MOS 6156 Helicopter/Tiltrotor Airframe/Powerplant/Hydraulics Branch Chief to Civilian: Your Complete Career Transition Roadmap (With Salary Data)

Bottom Line Up Front

As a Marine 6156 Helicopter/Tiltrotor Airframe/Powerplant/Hydraulics (APH) Branch Chief, you're a senior maintenance leader who manages the core mechanical and structural systems that keep rotorcraft flying. You've supervised large maintenance teams, managed phase inspections, coordinated complex repairs, and ensured squadron readiness across multiple aircraft types. That senior leadership experience combined with deep technical expertise translates directly into civilian aviation maintenance management, airline supervision, defense contractor leadership, and director of maintenance roles. With your FAA A&P license and proven management experience, realistic first-year salaries range from $70,000-$90,000, with maintenance managers and directors hitting $100,000-$145,000+. The civilian aviation industry desperately needs experienced maintenance leaders—your credentials put you at the front of the line.

Let's address the elephant in the room

Every 6156 researching civilian careers asks the same question: "How do I translate being a Branch Chief into something civilians understand?"

The answer: You're a maintenance manager with P&L responsibility, regulatory compliance, and team leadership—exactly what civilian aviation operations need.

Here's what matters: As a 6156 APH Branch Chief, you weren't just a wrench-turner. You managed:

Personnel: 10-30+ Marines across multiple shops (airframes, powerplants, hydraulics)
Programs: Phase inspections, corrosion control, structural repairs, engine changes
Compliance: NAVAIR technical directives, QA coordination, airworthiness standards
Resources: Work scheduling, parts requisition, tool control, maintenance flow
Readiness: Squadron aircraft availability, maintenance backlog management, mission support

That's operations management, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, supply chain coordination, and team leadership. Those are exactly the skills civilian Director of Maintenance, Maintenance Manager, and Chief Inspector roles require.

You didn't just "work on helicopters." As a 6156, you:

Supervised airframe, powerplant, and hydraulic maintenance sections
Managed phase inspection programs and heavy maintenance schedules
Troubleshot complex structural, engine, and hydraulic system failures
Coordinated with QA, avionics, ordnance, and production control
Maintained technical publications and engineering change compliance
Managed work-in-progress, parts flow, and maintenance prioritization
Trained and mentored junior NCOs and technicians
Ensured compliance with NAVAIR technical directives and airworthiness standards
Responded to emergent maintenance and aircraft-on-ground (AOG) situations
Briefed maintenance status to officers and senior leadership

That's senior-level maintenance management. Civilian aviation organizations pay premium salaries for people who can do this effectively.

Best civilian career paths for 6156

Let's get specific. Here are the fields where 6156s consistently land, with real salary data.

Director of Maintenance - Helicopter Operators (best leadership fit)

Civilian job titles:

Director of Maintenance (DOM)
Maintenance Manager
Chief Inspector
Quality Assurance Manager
Operations Manager (maintenance-focused)

Salary ranges:

Director of Maintenance (small operator, 3-8 aircraft): $85,000-$115,000
Director of Maintenance (medium operator, 10-25 aircraft): $100,000-$135,000
Director of Maintenance (large operator, 25+ aircraft): $120,000-$160,000
High-demand locations (Alaska, offshore, major metros): +$15,000-$25,000

What translates directly:

Managing maintenance teams and workflow
Regulatory compliance and FAA oversight
Phase inspection and heavy maintenance programs
Parts procurement and inventory management
Safety management and accident prevention
Budget responsibility and cost control
Personnel management and training programs
Coordinating with operations and flight crews

Certifications needed:

FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) license (absolutely required)
Inspection Authorization (IA) (required for most DOM positions)
Minimum 3 years A&P experience (you have equivalent military time)
Director of Maintenance training and certification (employer provides or you self-fund, $2,000-$5,000)

Reality check: The Director of Maintenance is the top aviation authority for Part 135 (charter/commercial) helicopter operators. You're legally responsible for airworthiness and regulatory compliance. It's serious responsibility—and serious pay.

Your military experience managing maintenance programs, coordinating with QA, and ensuring airworthiness compliance translates directly. You've done this job—just with NAVAIR instead of FAA regulations.

Major employers:

Air Methods / Global Medical Response (medical helicopters)
PHI / Bristow (offshore oil and gas)
Era Helicopters (Alaska operations)
Papillon / Maverick (tourism - Grand Canyon, Vegas, Hawaii)
Columbia Helicopters / Erickson (heavy-lift, firefighting)
Liberty Helicopters (NYC tours)
Corporate flight departments (private helicopter operations)

The work is meaningful—medical evacuations, critical infrastructure support, firefighting, search and rescue. Your leadership ensures aircraft are safe and missions succeed.

Best for: 6156s who want senior leadership roles with full P&L responsibility, regulatory authority, and the autonomy to run maintenance operations.

