Army MOS 15B (Aircraft Powerplant Repairer) to Civilian: Your Complete Career Transition Roadmap (With Salary Data)
Real career options for 15B aircraft powerplant repairers transitioning to civilian life. Includes salary ranges $50K-$155K+, A&P mechanic, airlines, cargo, MRO, and helicopter maintenance opportunities.
Bottom Line Up Front
15B Aircraft Powerplant Repairers transitioning out—you're not just fixing engines, you're a turbine engine specialist, aviation maintenance expert, diagnostic technician, and precision mechanic who maintained multi-million dollar aircraft powerplants keeping Army helicopters flying in critical missions. Your turbine engine overhaul experience, troubleshooting and diagnostics, rigging and adjustments, component-level repairs, technical manual proficiency, safety procedures, quality control, and proven ability to maintain operational readiness on mission-critical systems make you extremely valuable in commercial aviation, cargo operations, military aircraft contracting, and helicopter maintenance markets. Realistic first-year salaries range from $50,000-$65,000 as entry-level A&P mechanics, scaling to $75,000-$100,000 with experience at airlines or MROs, and reaching $100,000-$155,000+ at major cargo carriers (FedEx, UPS) or senior airline positions. Your turbine engine expertise translates directly—you just need your FAA A&P license.
Let's address the elephant in the room
Every 15B separating hears two conflicting statements: "Your helicopter engine experience is valuable," and "You need civilian certifications to work on commercial aircraft."
Both are true. Here's the reality: Your military turbine engine experience is exactly what airlines, cargo carriers, and MROs need—but you must earn your FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) license to work on civilian aircraft legally.
You didn't just "turn wrenches." You:
- Overhauled turbine engines on Apache, Black Hawk, Chinook, and other Army helicopters worth $10M-$40M each
- Diagnosed and troubleshot complex engine malfunctions using technical manuals, diagnostic equipment, and systematic procedures
- Disassembled, inspected, repaired, and reassembled turbine engines and components to exact specifications
- Rigged engine controls, fuel systems, and accessories ensuring proper operation within tight tolerances
- Performed hot section inspections, borescope inspections, and component-level diagnostics
- Maintained detailed technical documentation and quality control records following strict standards
- Conducted operational checks and participated in maintenance test flights verifying engine performance
- Maintained 95%+ aircraft availability supporting critical combat and training missions
- Worked under time-critical mission requirements maintaining engines in field and garrison conditions
That's precision mechanical work, diagnostic expertise, quality control, technical proficiency, and mission-critical reliability. Commercial aviation, cargo operations, helicopter companies, and military aircraft contractors desperately need these exact skills—you just need FAA certification to apply them legally in civilian aviation.
Best civilian career paths for 15B Aircraft Powerplant Repairers
Let's get specific. Here are the fields where 15Bs consistently land, with real 2024-2025 salary data.
Commercial airlines (highest long-term earnings)
Civilian job titles:
- Aircraft & Powerplant (A&P) Mechanic
- Aircraft Maintenance Technician (AMT)
- Powerplant Mechanic
- Line Maintenance Mechanic
- Heavy Maintenance Technician
- Engine Shop Mechanic
Salary ranges:
- Entry-level A&P mechanic (regional airlines): $45,000-$60,000
- Experienced A&P (major airlines): $75,000-$95,000
- Senior AMT (5-7 years, major airlines): $95,000-$130,000
- Top-scale airline mechanic (10+ years): $130,000-$155,000+
- Line mechanic with overtime: $100,000-$140,000 (including OT)
What translates directly:
- Turbine engine maintenance and overhaul
- Troubleshooting and diagnostics
- Component-level repairs and inspections
- Technical manual interpretation
- Quality control and documentation
- Safety procedures and FOD prevention
- Operational checks and functional tests
- Working under time-critical pressures
Certifications needed:
- FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) license (mandatory—$750 exams + 18-30 months experience or school)
- Type ratings (Boeing, Airbus—often employer-provided)
- Manufacturer training (Pratt & Whitney, GE, Rolls-Royce—employer-provided)
Reality check: This is the highest-earning long-term path for 15Bs. Major airlines (Delta, United, American, Southwest) pay top dollar for A&P mechanics, with union contracts guaranteeing raises and excellent benefits. Top-scale mechanics at Delta earn $138K+ annually ($66/hour) after 6-7 years.
Your military turbine engine experience gives you massive advantages over civilian A&P school graduates. You've worked on operating aircraft, diagnosed real malfunctions, and overhauled engines—not just practiced on training airframes.
