How to Get into the Aviation MRO Industry After the Military

The transition from military service to civilian life can be extremely challenging, regardless of the branch. For many veterans, the aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) industry offers an ideal career path after leaving the military. Veterans bring extensive hands-on experience and expertise, these are qualities that set them apart from most civilians.

At CorpGuidance Recruiting, co-owners Adam Levey and Michael Byrne served as United States Marine Corps Officers and are graduates of the U.S. Naval Academy. Adam and Michael work closely with candidates still on active duty to ensure they are ready to take their A&P exam by the time they are ready to exit the military.

As a veteran-owned company, CorpGuidance Recruiting specializes in connecting service members with aviation companies and guiding them through the transition process.

The Demand for Aviation Mechanics Is Growing

According to the 2024 ATEC Pipeline Report, “Although the mechanic workforce is growing, demand is expected to grow even faster, with the North American fleet projected to increase by about 20% over the next 10 years. In particular, a large wave of retirements will drive a 9% shortage in certificated mechanics to meet commercial aviation needs. This shortfall is projected to grow to nearly 20% by 2028.”

With this projected wave of retirees in the MRO industry, the demand for aviation mechanics is increasing rapidly! Making it the perfect time for veterans to transition into the civilian MRO industry.

Step by Step Guide to Earning Your A&P Certification with a Military Background

1. Understand FAA Requirements

If you are interested in getting into the MRO industry after exiting the military, start by visiting the FAA Mechanical Experience. Here, you can learn the requirements, regulations, testing required and policies.

One of these requirements is hands-on experience. According to the FAA, “Your documentary evidence must show that you meet the time requirements (18 or 30 months, as applicable) and during that time you gained actual experience with the procedures, practices, materials, tools, machine tools, and equipment generally used in constructing, maintaining, or altering airframes or powerplants, appropriate to the rating sought. The more documentary evidence you provide to the ASI, the better. (Please be advised that practical experience means actually performing maintenance. Time spent in training cannot be accepted for either the time or experience determination made by the FAA.)”

• Airframe OR Powerplant certification: 18 months of practical experience
• Airframe AND Powerplant (A&P) certification: 30 months of practical experience

Pro Tip: Track your time and tasks throughout your service. Document the specific aircrafts, systems, and repairs you’ve worked on to help prove your experience later.

2. Get Your 8610-2 Form

There are two ways to obtain your FAA Form 8610-2. The recommended method is through the Joint Service Aviation Maintenance Technician Certification Council (JSAMTCC) program. The second option is gathering your own training records which is generally not advisable because it can be disorganized and risky without the structure of the JSAMTCC program.

Option 1: The Joint Service Aviation Maintenance Technician Certification Council (JSAMTCC) program and it was created by the Department of Defense and the FAA to help military aviation mechanics earn their A&P certifications. This is usually the most inexpensive method for active duty military members to transition into civilian MRO roles. The program evaluates aviation-related specialties for all U.S. Military Branches of Service and gives credit to the experience in your military occupational speciality (MOS). It also evaluates and outlines the areas in which you still need to complete by gaining experience to qualify for the A&P certificate.

To enroll:

• Contact your branch’s JSAMTCC representative to request access
• The On-The-Job training program will document and verify your training experience
• Your training packet given back to you will outline any remaining areas you need to complete, you will need to cross train and network to gain those skills.
• After completing you OJT and passing a final quiz on the Air Force Canvas Site, your JSAMTCC representative will issue:

• Certificate of training
• 2 Copies of your 8610-2 form

Option 2: You can collect your own training records yourself and present them to an FAA inspector for approval. However, this method is often unorganized and it depends on the inspector accepting your documentation without the structure the JSAMTCC program provides.

Once you receive your 8610-2 form from your branch representative the next step is to apply at your local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO). This form verifies to the FAA that you have met all the requirements to sit for the written tests that are required to pass before moving on to the A&P oral, practical, and final exam.

3. Apply at Your Local FSDO

Once you have your Certificate of Training and 8610-2 forms, apply at your local FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO). This is where an Aviation Safety Inspector (ASI) will review and verify your documentation and experience.

To apply you must bring:

• Your certification of training and both 8610-2 Forms
• Documentation of training, qualifications, and experience
• A signed letter from your executive officer, maintenance officer or classification officer verifying:

• • Length of service

• • Types of aircraft/engines maintained

• • Specific tasks performed

• • Where the experience was obtained

Once a FAA inspector signs your two 8610-2 forms you will be allowed to take the three written tests: General, Airframe and Powerplant.

3A. Take a Prep Course (Optional, but Highly Recommended)

The DoD Cool site offers free training resources to active military to help prepare for these exams. COOL stands for “Credentialing Opportunities On-Line” and is available through each military branch! These branches include, Army COOL, Navy COOL, Marine Corps COOL, Coast Guard COOL, and DoD Civilian COOL. These sites help service members find certifications and licenses related to their military jobs.

4. Pass the FAA A&P Exams

You must pass the General, Airframe and Powerplant tests before taking the oral and practical tests with an FAA aviation maintenance examiner (AME).

After passing all three written tests and the oral & practical test with the AME you will receive your A&P certificate. As a certified A&P mechanic you are authorized by the FAA to work on FAA-certified aircraft.

Your Next Mission Starts Now

The transition from military to civilian can be daunting but the demand and the opportunity in the A&P industry has never been greater. Start early by documenting your experience and take advantage of programs like JSAMTCC to smooth your career path. At CorpGuidance Recruiting, a veteran-owned company, we understand your journey because we’ve lived it too. We work one-on-one with service members to help document experience, navigate the A&P certification process and connect with top MRO employers nationwide.

Your next mission starts here, contact us at CorpGuidance Recruiting at [email protected] or [email protected] to launch your aviation career after the military.

Important Note: We are not FAA licensing experts. Licensing requirements can change, please always refer to the FAA website for the most up-to-date information.