

• Regional airlines (entry with A&P): $62,000-$72,000
• Major airlines (entry with A&P): $70,000-$82,000
• Major airlines (5 years): $90,000-$108,000
• Senior mechanic with OT: $115,000-$145,000+

What translates directly:

• Multi-engine turbine engine experience (CH-53 has three T64 engines; airliners have two turbofan engines)
• Complex hydraulic systems
• Heavy aircraft structures and systems
• Phase inspections and scheduled maintenance
• Troubleshooting complex mechanical systems

Reality check: Airlines fly fixed-wing aircraft, not helicopters. You'll need to learn Boeing 737s, Airbus A320s, etc. But the fundamentals—turbine engines, hydraulics, electrical systems, structures—are the same.

Airlines provide extensive type-specific training (several months) to transition you from helicopters to fixed-wing. Your mechanical aptitude, troubleshooting experience, and systems knowledge transfer directly.

Why consider airlines:

• Highest pay ceiling (senior mechanics make $115K-145K+ with OT)
• Best benefits (flight privileges, 401(k), health insurance, pension at some carriers)
• Job stability (union protection, clear seniority-based promotion)
• Work anywhere (airlines operate in every major city)

Best for: 6116s willing to transition away from helicopters for maximum long-term earnings and benefits.

MRO facilities and Sikorsky service centers

Civilian job titles:

• Helicopter maintenance technician
• Sikorsky helicopter mechanic
• Component overhaul specialist
• Transmission specialist
• Engine overhaul technician

Salary ranges:

• Entry MRO helicopter mechanic: $60,000-$72,000
• Experienced Sikorsky mechanic: $75,000-$90,000
• Component specialist: $80,000-$98,000
• Lead / inspector: $90,000-$110,000

What translates directly:

• Complete helicopter teardown and build
• Component-level troubleshooting (transmissions, rotor heads, hydraulic components)
• Depot-level maintenance procedures
• Technical manual interpretation
• Precision mechanical work

Companies actively hiring:

• Sikorsky Customer Care Centers: Factory-trained maintenance on S-76, S-92, S-70 (military H-60/Blackhawk variants)
• StandardAero: Helicopter MRO (all makes/models)
• Vector Aerospace: Helicopter component overhaul
• Heli-One (CHC Helicopter): Full helicopter MRO services

Reality check: MRO work is shop-based, methodical, and detailed. You're performing depot-level overhauls, not flight line maintenance. Work hours are typically 40-50 hours per week with optional OT. More predictable schedules than flight operations.

Sikorsky Customer Care Centers specifically value CH-53 experience because the systems knowledge transfers directly to civilian Sikorsky platforms.

Best for: 6116s who want shop environments, regular schedules, and deep technical work on helicopter systems.

Skills translation table (for your resume)

Stop writing "Performed maintenance on CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters." Translate it into civilian-friendly, results-focused language:

Military Experience	Civilian Translation
CH-53E/K maintenance	Maintained world's largest and most complex rotary-wing aircraft; performed integrated maintenance on seven-blade rotor systems, triple-engine powerplants, and dual main transmissions
T64 engine maintenance	Troubleshot and maintained turboshaft engines; performed hot section inspections, engine changes, and power assurance checks on multi-engine heavy-lift helicopters
Main transmission maintenance	Performed inspections and maintenance on dual main transmission systems; conducted bearing inspections, oil analysis, and chip detection procedures
Seven-blade rotor system	Maintained advanced rotor systems; performed track and balance, blade fold operations, and dynamic component inspections on heavy-lift rotor assemblies
Heavy-lift operations	Supported external load operations exceeding 30,000 lbs; rigged cargo hooks, performed sling load maintenance, and ensured zero-defect heavy-lift capability
Hydraulic systems	Troubleshot and repaired triple-redundant hydraulic systems; maintained flight control actuators, servo systems, and utility hydraulics on complex rotary aircraft
Phase inspections	Conducted comprehensive phase maintenance inspections on heavy helicopters; identified and corrected discrepancies per technical directives

Use numbers: "Maintained 8-aircraft CH-53E squadron with 94% mission-capable rate," "Completed 200+ phase inspections," "Supervised team of 6 mechanics," "Managed $8M+ aircraft maintenance operations."

Emphasize complexity: Civilian employers need to understand that CH-53 maintenance is more complex than most civilian helicopters. Make that clear.

Certifications that actually matter

High priority (get these):

A&P License - Essential. Your CH-53 experience qualifies you for both Airframe and Powerplant. Cost: $1,025-1,425. Timeline: 3-6 months. This is your #1 priority upon separation.

FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License - Required for working on aircraft communication and navigation systems. Easy test, $35. Get this while studying for A&P.

Medium priority (career enhancers):

Sikorsky Type Ratings - If pursuing civilian Sikorsky work (S-76, S-92, S-70), type-specific training is valuable. Usually provided by employers, but your CH-53 background makes you a natural fit for Sikorsky platforms.

Heavy-lift and External Load Certifications - Your CH-53 sling load experience is valuable. Document it clearly. Some civilian operators (Erickson, Columbia Helicopters) specifically need heavy-lift qualified mechanics.

NDI (Non-Destructive Inspection) Certifications - Magnetic particle, dye penetrant, eddy current, ultrasonic. Valuable for component overhaul work. Cost: $3,000-6,000. Many employers provide this.

FAA Inspection Authorization (IA) - After 3 years with your A&P, pursue IA. Allows you to approve major repairs and perform annual inspections. Increases pay by $10K-20K annually.

Low priority (nice to have):

Bachelor's degree in Aviation Maintenance Management - Not required for mechanic work. Useful for Director of Maintenance or management transitions. Use GI Bill if interested, but doesn't affect mechanic pay.