Airline maintenance supervision and management

Civilian job titles:

Maintenance supervisor
Hangar operations manager
Line maintenance manager
Base maintenance manager
Senior manager - maintenance operations
Director of maintenance (airline base)

Salary ranges:

Maintenance supervisor (line maintenance): $85,000-$110,000
Hangar operations manager: $95,000-$125,000
Base maintenance manager (major airline): $110,000-$145,000
Director of maintenance (airline base): $130,000-$170,000+
Plus shift differentials, overtime opportunities, and airline benefits

What translates directly:

Supervising large maintenance teams (20-100+ technicians)
Managing work flow and production schedules
Ensuring regulatory compliance (FAA instead of NAVAIR)
Coordinating multiple shops (airframe, powerplant, avionics, sheet metal)
Quality assurance and safety management
Budget management and cost control
Union contract administration and labor relations
Emergency response and AOG situations

Certifications needed:

FAA A&P license (required)
Airline-specific training (employer provides)
Management and leadership experience (you have this)
Bachelor's degree in Aviation Management or related field (increasingly preferred, can use GI Bill)

Reality check: Airlines operate 24/7 with hundreds or thousands of aircraft. Maintenance supervision requires managing teams, coordinating with operations, meeting FAA requirements, and keeping aircraft flying safely on schedule.

Your experience managing Marine squadron maintenance programs translates directly into airline supervision. The aircraft are different (fixed-wing instead of rotorcraft for most airlines), but the management challenges are identical.

Starting positions are typically Maintenance Supervisor or Lead Mechanic. Promotion to manager levels comes with 2-5 years of airline-specific experience and demonstrated leadership.

Major employers: American Airlines, Delta, United, Southwest, Alaska Airlines, JetBlue, Spirit, Frontier, FedEx, UPS, regional carriers.

Benefits: Flight benefits (free/reduced air travel), 401k matching, pension (some airlines), excellent healthcare, union representation, clear career progression.

Work schedule: Mix of shift work (as supervisor) and day work (as manager). Nights, weekends, and holidays are part of airline operations.

Best for: 6156s who want large-organization management, clear career progression, excellent benefits, and structured advancement opportunities.

Defense contractor maintenance management

Civilian job titles:

Maintenance Manager (military contracts)
Program Manager - maintenance operations
Quality Assurance Manager
Site Manager (OCONUS contracts)
Field Service Manager
Maintenance Training Manager

Salary ranges:

Maintenance Manager (CONUS): $90,000-$120,000
Maintenance Manager (OCONUS): $115,000-$160,000
Program Manager: $120,000-$165,000
QA Manager: $95,000-$130,000
Site Manager (deployed location): $130,000-$185,000+

What translates directly: Everything. You're managing maintenance operations on military helicopters—often supporting the exact Marine squadrons and aircraft you worked on.

Certifications needed:

Secret clearance (massive advantage if current)
A&P license (preferred but sometimes not required for military contract work)
Aircraft-specific experience (CH-53, MV-22, UH-1, AH-1)
Management experience (you have this)

Reality check: Defense contractors provide maintenance support to Marine Corps, Army, and Navy aviation worldwide. As a former 6156 Branch Chief, you know the aircraft, the maintenance programs, the operational tempo, and the culture.

Contractors hire former Marine maintenance chiefs specifically because you understand the mission and can hit the ground running.

Major employers:

Lockheed Martin (CH-53K, H-60 programs)
Bell Textron (V-22, H-1 upgrades)
Boeing (rotorcraft programs)
Northrop Grumman
DynCorp / Amentum
AAR Corp
StandardAero
Sikorsky (various programs)

OCONUS positions (Afghanistan, Middle East, Africa, Pacific) pay significantly more (40-70% premium) but involve 6-12 month rotations away from home.

Security clearance: Active clearance makes you immediately hireable. Contractors pay premium for cleared maintenance managers who can start without delay.

Best for: 6156s with active clearances who want to continue military aviation work at significantly higher pay, especially those willing to work OCONUS contracts.

MRO (Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul) management

Civilian job titles:

Production Manager
Operations Manager
Quality Manager
General Manager (MRO facility)
Director of Operations

Salary ranges:

Production Manager: $85,000-$115,000
Operations Manager: $100,000-$135,000
Quality Manager: $90,000-$120,000
General Manager (small/medium MRO): $120,000-$160,000

What translates directly:

Managing large-scale maintenance operations
Production scheduling and workflow management
Quality control and regulatory compliance
Personnel management (often 50-200+ employees)
Customer relations and contract management
Budget responsibility and P&L management

Certifications needed:

A&P license (required)
IA (Inspection Authorization) (highly valuable)
FAA Repair Station experience (employer provides)
Management experience (you have this)

Reality check: MRO facilities perform heavy maintenance, overhauls, and modifications that operators can't do in-house. Work includes airframe overhauls, engine overhauls, component repair, major modifications, and specialized work.

As a manager, you oversee production flow, quality assurance, customer deliveries, and financial performance. It's manufacturing management applied to aviation maintenance.

Major MRO employers:

AAR Corp (multiple facilities)
StandardAero
Duncan Aviation
Stevens Aviation
Air Center Helicopters (helicopter specialist)
Timco / Haeco Americas
Chromalloy (engine overhaul)

Work is typically day shift, climate-controlled facilities, less operational tempo than flight line operations.

Best for: 6156s who want large-scale operations management in structured, manufacturing-like environments with clear business metrics.