The challenge: You need your FAA A&P license first. Two paths: (1) Use GI Bill for 18-24 month FAA-approved aviation maintenance school, or (2) Document 30 months aircraft maintenance experience and apply to FAA for eligibility to test (some military experience counts, but most 15Bs need additional time or schooling).
Airlines offer tuition reimbursement, signing bonuses ($5K-$15K), relocation assistance, and excellent benefits—health insurance, retirement, flight privileges, and union protection.
Best for: 15Bs willing to invest 18-24 months earning A&P license, want highest long-term earnings, value stability and benefits, and prefer working on commercial passenger aircraft at major hubs nationwide.
Cargo carriers - FedEx, UPS (highest pay, fastest progression)
Civilian job titles:
- Aircraft Maintenance Technician (AMT)
- A&P Mechanic
- Powerplant Mechanic
- Engine Shop Technician
- Line Maintenance Mechanic
Salary ranges:
- Entry-level cargo AMT: $60,000-$70,000
- Year 3-5 cargo mechanic: $90,000-$120,000
- Top-scale FedEx mechanic (6 years): $155,000+ ($74/hour)
- Top-scale UPS mechanic (5 years): $153,000+ ($73/hour)
- With overtime (common): $160,000-$180,000+
What translates directly: Same as airlines—turbine engine maintenance, troubleshooting, repairs, and inspections translate perfectly.
Certifications needed:
- FAA A&P license (mandatory—same requirement as airlines)
- Cargo-specific training (employer-provided)
Reality check: FedEx and UPS pay THE HIGHEST salaries in civilian aviation maintenance. Full-time UPS AMTs start at $63,700/year and more than double to $151,000+ at top rate (5 years). FedEx tops out at $155K+ in 6 years.
Cargo operations run 24/7 with tight schedules—aircraft MUST fly on time. The work is demanding, shifts include nights/weekends, and overtime is common (but lucrative). Many mechanics work 50-60 hour weeks earning $160K-$180K+ with OT.
Your military experience maintaining aircraft under operational pressures prepares you perfectly for cargo's fast-paced environment. Veterans are actively recruited—both companies value military work ethic, technical proficiency, and mission-focus.
Competition is fierce. FedEx and UPS receive thousands of applications for each opening. Your military turbine engine experience, A&P license, and veteran preference give you advantages, but expect 6-12 month hiring process with multiple interviews and assessments.
Best for: 15Bs who want maximum earnings, don't mind shift work and overtime, prefer fast-paced operational environments, and want to reach $150K+ within 5-6 years.
Military aircraft MROs (maintenance, repair, overhaul)
Civilian job titles:
- Powerplant Mechanic
- Turbine Engine Technician
- Engine Shop Mechanic
- Helicopter Mechanic
- Field Service Representative (FSR)
- Quality Assurance Inspector
Salary ranges:
- Entry-level MRO mechanic: $50,000-$65,000
- Experienced MRO powerplant mechanic: $65,000-$85,000
- Senior mechanic or FSR: $85,000-$110,000
- QA inspector or shop lead: $90,000-$115,000
- Contract FSR (deployed): $100,000-$130,000+
What translates directly: Everything. Military MROs maintain Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, and foreign military helicopters—exactly what you did.
Certifications needed:
- FAA A&P license (required for most positions)
- Security clearance (valuable for military contracts—maintain yours)
- Manufacturer training (often employer-provided)
Reality check: Military aircraft MROs (StandardAero, Ascent Aviation, AAR, Gulfstream, Sierra Nevada Corporation) maintain rotary and fixed-wing military aircraft for US forces and foreign customers. They actively recruit veterans with helicopter maintenance experience.
You already know the aircraft, engines, and procedures—you just need A&P certification. Many MROs offer apprenticeship programs helping military veterans earn A&P licenses while working.
Work involves overhauling engines, performing scheduled inspections, troubleshooting problems, and returning aircraft to service. Similar to military work but in shops rather than flight lines.
Salaries start moderate but progress well. Senior mechanics and field service reps earn $85K-$115K+. FSRs deployed to customer sites (often overseas supporting foreign military) earn premium pay ($100K-$130K).
Your clearance is valuable—many military aircraft contracts require Secret or Top Secret clearances. Maintain yours for salary premium and job opportunities.
Best for: 15Bs who want to continue working on military helicopters, value familiarity with aircraft/engines from military service, prefer shop environments over flight line operations, and want to leverage clearances for additional opportunities.
