You kept the F-18s flying.
Now get $80‑120K+ for it.
About 22,000 military mechanics separate every year. Only 1,500 ever get their A&P. The other 20,500 walk past six‑figure civilian jobs because no one ever showed them the paperwork.
VA separation data + FAA airmen registry, 2024.
Start Here: Check Your MOS/AFSC/NEC
If you worked on aircraft in the military, you already qualify. Find your rating.
| Code | Title | Branch | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2A3X3 | Tactical Aircraft Maintenance | ✈️Air Force | A&P |
| 2A5X1 | Aerospace Maintenance | ✈️Air Force | A&P |
| 2A5X2 | Helicopter/Tiltrotor Maintenance | ✈️Air Force | A&P |
| 2A6X1 | Aerospace Propulsion | ✈️Air Force | P only |
| 2A7X1 | Aircraft Structural Maintenance | ✈️Air Force | A only |
| 2A6X4 | Aircraft Fuel Systems | ✈️Air Force | A only |
| 2A6X5 | Aircraft Hydraulic Systems | ✈️Air Force | A only |
| 2A6X6 | Aircraft Electrical & Environmental | ✈️Air Force | A only |
| 2A3X1 | Avionics Systems | ✈️Air Force | A only |
| 2A3X2 | Avionics Systems | ✈️Air Force | A only |
| 2A5X3 | Integrated Avionics (Heavy) | ✈️Air Force | A only |
| 2A390 | Superintendent, Aircraft Maintenance | ✈️Air Force | Eval |
| 2A590 | Superintendent, Aerospace Maintenance | ✈️Air Force | Eval |
| AD | Aviation Machinist's Mate | ⚓Navy | P only |
| AM | Aviation Structural Mechanic | ⚓Navy | A only |
| AME | Aviation Structural Mechanic (Equipment) | ⚓Navy | A only |
| AE | Aviation Electrician's Mate | ⚓Navy | Eval |
| AT | Aviation Electronics Technician | ⚓Navy | Eval |
| AWF | Naval Aircrewman (Mechanical) | ⚓Navy | Eval |
| 6112-6218 | Fixed & Flying-Wing Mechanic (General) | 🦅Marine Corps | A&P |
| 6172-6276 | Fixed & Flying-Wing Mechanic (General) | 🦅Marine Corps | A&P |
| 6062 | Aircraft Maintenance (Airframe) | 🦅Marine Corps | A only |
| 6092 | Aircraft Maintenance (Airframe) | 🦅Marine Corps | A only |
| 6132 | Aircraft Maintenance (Airframe) | 🦅Marine Corps | A only |
| 6152-6258 | Aircraft Structural Mechanic | 🦅Marine Corps | A only |
| 6122-6227 | Aircraft Powerplant Mechanic | 🦅Marine Corps | P only |
| 15T | UH-60 Helicopter Repairer | ⭐Army | A&P |
| 15U | CH-47 Helicopter Repairer | ⭐Army | A&P |
| 15R | AH-64 Attack Helicopter Repairer | ⭐Army | A&P |
| 15B | Aircraft Powerplant Repairer | ⭐Army | P only |
| 15D | Aircraft Powertrain Repairer | ⭐Army | P only |
| 15G | Aircraft Structural Repairer | ⭐Army | A only |
| 15H | Aircraft Pneudraulics Repairer | ⭐Army | A only |
| 15N | Avionics Mechanic | ⭐Army | A only |
| 15F | Aircraft Electrician | ⭐Army | A only |
| 15Z | Aircraft Maintenance Senior Sergeant | ⭐Army | A&P |
| AMT | Aviation Maintenance Technician | 🛡️Coast Guard | A&P |
| AET | Avionics Electrical Technician | 🛡️Coast Guard | Eval |
The 18‑Month vs. 30‑Month Rule
Qualifies for a single rating. Airframe or Powerplant.
Qualifies for both ratings. Full A&P.
Time in military technical training schools doesn't count. Only actual maintenance duty.
FAA Order 8900.1, Vol. 5; AC 65-30B §6.
What's the Difference?
Fuselage, wings, landing gear, hydraulics, electrical, instruments.
~$60‑90K salary
Engines, propellers, fuel systems.
~$65‑95K salary
Full license. Everything above combined.
$80‑120K+ salary
Got one rating? You can add the other later. Get what you qualify for now, start working, finish the second one when you're ready.
You spent years on a flight line.
Somebody told you the only way to a civilian job was two more years of school.
They were wrong. Your time already counts. The paperwork is the part nobody explains.
$80–120K is the going rate.
Civilian A&Ps make $80–120K+ year one. You already have the skills. You're missing one piece of paper.
The VA pays the bill.
Test fees, DME costs, prep courses. File VA Form 22-0803 and the VA reimburses you. Most veterans pay $0.
Your time already counts.
14 CFR §65.77 says military maintenance experience qualifies you to sit for the A&P exams. You don't owe anyone two more years of school.
You did the work. Now go get paid for it.
Your roadmap is on the next page. Forms in the order they get filed. Contacts in the order you call them. The exact GI Bill paperwork that gets you reimbursed.
Data last verified April 2026. Ratings based on FAA Order 8900.1 Volume 5 and AC 65-30B. Always confirm with your local FSDO.