Corporate and business aviation management

Civilian job titles:

Director of Maintenance (corporate flight department)
Chief Inspector
Maintenance Manager
Aviation Manager

Salary ranges:

Director of Maintenance (small corporate fleet): $95,000-$130,000
Director of Maintenance (Fortune 500 company): $120,000-$165,000
Aviation Manager (full flight department responsibility): $140,000-$200,000+

What translates directly:

Managing all maintenance for corporate aircraft fleet
Regulatory compliance and FAA oversight
Vendor management and parts procurement
Budget development and cost management
Personnel management (small teams, 2-15 people)
Executive communication and customer service

Certifications needed:

A&P license (required)
IA (Inspection Authorization) (required)
Aircraft-specific experience (employer often provides type-specific training)

Reality check: Corporate flight departments support companies or high-net-worth individuals with their own aircraft. As Director of Maintenance, you're the aviation authority for the operation.

Fleet sizes range from 1-2 aircraft (small companies) to 10-20+ aircraft (Fortune 500 companies with global operations).

The work environment is professional, the pace is manageable, and you interact directly with executives and passengers. Customer service matters as much as technical competency.

Best for: 6156s who want autonomy, direct ownership of maintenance programs, and prefer smaller, more personal work environments with high-level visibility.

FAA Aviation Safety Inspector (government career path)

Civilian job titles:

Aviation Safety Inspector (Airworthiness)
Aviation Safety Inspector (Operations)
Lead Inspector
Principal Inspector

Salary ranges:

ASI (GS-12 entry): $85,000-$105,000
ASI (GS-13 with experience): $100,000-$125,000
Lead Inspector (GS-14): $120,000-$145,000
Plus locality pay (major metros add 20-35%)

What translates directly:

Technical knowledge of aircraft systems and maintenance
Regulatory compliance expertise
Inspection and quality assurance experience
Report writing and documentation
Investigation and analysis skills

Certifications needed:

A&P license (required)
Minimum 3 years maintenance experience (you have this)
U.S. citizenship
FAA-specific training (provided after hire)

Reality check: FAA Aviation Safety Inspectors conduct certification, surveillance, and oversight of airlines, repair stations, and aviation operators. You ensure operators comply with FARs and maintain airworthiness.

It's a federal job with excellent benefits, pension, job security, and nationwide opportunities. Work involves facility inspections, accident investigations, records reviews, and regulatory enforcement.

Veteran preference gives you significant advantage in federal hiring (5-10 points).

Best for: 6156s who want federal job security, excellent benefits, mission-focused regulatory work, and prefer government employment over commercial aviation.

How to get your A&P license (absolutely required)

As a 6156, your A&P license is non-negotiable for any senior maintenance management position. Here's your pathway:

Military experience route (recommended for 6156s)

The FAA allows military-trained mechanics to test for A&P using documented military experience.

Requirements:

30 months of practical maintenance experience (you have far more)
Documentation: DD-214, training certificates, maintenance logs, recommendation letter from officer or maintenance officer

Process:

Gather military documentation (training records, duty assignments, maintenance logs)
Schedule appointment with FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO)
FSDO inspector reviews your documentation and verifies eligibility
If approved, you receive authorization to test
Take three written tests: General, Airframe, Powerplant ($175 each, $525 total)
Pass oral and practical exams for Airframe and Powerplant ($600-$900 total)

Timeline: 2-6 months depending on documentation and test scheduling

Cost: $1,500-$2,500 total

Study resources:

ASA Test Prep books (General, Airframe, Powerplant)
Prepware app (practice tests)
King Schools A&P video course
Jeppesen A&P Technician Powerplant textbook

FAA-approved A&P school (if needed)

If documentation is difficult or you want structured preparation:

Timeline: 18-24 months full-time
Cost: $0 with GI Bill (normally $25,000-$40,000)
Advantage: Guaranteed eligibility, structured curriculum, job placement assistance

Most 6156s don't need this route—your military experience qualifies you.

Inspection Authorization (IA) - Your next credential

After 3 years of A&P experience, get your IA:

Required for Director of Maintenance positions
Allows you to approve major repairs and annual inspections
Written exam covering FARs and maintenance regulations
Cost: $100 exam fee
Study time: 40-60 hours

This credential is critical for senior leadership roles.

Skills translation table (for your resume)

Stop writing "6156 APH Branch Chief" on your resume. Translate into civilian management language:

Military Experience	Civilian Translation
6156 Airframe/Powerplant/Hydraulics Branch Chief	Senior Maintenance Manager – Aviation Airframe, Powerplant & Hydraulic Systems
Supervised airframe, powerplant, and hydraulics sections	Managed 15-30 maintenance technicians across multiple specialized shops
Managed phase inspection programs	Directed scheduled maintenance and heavy inspection programs ensuring airworthiness compliance
Coordinated with QA and production control	Collaborated with Quality Assurance and Maintenance Control on regulatory compliance and work scheduling
Maintained CH-53/MV-22/UH-1/AH-1 aircraft	Rotorcraft fleet management: airframe structures, turbine powerplants, hydraulic flight controls
Troubleshot complex mechanical failures	Diagnosed and resolved critical airframe, engine, and hydraulic system failures under operational deadlines
Managed maintenance supply and parts inventory	Supply chain management: $3M+ parts inventory with 97% availability and zero critical backorders
Ensured squadron mission readiness	Maintained 90%+ aircraft availability through effective maintenance program management
Trained and mentored junior NCOs	Developed and led technical training programs for maintenance supervisors and technicians
Responded to aircraft-on-ground situations	Led emergency maintenance response teams to restore aircraft to mission-capable status

Use leadership and management verbs: Managed, Directed, Supervised, Coordinated, Led, Implemented, Optimized, Achieved.

