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Air Force AFSC · Aviation

2A3X3 Tactical Aircraft Maintenance

Current service use not established

This code is listed in the directory. Inclusion alone does not confirm current service use.

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Overview

A Tactical Aircraft Maintenance specialist maintains every component of tactical aircraft, including fighters, strike fighters, and attack planes. The specialist keeps assigned aircraft ready to fly so pilots can complete missions safely and effectively.

Minimum clearance: Secret

Minimum ASVAB: M 47

ASVAB policy: Not policy-reviewed · coverage unknown · as of 2026-10-19

Program scope has not been reviewed.

Policy applicability and coverage of the program's score routes have not been reviewed. Shown-route arithmetic is not an eligibility decision.

Source: dafecd-atch4-2025-10-31 (source date 2025-10). Policy applicability has not been established.

See if you would hit this score: free ASVAB practice test

Skill levels: 2A313 helper · 2A333 apprentice · 2A353 journeyman · 2A373 craftsman

Core Skills

  • Engine and hydraulic system troubleshooting
  • Functional testing of repaired aircraft systems
  • Aircraft system alignment and rigging
  • Component clearance and tolerance inspections

Civilian Career Paths

Career associations are editorial assessments of the cited evidence, not an official crosswalk unless the evidence explicitly says so. O*NET supplies civilian occupation information, not proof of a military match. Related experience does not confer civilian qualifications. Tasks and tools below describe civilian work, not military training.

Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians

Engine and hydraulic maintenance, component inspections, and maintenance-record review transfer directly to civilian aircraft repair work.

How to prepare: Organize documentation of your military maintenance experience for FAA evaluation toward Airframe and Powerplant ratings. Air carriers often require the mechanic certificate for hiring, although it is not an FAA requirement for every airline mechanic job.

What the civilian work involves
  • Read and interpret maintenance manuals, service bulletins, and other specifications to determine the feasibility and method of repairing or replacing malfunctioning or damaged components.
  • Maintain repair logs, documenting all preventive and corrective aircraft maintenance.
  • Examine and inspect aircraft components, including landing gear, hydraulic systems, and deicers to locate cracks, breaks, leaks, or other problems.
Civilian tools and software (examples)
  • Access Software AIRPAX

Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians

Functional testing of repaired aircraft systems and interpretation of inspection findings transfer to aerospace test and checkout work.

How to prepare: Build a sample aircraft-component test plan with operating conditions, test parameters, a data-collection sheet, and a results summary.

What the civilian work involves
  • Test aircraft systems under simulated operational conditions, performing systems readiness tests and pre- and post-operational checkouts, to establish design or fabrication parameters.
  • Inspect, diagnose, maintain, and operate test setups and equipment to detect malfunctions.
  • Record and interpret test data on parts, assemblies, and mechanisms.

Training & Development

Choose credentials for your target role. COOL funding markers describe program listings, not a guarantee of eligibility or funding.

Getting Started

  • Mechanic (Airframe & Powerplant)

    Earn FAA mechanic certification with both ratings to support civilian aircraft maintenance employment.

    Eligibility and preparation: Be at least 18 and able to read, write, speak, and understand English. Qualify through 30 months of concurrent practical experience appropriate to both ratings, graduation from an FAA-approved Aviation Maintenance Technician School, or completion of the Joint Service Aviation Maintenance Technician Certification Council military training course. A single rating requires 18 months of appropriate practical experience through the experience route. Pass the knowledge, oral, and practical tests.

    For: Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians

Notes & Sources

Evidence for this guidance (5 documents)
  1. DAFECD, 31 October 2025 : Tactical Aircraft Maintenance

    [1] Printed page 127, sections 2.2-2.3

    Supports: Engine and hydraulic system troubleshooting, Functional testing of repaired aircraft systems, Aircraft system alignment and rigging, Component clearance and tolerance inspections, Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians (O*NET 49-3011.00), Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians (O*NET 17-3021.00)

  2. O*NET: Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians

    [2] O*NET 30.3 occupational data

    Supports: Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians (O*NET 49-3011.00)

  3. FAA: Become an Aviation Mechanic

    [3] Requirements and mechanic experience requirements

    Supports: Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians (O*NET 49-3011.00), Mechanic (Airframe & Powerplant)

  4. O*NET: Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians

    [4] O*NET 30.3 occupational data

    Supports: Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians (O*NET 17-3021.00)

  5. COOL credential mapping: Mechanic (Airframe & Powerplant)

    [5] 2A3X3 cached COOL credential feed

    Supports: Mechanic (Airframe & Powerplant)

Defense contractor jobs for 2A3X3

Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.

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