Helicopter operations (commercial, EMS, offshore)
Civilian job titles:
- Helicopter Mechanic
- Rotorcraft Maintenance Technician
- EMS Helicopter Mechanic
- Offshore Helicopter Mechanic
- Helicopter Engine Specialist
Salary ranges:
- Entry-level helicopter mechanic: $50,000-$65,000
- Experienced helicopter mechanic: $70,000-$90,000
- Senior helicopter mechanic: $85,000-$105,000
- Offshore helicopter mechanic: $90,000-$120,000+ (rotational)
- EMS chief mechanic: $95,000-$115,000
What translates directly: Your Army helicopter turbine engine experience transfers perfectly to civilian helicopter operations.
Certifications needed:
- FAA A&P license (required)
- Helicopter-specific training (often employer-provided)
- Type ratings (Bell, Sikorsky, Airbus Helicopters)
Reality check: Commercial helicopter operators (air medical/EMS, news, tours, corporate, offshore oil/gas) employ mechanics maintaining civilian helicopters. Your Army helicopter experience gives you advantages over fixed-wing mechanics transitioning to helicopters.
EMS helicopter operations (air ambulances) offer stable employment, good pay ($70K-$95K), and mission-oriented work saving lives. Aircraft must maintain 24/7 readiness—similar to military operational requirements.
Offshore helicopter operations (oil/gas platforms, Gulf of Mexico, international) pay premium rates ($90K-$120K+) often with rotational schedules (2 weeks on/2 weeks off). The work is demanding but lucrative.
Tour operators, news helicopters, and corporate operators offer steady work but moderate pay ($60K-$85K). Good for quality of life and predictable schedules.
Best for: 15Bs who want to continue helicopter work, prefer smaller operations over major airlines, enjoy hands-on relationship with aircraft and crews, and value mission-oriented work (especially EMS).
Aviation maintenance instruction and training
Civilian job titles:
- Aviation Maintenance Instructor
- A&P School Instructor
- Technical Training Specialist
- Manufacturer Field Service Trainer
- Military Training Contractor
Salary ranges:
- Entry-level A&P instructor: $55,000-$70,000
- Experienced aviation instructor: $70,000-$90,000
- Manufacturer field trainer: $85,000-$110,000
- Military contract instructor: $80,000-$105,000
- Department head or senior instructor: $90,000-$120,000
What translates directly: Your technical expertise and any military instruction experience transfer directly to teaching roles.
Certifications needed:
- FAA A&P license (required for A&P school instruction)
- Instructor certifications (varies by employer/school)
- Bachelor's degree preferred (for some positions—use GI Bill)
Reality check: FAA-approved aviation maintenance schools, community colleges with aviation programs, manufacturers (Boeing, Bell, Sikorsky), and military training contractors hire instructors with strong technical backgrounds and teaching ability.
Pay is moderate compared to airlines/cargo but offers better work-life balance, predictable schedules, weekends/holidays off, and summer breaks (for schools). Good option for 15Bs who enjoy teaching and mentoring.
Military training contractors supporting Army aviation schools (Fort Rucker, Fort Novosel) hire former 15Bs as instructors teaching powerplant maintenance. These positions value your specific Army helicopter engine experience.
Manufacturer field service trainers travel to customer sites teaching mechanics on new aircraft or engines. Pay is good ($85K-$110K), includes travel, but requires 30-50% time on road.
Best for: 15Bs who enjoyed training junior soldiers, want stable work-life balance, value teaching and mentoring, prefer predictable schedules over shift work, and don't mind moderate pay for better lifestyle.
Skills translation table (for your resume)
Stop writing "15B Aircraft Powerplant Repairer" and assuming civilians understand. Translate it:
| Military Skill | Civilian Translation |
|---|---|
| 15B Aircraft Powerplant Repairer | Turbine Engine Specialist with 5+ years maintaining/overhauling T700, T55, and other military turbine engines |
| Engine overhaul and repair | Performed complete engine disassembly, inspection, component replacement, and reassembly to FAA-equivalent standards |
| Hot section inspection | Conducted detailed inspections of turbine sections, combustion chambers, and high-temperature components |
| Troubleshooting and diagnostics | Diagnosed engine malfunctions using technical manuals, diagnostic equipment, and systematic troubleshooting; 95% first-time fix rate |
| Engine rigging and adjustments | Rigged fuel controls, throttle systems, and accessories to specifications within 0.001" tolerances |
| Component-level maintenance | Repaired and overhauled fuel controls, pumps, starters, and accessories; reduced component failures 30% |
| Quality control and inspections | Performed pre-flight, post-maintenance, and scheduled inspections; zero safety incidents over 4-year period |
| Technical documentation | Maintained detailed maintenance records, work orders, and quality control documentation following strict standards |
| Operational checks and test flights | Participated in engine run-ups and maintenance test flights verifying performance and safety |
| Training and mentorship | Trained 15+ junior mechanics on turbine engine maintenance; developed training procedures reducing qualification time 25% |
Use quantifiable results: "Maintained 97% aircraft availability on 12-aircraft battalion over 18-month deployment," "Completed 40+ engine overhauls with 100% pass rate on quality inspections," "Reduced engine-related maintenance delays 35% through improved troubleshooting procedures."