Quantify your impact: "Managed 25 technicians," "Maintained 12 aircraft," "Achieved 92% readiness rate," "Reduced maintenance backlog 35%," "Managed $3M inventory."

Emphasize regulatory compliance: "Ensured 100% compliance with NAVAIR technical directives," "Zero airworthiness discrepancies during QA audits."

Highlight program management: Your branch-level responsibility for phase inspections, corrosion control, and heavy maintenance programs is exactly what DOM positions require.

Certifications that actually matter

Here's what's worth your time and GI Bill:

Absolute must-have:

FAA A&P License - Non-negotiable. Opens every door. Cost: $1,500-$2,500 via military route or $0 with GI Bill. Value: Career essential.

Inspection Authorization (IA) - Required for Director of Maintenance positions. Cost: $100 exam after 3 years A&P experience. Value: Critical for senior roles.

High priority:

Bachelor's degree in Aviation Maintenance Management, Business, or Management - Increasingly required for senior management positions. Use GI Bill. Cost: $0 with GI Bill. Time: 2-4 years part-time. Value: Opens director and executive-level roles.

Director of Maintenance training and certification - Required for Part 135 DOM positions. Cost: $2,000-$5,000 for approved course. Value: Legally required for helicopter operator DOM roles.

SMS (Safety Management Systems) training - Modern aviation safety framework. Required knowledge for management. Cost: $500-$2,000. Value: Demonstrates current safety culture understanding.

Medium priority:

Project Management Professional (PMP) - Valuable for program management roles with defense contractors. Cost: $500-$3,000. Value: Opens program management track.

Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt - Process improvement methodology popular in MRO management. Cost: $1,000-$5,000. Value: Demonstrates continuous improvement skills.

Human Factors and CRM training - Crew Resource Management and human factors in aviation maintenance. Cost: $500-$1,500. Value: Important for safety-focused leadership.

Lower priority (nice to have):

Private Pilot License - Helps you understand flight operations. Not required. Cost: $8,000-$12,000. Value: Personal enrichment.

Advanced welding or NDT certifications - Specialty technical skills. Valuable for hands-on work but less important for management. Cost: $1,000-$5,000. Value: Keeps technical skills sharp.

The skills gap (what you need to learn)

Let's be honest about civilian differences:

FAA regulations vs. NAVAIR: You know NAVAIR technical directives and TI procedures. Civilian aviation follows FARs—different structure, same compliance mindset. Your A&P and IA study covers this comprehensively.

Business and P&L responsibility: Civilian operations focus heavily on cost control and financial performance. You'll need basic business acumen—budgeting, cost analysis, return on investment. Many managers get MBA or aviation management degrees.

Customer service mindset: Military focuses on mission. Civilian aviation balances safety, customer satisfaction, and profitability. You'll need to communicate with executives, clients, and passengers with diplomacy.

Union relations: If managing airline or union shops, you'll deal with collective bargaining agreements, grievance procedures, and labor relations. Different from military leadership.

Marketing and business development: Some roles (corporate aviation, MRO management) require client relations and business development skills. Not technical work—relationship building.

Computer systems: Civilian maintenance uses computerized tracking (CAMP, Traxxall, SAP, others). You'll adapt quickly—user-friendly systems.

Real 6156 success stories

Robert, 33, former 6156 at MCAS Miramar → Director of Maintenance for medical helicopter operator

After 10 years managing airframe shops on CH-53Es, Robert got out as a Staff Sergeant. Tested for A&P (passed first try), got IA after 3 years working as helicopter mechanic. Promoted to Director of Maintenance for Air Methods base in Arizona. Manages 8 EC135 helicopters and 12-person maintenance team. Makes $122,000. Loves the life-saving mission and leadership responsibility.

Amanda, 31, former 6156 with V-22 experience → Maintenance Manager for Bell contractor

Amanda spent 8 years on Osprey APH maintenance. Got out as a Sergeant, immediately hired by Bell supporting V-22 program at MCAS New River as contractor. Started as Lead Mechanic, promoted to Maintenance Manager after 4 years. Makes $135,000 managing contractor maintenance team. Uses clearance and Osprey expertise daily.

Chris, 36, former 6156 → Base Maintenance Manager at United Airlines

Chris did 12 years maintaining Marine helicopters, got out as a Gunnery Sergeant. Got A&P, started at United as AMT in San Francisco. Promoted to Lead Mechanic after 2 years, then Supervisor after 4 years, now Base Maintenance Manager after 8 years total. Makes $142,000 managing hangar operations for widebody maintenance. On track for Director level.

