Vietnam -- Heliicopter Engine Repairman

Hundreds of Army missions depend on aircraft for transport, patrol and flight training. It's up to the members of the aircraft repair team to ensure that all Army aircraft remain safe and ready to fly. As an integral member of this team, the Aircraft Powerplant Repairer inspects, services and repairs Army helicopters and airplanes.

The Aircraft Powerplant Repairer is primarily responsible for supervising, inspecting and performing maintenance on aircraft turbine engines and components. Some of your duties as an Aircraft Powerplant Repairer may include:

• Remove, replace, service, prepare, preserve, clean and store engine assemblies or components
• Disassemble, repair, reassemble, adjust, diagnostically test turbine engine systems, subsystems and components according to directives
• Assist in troubleshooting engines and rigging engine controls
• Perform limited maintenance operational checks
• Use and perform user maintenance on common and special tools
• Requisition and maintain shop and bench stock for repair of aircraft engine
• Prepare requests for turn-ins and repair parts and engine components

• Training
• Helpful Skills
• Advanced Responsibilities
• Related Civilian Jobs
• Related Army Positions
• Civilian Certifications Earned

Training

Job training for an Aircraft Powerplant Repairer requires nine weeks of Basic Training, where you'll learn basic Soldiering skills, and 18 weeks, four days of Advanced Individual Training and on-the-job instruction. Part of this time is spent in the classroom and part in the field. Some of the skills you'll learn are:

• Engine disassembly and repair
• Repair of hydraulic, fuel and electrical systems
• Repair of aluminum, steel and fiberglass airframes and coverings
• Inspecting and repair of Aircraft engines and equipment

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Helpful Skills

Helpful attributes include:

• An interest in mathematics and shop mechanics
• An interest in work involving aircraft
• An interest in engine mechanics
• An ability to use hand and power tools

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Advanced Responsibilities

Advanced level Aircraft Powerplant Repairers provides guidance, supervises and trains other Soldiers within the same discipline. As an advanced level Aircraft Powerplant Repairer, you may also be involved in:

• Perform operational checks and scheduled inspections
• Diagnose and troubleshoot malfunctions in aircraft engines and subsystems
• Participate in maintenance test flights as required

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Related Civilian Jobs

The skills you'll learn as an Aircraft Powerplant Repairer will help prepare you for a future with aircraft manufacturers, commercial airlines and government agencies as an airframe or power plant mechanic.