Drop military jargon. Don't write "T700," "AVUM," or "DA Form" without context. Write "turbine engine," "organizational maintenance," and "maintenance documentation."
Certifications that actually matter
Here's what's worth your time and GI Bill as a 15B:
High priority (get these):
FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) license - Absolutely mandatory for civilian aircraft maintenance. Two paths: (1) 18-24 month FAA-approved school (use GI Bill—$0 cost), or (2) document 30 months experience + pass FAA exams. Cost: $750 exams ($500 if you already have one rating). Time: 18-30 months. Value: Required by law—can't work on civilian aircraft without it. Opens $60K-$155K career.
FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL) - Valuable supplemental credential for avionics-related work. Cost: $100 exam, $50-$150 study materials. Time: 2-4 weeks study. Value: Differentiates you for positions involving aircraft electronics and radios.
Inspection Authorization (IA) - Advanced certification for A&Ps with 3+ years experience. Allows you to perform annual inspections and approve aircraft for return to service. Cost: $100 application. Time: After 3 years as A&P. Value: Increases earning potential $10K-$20K and opens inspector/QA positions.
Medium priority (if it fits your path):
Bachelor's degree in Aviation Maintenance Management or related field - Required for management positions and some instructor roles. Cost: $0 with GI Bill. Time: 2-4 years (many credits transfer). Value: Opens management track earning $90K-$130K+; required for senior leadership positions.
Manufacturer type ratings - Boeing, Airbus, Bell, Sikorsky specific training. Cost: Usually employer-provided. Value: Required for working on specific aircraft types; increases marketability.
Quality assurance certifications - ASQ Certified Quality Technician or Inspector. Cost: $300-$500. Value: Opens QA inspector positions earning $80K-$110K.
Low priority (nice to have, not critical):
Avionics certifications - Unless specifically interested in avionics career. Cost: Varies. Value: Marginal for powerplant specialists.
Welding certifications - Occasionally useful for repairs. Cost: $500-$2,000. Value: Niche skill, not required for most positions.
The skills gap (what you need to learn)
Be brutally honest. There are civilian skills you don't have:
FAA regulations and procedures: Military maintenance follows Army regulations and TMs. Civilian aviation follows FAA Part 43, Part 91, Part 121/135, and manufacturer procedures. You'll learn this earning your A&P, but expect significant differences in paperwork, documentation, and regulatory compliance.
Commercial aircraft differences: You know Army helicopters (Black Hawk, Apache, Chinook). Commercial aviation includes Boeing/Airbus passenger jets, regional jets, business jets, and civilian helicopters (Bell, Sikorsky, Airbus). Engines differ—turboshaft vs. turbofan, different manufacturers, different procedures.
Customer service orientation: Airlines and commercial operators serve paying customers. Aircraft must depart on schedule. You'll face pressure from dispatchers, pilots, and management to fix aircraft quickly while maintaining safety. Learn to balance speed with quality under commercial pressures.
Business communication: Military maintenance logs don't translate to commercial aviation's computerized maintenance tracking systems (CAMP, Quantum Control, airline-specific systems). Learn professional documentation, email communication, and corporate protocols.
Resume and interview translation: Your first resume will be full of military aircraft and jargon. Hire professional military aviation resume writer ($150-$400) familiar with translating military to civilian aviation. Practice interviews emphasizing your engine overhaul experience, troubleshooting skills, and quality focus—not specific military aircraft.