Action plan: your first 90 days out

Here's your transition roadmap:

Month 1: A&P preparation and documentation

Request military training records and maintenance documentation
Get 10 copies of DD-214
Contact local FAA FSDO to discuss A&P testing eligibility
Purchase A&P study materials (ASA books, Prepware app)
Begin studying for written exams (2 hours daily)
Update resume emphasizing leadership and management experience
Research target sectors (helicopters, airlines, contractors)

Month 2: Testing and applications

Complete all three A&P written exams
Schedule oral and practical exams with DME
Apply to 20-30 positions (Director of Maintenance, Maintenance Manager, Supervisor roles)
Join LinkedIn aviation management groups
Network with other veteran maintenance managers
Research top employers and company cultures
Prepare for interviews emphasizing leadership examples

Month 3: Interviews and networking

Complete A&P oral and practical exams
Practice interview questions about leadership, problem-solving, and regulatory compliance
Prepare specific examples: personnel management, emergent maintenance, safety improvements
Follow up on applications
Attend aviation industry events or job fairs
Consider interim positions (Lead Mechanic, Supervisor) if DOM roles take time
Begin planning IA certification (after 3 years A&P)

Bottom line for 6156s

Your senior maintenance leadership experience is exactly what civilian aviation desperately needs.

You've managed complex maintenance programs, supervised large teams, ensured regulatory compliance, coordinated across multiple shops, and maintained mission readiness under pressure. Those are textbook qualifications for civilian Director of Maintenance and Maintenance Manager positions.

The civilian aviation industry has a critical shortage of qualified maintenance leaders. Operators need managers who understand both the technical work and how to lead teams effectively—exactly your background.

First-year salaries of $70K-$90K are realistic in supervisor roles. Within 3-5 years, Director of Maintenance positions paying $100K-$145K+ are very achievable with your experience level.

Get your A&P license (via military experience route), then your IA after 3 years. Those two credentials plus your proven leadership experience make you immediately qualified for senior management roles.

Don't settle for entry-level mechanic positions. You're a maintenance manager—market yourself as one. Target Director of Maintenance, Maintenance Manager, and senior supervisor roles from the start.

Thousands of Marine maintenance chiefs have made this transition successfully. The path is proven and the demand is real.

Your leadership skills are your differentiator. Civilian aviation needs experienced managers who can run maintenance operations safely, efficiently, and in compliance with regulations.

That's exactly what you've been doing. Now get paid what you're worth.

Ready to build your transition plan? Use the career planning tools at Military Transition Toolkit to map your skills, research salaries, and track your certifications.

Bottom Line Up Front

Let's address the elephant in the room

Every 6156 researching civilian careers asks the same question: "How do I translate being a Branch Chief into something civilians understand?"

The answer: You're a maintenance manager with P&L responsibility, regulatory compliance, and team leadership—exactly what civilian aviation operations need.

Here's what matters: As a 6156 APH Branch Chief, you weren't just a wrench-turner. You managed:

Personnel: 10-30+ Marines across multiple shops (airframes, powerplants, hydraulics)
Programs: Phase inspections, corrosion control, structural repairs, engine changes
Compliance: NAVAIR technical directives, QA coordination, airworthiness standards
Resources: Work scheduling, parts requisition, tool control, maintenance flow
Readiness: Squadron aircraft availability, maintenance backlog management, mission support

You didn't just "work on helicopters." As a 6156, you:

Supervised airframe, powerplant, and hydraulic maintenance sections
Managed phase inspection programs and heavy maintenance schedules
Troubleshot complex structural, engine, and hydraulic system failures
Coordinated with QA, avionics, ordnance, and production control
Maintained technical publications and engineering change compliance
Managed work-in-progress, parts flow, and maintenance prioritization
Trained and mentored junior NCOs and technicians
Ensured compliance with NAVAIR technical directives and airworthiness standards
Responded to emergent maintenance and aircraft-on-ground (AOG) situations
Briefed maintenance status to officers and senior leadership

That's senior-level maintenance management. Civilian aviation organizations pay premium salaries for people who can do this effectively.

Best civilian career paths for 6156

Let's get specific. Here are the fields where 6156s consistently land, with real salary data.

Director of Maintenance - Helicopter Operators (best leadership fit)

Civilian job titles:

Director of Maintenance (DOM)
Maintenance Manager
Chief Inspector
Quality Assurance Manager
Operations Manager (maintenance-focused)

Salary ranges:

Director of Maintenance (small operator, 3-8 aircraft): $85,000-$115,000
Director of Maintenance (medium operator, 10-25 aircraft): $100,000-$135,000
Director of Maintenance (large operator, 25+ aircraft): $120,000-$160,000
High-demand locations (Alaska, offshore, major metros): +$15,000-$25,000

What translates directly:

Managing maintenance teams and workflow
Regulatory compliance and FAA oversight
Phase inspection and heavy maintenance programs
Parts procurement and inventory management
Safety management and accident prevention
Budget responsibility and cost control
Personnel management and training programs
Coordinating with operations and flight crews

Certifications needed:

FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) license (absolutely required)
Inspection Authorization (IA) (required for most DOM positions)
Minimum 3 years A&P experience (you have equivalent military time)
Director of Maintenance training and certification (employer provides or you self-fund, $2,000-$5,000)

Major employers:

Air Methods / Global Medical Response (medical helicopters)
PHI / Bristow (offshore oil and gas)
Era Helicopters (Alaska operations)
Papillon / Maverick (tourism - Grand Canyon, Vegas, Hawaii)
Columbia Helicopters / Erickson (heavy-lift, firefighting)
Liberty Helicopters (NYC tours)
Corporate flight departments (private helicopter operations)

The work is meaningful—medical evacuations, critical infrastructure support, firefighting, search and rescue. Your leadership ensures aircraft are safe and missions succeed.