Security clearance maintenance - If you have Secret or Top Secret clearance, maintain it. This keeps contractor opportunities open, especially lucrative OCONUS positions supporting CH-53 operations.

The skills gap (what you need to learn)

FAA regulatory environment: You're accustomed to NAVAIR instructions and NAMP. Civilian aviation operates under 14 CFR (FAA regulations), Airworthiness Directives, and manufacturer service bulletins. The regulatory framework is different but logical.

Civilian helicopter platforms: If you pursue civilian helicopter work, you'll learn new platforms (S-92, S-76, Bell 412, AW139). The fundamentals are identical to CH-53—turbine engines, rotor systems, transmissions, hydraulics. You'll learn platform-specific details through employer training.

Fixed-wing systems (if pursuing airlines): Airlines fly jets, not helicopters. You'll learn pressurization systems, swept-wing aerodynamics, turbofan engines vs turboshafts. Your A&P study covers this, and airlines provide months of type-specific training. Your troubleshooting skills and mechanical aptitude transfer directly.

Civilian maintenance tracking systems: You're used to NALCOMIS. Civilian aviation uses systems like CAMP, Traxxall, Veryon, or airline-specific software. Basic computer literacy required.

Customer interaction: Civilian aviation involves more customer interaction than military. You'll communicate with pilots, operations managers, and occasionally clients. Professional communication is important.

Real 6116 success stories

Jake, 29, former 6116 CH-53E plane captain → Sikorsky contractor (OCONUS)

Jake spent 7 years on CH-53Es, got out as a Sergeant. Immediately hired by Sikorsky as a field service rep supporting CH-53Es at an overseas Marine base. Makes $128,000 working OCONUS. Works 9 months deployed, 3 months off. Same aircraft, same work, triple the pay. Planning to do this for 5-7 years, then transition to civilian Sikorsky platforms or airlines.

Maria, 30, former 6116 CH-53E mechanic → Bristow Group S-92 mechanic

Maria did 6 years on Super Stallions. Got her A&P, hired by Bristow Group for offshore S-92 operations in Louisiana. Started at $74,000, now makes $91,000 after 4 years. Works 14-on/14-off rotational schedule. Loves the schedule (14 days off every month), good pay, and working on Sikorsky helicopters.

Chris, 32, former 6116 maintenance supervisor → United Airlines AMT

Chris got out after 9 years as a Staff Sergeant. Transitioned to United Airlines. Completed airline training program (4 months) to learn 737s and 777s. Started at $72,000, now makes $98,000 plus $25K OT after 5 years. Works in San Francisco. Full flight privileges, union benefits. No regrets leaving helicopters for fixed-wing—pays better and better career path.

Action plan: your first 90 days out

Month 1: Documentation and A&P prep

• Request NAVMC 10772 showing 6116 qualification and CH-53 training
• Collect training certificates (6116 school, CH-53E/K platform training)
• Gather maintenance logbooks documenting CH-53 airframe and powerplant hours
• Get letter from maintenance officer verifying comprehensive CH-53 maintenance experience
• Order ASA A&P test prep books (General, Airframe, Powerplant)
• Research local FSDO and schedule appointment
• Begin studying 2-4 hours daily

Month 2: FSDO and written exams

• Meet with FSDO inspector to determine A&P eligibility (you'll qualify)
• Continue studying (aim for 90%+ on practice tests)
• Take three written exams (General, Airframe, Powerplant)
• Take FCC General Radiotelephone exam
• Update resume and LinkedIn highlighting CH-53 heavy helicopter experience
• Research target employers:
  • Defense contractors (Sikorsky, StandardAero, Amentum, VT Group)
  • Offshore operators (Bristow, Era Group, PHI)
  • Helicopter operators (Air Methods, Columbia, Erickson)
  • Airlines (if interested in fixed-wing transition)

Month 3: O&P exam and job applications

• Schedule and pass Oral & Practical exam (you've got this—it's the same work you've done for years)
• Receive your A&P certificate
• Apply to 20-30+ positions:
  • Contractor roles (highest pay, especially OCONUS)
  • Offshore helicopter operators
  • EMS and utility helicopter companies
  • Airlines (if pursuing fixed-wing)
• Emphasize CH-53 experience in applications—it's your biggest selling point
• Network with former CH-53 maintainers (LinkedIn, Marine Corps Aviation Association, veteran groups)
• Attend veteran hiring events (Sikorsky and contractors actively recruit there)
• Follow up on applications after 1-2 weeks
• If pursuing contractor work, ensure your security clearance is current

Bottom line for 6116s

You've maintained the world's most capable heavy-lift helicopter. That's not an exaggeration—the CH-53E/K is the largest, most powerful, and most complex helicopter ever built.

Your experience with triple-engine powerplants, seven-blade rotor systems, dual transmissions, and heavy-lift operations makes you uniquely qualified for high-paying civilian helicopter careers.

The path forward is clear:

1. Get your A&P license (3-6 months, $1,025-1,425)
2. Target defense contractors for maximum pay ($100K-160K OCONUS supporting CH-53s)
3. Or pursue civilian heavy helicopters (offshore S-92s, utility operations, $68K-115K)
4. Or transition to airlines for long-term career growth ($70K-145K+)

You're not starting over. You're leveraging world-class helicopter experience in higher-paying sectors.

Your CH-53 background is gold. Go get paid what you're worth.

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Ready to start your transition? Use the career planning tools at Military Transition Toolkit to map your A&P pathway, research CH-53 contractor roles and helicopter employers, and build your heavy helicopter mechanic resume.