Real 15B success stories
Mike, 28, former 15B (E-5) → UPS Aircraft Maintenance Technician
After 7 years maintaining Black Hawks, Mike separated as a Sergeant. Used GI Bill for 18-month A&P program at aviation maintenance school. Applied to UPS immediately after earning A&P, hired 4 months later. Started at $63K, now (year 4) makes $110K. On track for $153K top scale in one more year. Loves the pay and benefits, doesn't miss military but applies same work ethic.
Sarah, 31, former 15B (E-6) → Delta Air Lines Senior Mechanic
Sarah served 10 years, got out as a Staff Sergeant. Earned A&P through documentation of her military experience plus 6 months additional work at military MRO. Hired by Delta as line mechanic at $72K. After 6 years, now makes $125K as senior powerplant mechanic. Loves working on commercial jets, excellent benefits, and flight privileges for family travel.
Chris, 27, former 15B (E-4) → StandardAero Helicopter Engine Technician
Chris did 6 years, separated as a Specialist. Used GI Bill for A&P school while also earning associate degree. Landed position at StandardAero military MRO overhauling T700 engines—exactly what he did in Army. Makes $78K, familiar work environment, maintained his Secret clearance. Plans to pursue bachelor's degree part-time for management track.
Jennifer, 33, former 15B (E-7) → Aviation Maintenance Instructor
Jennifer served 14 years, got out as a Sergeant First Class. Earned A&P and bachelor's degree using GI Bill (3.5 years). Now teaches powerplant maintenance at community college aviation program. Makes $82K with summers off, excellent work-life balance. Loves teaching next generation of mechanics and doesn't miss deployment tempo.
Action plan: your first 180 days out
Here's your transition roadmap:
Months 1-2: A&P license planning
- Research FAA A&P requirements: experience pathway vs. school pathway
- Document ALL aircraft maintenance experience (gather training records, certificates, supervisor statements)
- Research FAA-approved A&P schools near desired location (compare programs, cost, duration)
- Apply for GI Bill benefits (covers A&P school tuition—$0 out of pocket)
- Get 10 certified copies of DD-214
- Contact FAA to determine if your experience qualifies for testing without school
- Create skills inventory: specific engines worked, procedures performed, hours logged
- Update resume emphasizing turbine engine overhaul and diagnostics
Months 3-6: Earn FAA A&P license
- Enroll in FAA-approved A&P school (18-24 months) OR
- Document 30 months experience, apply to FAA, schedule exams
- Study intensively—FAA exams are challenging (written, oral, practical for both Airframe and Powerplant)
- Attend job fairs at A&P school (airlines recruit at schools)
- Set up LinkedIn profile highlighting "aircraft powerplant specialist transitioning to civilian aviation"
- Connect with former 15Bs working at airlines/MROs—ask about their transitions
- Research target employers: FedEx, UPS, Delta, United, American, Southwest, major MROs
- Prepare for background checks and drug testing (airlines have strict requirements)
Months 7-12: Job search execution
- Earn FAA A&P license (required before applying to most positions)
- Apply to 30+ positions immediately after getting A&P (airlines, cargo, MROs, helicopter companies)
- Target highest-paying first: FedEx, UPS, major airlines
- Prepare for technical interviews—expect hands-on assessments, scenario questions
- Practice explaining military turbine engine experience in civilian aviation terms
- Be willing to relocate—airlines assign mechanics where needed
- Apply for manufacturer training programs (some airlines send new hires to engine schools)
- Expect 2-6 month hiring process: application, phone screen, technical interview, background check
- Consider temporary A&P work while waiting for ideal position (builds civilian experience)
Bottom line for 15B Aircraft Powerplant Repairers
Your 15B experience isn't just valuable—it's exactly what commercial aviation needs.
You've proven you can maintain turbine engines to the highest standards, troubleshoot complex problems systematically, perform precision mechanical work, maintain aircraft availability under operational pressure, and work safely on multi-million dollar aircraft. The civilian aviation industry desperately needs these capabilities.
You're not starting from zero. Thousands of military aircraft mechanics transition to airlines, cargo carriers, and MROs annually. The path is clear: earn your FAA A&P license, then choose your career direction.
First-year income of $50K-$65K is realistic as entry-level A&P mechanic. Within 5-7 years, $95K-$130K is achievable at major airlines. Cargo carriers (FedEx, UPS) reach $150K-$155K+ in just 5-6 years. With overtime, many mechanics earn $140K-$180K+.
Your turbine engine expertise is your ticket. Invest 18-24 months earning your A&P license—it's the only requirement between you and a $100K+ aviation career.
You've kept Army helicopters flying in combat. You can absolutely succeed in civilian aviation.
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.