Best for: 6156s who want senior leadership roles with full P&L responsibility, regulatory authority, and the autonomy to run maintenance operations.

Airline maintenance supervision and management

Civilian job titles:

Maintenance supervisor
Hangar operations manager
Line maintenance manager
Base maintenance manager
Senior manager - maintenance operations
Director of maintenance (airline base)

Salary ranges:

Maintenance supervisor (line maintenance): $85,000-$110,000
Hangar operations manager: $95,000-$125,000
Base maintenance manager (major airline): $110,000-$145,000
Director of maintenance (airline base): $130,000-$170,000+
Plus shift differentials, overtime opportunities, and airline benefits

What translates directly:

Supervising large maintenance teams (20-100+ technicians)
Managing work flow and production schedules
Ensuring regulatory compliance (FAA instead of NAVAIR)
Coordinating multiple shops (airframe, powerplant, avionics, sheet metal)
Quality assurance and safety management
Budget management and cost control
Union contract administration and labor relations
Emergency response and AOG situations

Certifications needed:

FAA A&P license (required)
Airline-specific training (employer provides)
Management and leadership experience (you have this)
Bachelor's degree in Aviation Management or related field (increasingly preferred, can use GI Bill)

Starting positions are typically Maintenance Supervisor or Lead Mechanic. Promotion to manager levels comes with 2-5 years of airline-specific experience and demonstrated leadership.

Major employers: American Airlines, Delta, United, Southwest, Alaska Airlines, JetBlue, Spirit, Frontier, FedEx, UPS, regional carriers.

Benefits: Flight benefits (free/reduced air travel), 401k matching, pension (some airlines), excellent healthcare, union representation, clear career progression.

Work schedule: Mix of shift work (as supervisor) and day work (as manager). Nights, weekends, and holidays are part of airline operations.

Best for: 6156s who want large-organization management, clear career progression, excellent benefits, and structured advancement opportunities.

Defense contractor maintenance management

Civilian job titles:

Maintenance Manager (military contracts)
Program Manager - maintenance operations
Quality Assurance Manager
Site Manager (OCONUS contracts)
Field Service Manager
Maintenance Training Manager

Salary ranges:

Maintenance Manager (CONUS): $90,000-$120,000
Maintenance Manager (OCONUS): $115,000-$160,000
Program Manager: $120,000-$165,000
QA Manager: $95,000-$130,000
Site Manager (deployed location): $130,000-$185,000+

What translates directly: Everything. You're managing maintenance operations on military helicopters—often supporting the exact Marine squadrons and aircraft you worked on.

Certifications needed:

Secret clearance (massive advantage if current)
A&P license (preferred but sometimes not required for military contract work)
Aircraft-specific experience (CH-53, MV-22, UH-1, AH-1)
Management experience (you have this)

Contractors hire former Marine maintenance chiefs specifically because you understand the mission and can hit the ground running.

Major employers:

Lockheed Martin (CH-53K, H-60 programs)
Bell Textron (V-22, H-1 upgrades)
Boeing (rotorcraft programs)
Northrop Grumman
DynCorp / Amentum
AAR Corp
StandardAero
Sikorsky (various programs)

OCONUS positions (Afghanistan, Middle East, Africa, Pacific) pay significantly more (40-70% premium) but involve 6-12 month rotations away from home.

Security clearance: Active clearance makes you immediately hireable. Contractors pay premium for cleared maintenance managers who can start without delay.

Best for: 6156s with active clearances who want to continue military aviation work at significantly higher pay, especially those willing to work OCONUS contracts.

MRO (Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul) management

Civilian job titles:

Production Manager
Operations Manager
Quality Manager
General Manager (MRO facility)
Director of Operations

Salary ranges:

Production Manager: $85,000-$115,000
Operations Manager: $100,000-$135,000
Quality Manager: $90,000-$120,000
General Manager (small/medium MRO): $120,000-$160,000

What translates directly:

Managing large-scale maintenance operations
Production scheduling and workflow management
Quality control and regulatory compliance
Personnel management (often 50-200+ employees)
Customer relations and contract management
Budget responsibility and P&L management

Certifications needed:

A&P license (required)
IA (Inspection Authorization) (highly valuable)
FAA Repair Station experience (employer provides)
Management experience (you have this)

As a manager, you oversee production flow, quality assurance, customer deliveries, and financial performance. It's manufacturing management applied to aviation maintenance.

Major MRO employers:

AAR Corp (multiple facilities)
StandardAero
Duncan Aviation
Stevens Aviation
Air Center Helicopters (helicopter specialist)
Timco / Haeco Americas
Chromalloy (engine overhaul)

Work is typically day shift, climate-controlled facilities, less operational tempo than flight line operations.

Best for: 6156s who want large-scale operations management in structured, manufacturing-like environments with clear business metrics.

Corporate and business aviation management

Civilian job titles:

Director of Maintenance (corporate flight department)
Chief Inspector
Maintenance Manager
Aviation Manager

Salary ranges:

Director of Maintenance (small corporate fleet): $95,000-$130,000
Director of Maintenance (Fortune 500 company): $120,000-$165,000
Aviation Manager (full flight department responsibility): $140,000-$200,000+

What translates directly:

Managing all maintenance for corporate aircraft fleet
Regulatory compliance and FAA oversight
Vendor management and parts procurement
Budget development and cost management
Personnel management (small teams, 2-15 people)
Executive communication and customer service

Certifications needed:

A&P license (required)
IA (Inspection Authorization) (required)
Aircraft-specific experience (employer often provides type-specific training)

Reality check: Corporate flight departments support companies or high-net-worth individuals with their own aircraft. As Director of Maintenance, you're the aviation authority for the operation.

Fleet sizes range from 1-2 aircraft (small companies) to 10-20+ aircraft (Fortune 500 companies with global operations).

The work environment is professional, the pace is manageable, and you interact directly with executives and passengers. Customer service matters as much as technical competency.

Best for: 6156s who want autonomy, direct ownership of maintenance programs, and prefer smaller, more personal work environments with high-level visibility.

FAA Aviation Safety Inspector (government career path)

Civilian job titles:

Aviation Safety Inspector (Airworthiness)
Aviation Safety Inspector (Operations)
Lead Inspector
Principal Inspector

Salary ranges:

ASI (GS-12 entry): $85,000-$105,000
ASI (GS-13 with experience): $100,000-$125,000
Lead Inspector (GS-14): $120,000-$145,000
Plus locality pay (major metros add 20-35%)

What translates directly:

Technical knowledge of aircraft systems and maintenance
Regulatory compliance expertise
Inspection and quality assurance experience
Report writing and documentation
Investigation and analysis skills

Certifications needed:

A&P license (required)
Minimum 3 years maintenance experience (you have this)
U.S. citizenship
FAA-specific training (provided after hire)

Veteran preference gives you significant advantage in federal hiring (5-10 points).

Best for: 6156s who want federal job security, excellent benefits, mission-focused regulatory work, and prefer government employment over commercial aviation.

How to get your A&P license (absolutely required)

As a 6156, your A&P license is non-negotiable for any senior maintenance management position. Here's your pathway:

Military experience route (recommended for 6156s)

The FAA allows military-trained mechanics to test for A&P using documented military experience.

Requirements:

30 months of practical maintenance experience (you have far more)
Documentation: DD-214, training certificates, maintenance logs, recommendation letter from officer or maintenance officer

Process:

Gather military documentation (training records, duty assignments, maintenance logs)
Schedule appointment with FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO)
FSDO inspector reviews your documentation and verifies eligibility
If approved, you receive authorization to test
Take three written tests: General, Airframe, Powerplant ($175 each, $525 total)
Pass oral and practical exams for Airframe and Powerplant ($600-$900 total)

Timeline: 2-6 months depending on documentation and test scheduling

Cost: $1,500-$2,500 total

Study resources:

ASA Test Prep books (General, Airframe, Powerplant)
Prepware app (practice tests)
King Schools A&P video course
Jeppesen A&P Technician Powerplant textbook

FAA-approved A&P school (if needed)

If documentation is difficult or you want structured preparation:

Timeline: 18-24 months full-time
Cost: $0 with GI Bill (normally $25,000-$40,000)
Advantage: Guaranteed eligibility, structured curriculum, job placement assistance

Most 6156s don't need this route—your military experience qualifies you.

Inspection Authorization (IA) - Your next credential

After 3 years of A&P experience, get your IA:

Required for Director of Maintenance positions
Allows you to approve major repairs and annual inspections
Written exam covering FARs and maintenance regulations
Cost: $100 exam fee
Study time: 40-60 hours

This credential is critical for senior leadership roles.

Skills translation table (for your resume)

Stop writing "6156 APH Branch Chief" on your resume. Translate into civilian management language:

Military Experience	Civilian Translation
6156 Airframe/Powerplant/Hydraulics Branch Chief	Senior Maintenance Manager – Aviation Airframe, Powerplant & Hydraulic Systems
Supervised airframe, powerplant, and hydraulics sections	Managed 15-30 maintenance technicians across multiple specialized shops
Managed phase inspection programs	Directed scheduled maintenance and heavy inspection programs ensuring airworthiness compliance
Coordinated with QA and production control	Collaborated with Quality Assurance and Maintenance Control on regulatory compliance and work scheduling
Maintained CH-53/MV-22/UH-1/AH-1 aircraft	Rotorcraft fleet management: airframe structures, turbine powerplants, hydraulic flight controls
Troubleshot complex mechanical failures	Diagnosed and resolved critical airframe, engine, and hydraulic system failures under operational deadlines
Managed maintenance supply and parts inventory	Supply chain management: $3M+ parts inventory with 97% availability and zero critical backorders
Ensured squadron mission readiness	Maintained 90%+ aircraft availability through effective maintenance program management
Trained and mentored junior NCOs	Developed and led technical training programs for maintenance supervisors and technicians
Responded to aircraft-on-ground situations	Led emergency maintenance response teams to restore aircraft to mission-capable status

Use leadership and management verbs: Managed, Directed, Supervised, Coordinated, Led, Implemented, Optimized, Achieved.

Quantify your impact: "Managed 25 technicians," "Maintained 12 aircraft," "Achieved 92% readiness rate," "Reduced maintenance backlog 35%," "Managed $3M inventory."

Emphasize regulatory compliance: "Ensured 100% compliance with NAVAIR technical directives," "Zero airworthiness discrepancies during QA audits."

Highlight program management: Your branch-level responsibility for phase inspections, corrosion control, and heavy maintenance programs is exactly what DOM positions require.

Certifications that actually matter

Here's what's worth your time and GI Bill:

Absolute must-have:

FAA A&P License - Non-negotiable. Opens every door. Cost: $1,500-$2,500 via military route or $0 with GI Bill. Value: Career essential.

Inspection Authorization (IA) - Required for Director of Maintenance positions. Cost: $100 exam after 3 years A&P experience. Value: Critical for senior roles.

High priority:

Director of Maintenance training and certification - Required for Part 135 DOM positions. Cost: $2,000-$5,000 for approved course. Value: Legally required for helicopter operator DOM roles.

SMS (Safety Management Systems) training - Modern aviation safety framework. Required knowledge for management. Cost: $500-$2,000. Value: Demonstrates current safety culture understanding.

Medium priority:

Project Management Professional (PMP) - Valuable for program management roles with defense contractors. Cost: $500-$3,000. Value: Opens program management track.

Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt - Process improvement methodology popular in MRO management. Cost: $1,000-$5,000. Value: Demonstrates continuous improvement skills.

Human Factors and CRM training - Crew Resource Management and human factors in aviation maintenance. Cost: $500-$1,500. Value: Important for safety-focused leadership.

Lower priority (nice to have):

Private Pilot License - Helps you understand flight operations. Not required. Cost: $8,000-$12,000. Value: Personal enrichment.

Advanced welding or NDT certifications - Specialty technical skills. Valuable for hands-on work but less important for management. Cost: $1,000-$5,000. Value: Keeps technical skills sharp.

The skills gap (what you need to learn)

Let's be honest about civilian differences:

Union relations: If managing airline or union shops, you'll deal with collective bargaining agreements, grievance procedures, and labor relations. Different from military leadership.

Marketing and business development: Some roles (corporate aviation, MRO management) require client relations and business development skills. Not technical work—relationship building.

Computer systems: Civilian maintenance uses computerized tracking (CAMP, Traxxall, SAP, others). You'll adapt quickly—user-friendly systems.

Real 6156 success stories

Robert, 33, former 6156 at MCAS Miramar → Director of Maintenance for medical helicopter operator

Amanda, 31, former 6156 with V-22 experience → Maintenance Manager for Bell contractor

Chris, 36, former 6156 → Base Maintenance Manager at United Airlines

Action plan: your first 90 days out

Here's your transition roadmap:

Month 1: A&P preparation and documentation

Request military training records and maintenance documentation
Get 10 copies of DD-214
Contact local FAA FSDO to discuss A&P testing eligibility
Purchase A&P study materials (ASA books, Prepware app)
Begin studying for written exams (2 hours daily)
Update resume emphasizing leadership and management experience
Research target sectors (helicopters, airlines, contractors)

Month 2: Testing and applications

Complete all three A&P written exams
Schedule oral and practical exams with DME
Apply to 20-30 positions (Director of Maintenance, Maintenance Manager, Supervisor roles)
Join LinkedIn aviation management groups
Network with other veteran maintenance managers
Research top employers and company cultures
Prepare for interviews emphasizing leadership examples

Month 3: Interviews and networking

Complete A&P oral and practical exams
Practice interview questions about leadership, problem-solving, and regulatory compliance
Prepare specific examples: personnel management, emergent maintenance, safety improvements
Follow up on applications
Attend aviation industry events or job fairs
Consider interim positions (Lead Mechanic, Supervisor) if DOM roles take time
Begin planning IA certification (after 3 years A&P)

Bottom line for 6156s

Your senior maintenance leadership experience is exactly what civilian aviation desperately needs.

First-year salaries of $70K-$90K are realistic in supervisor roles. Within 3-5 years, Director of Maintenance positions paying $100K-$145K+ are very achievable with your experience level.

Thousands of Marine maintenance chiefs have made this transition successfully. The path is proven and the demand is real.

Your leadership skills are your differentiator. Civilian aviation needs experienced managers who can run maintenance operations safely, efficiently, and in compliance with regulations.

That's exactly what you've been doing. Now get paid what you're worth.

Ready to build your transition plan? Use the career planning tools at Military Transition Toolkit to map your skills, research salaries, and track your certifications.