Careers

Career Description

When people think Air Force, they think jets. But they should also think propellers because that's what propels some of our most significant planes, from the AC-130 Gunship to the MQ-9 Reaper. Keeping these turboprop and turboshaft engines in top shape falls to a special corps of Aerospace Propulsion specialists. As part of this group, you'll be able to completely disassemble, reassemble, repair and overhaul every aspect of the engine and then fine-tune it like the precise instrument it is. This career field has a high impact on the Air Force and can lead to duty in multiple countries.

Career Tasks

• Install, modify, assemble and overhaul turboprop aircraft engines and their related systems
• Ensure that propellers on multiengine aircraft are synchronized
• Remove defective components and install serviceable machinery
• Perform test runs on repaired engines

Relevant Interests & Skills

• Electronics
• Mechanics
• Problem-solving
• Maintenance and Repair
• Working with Your Hands
• Working with Aircraft

Training

After eight-and-a-half weeks of Basic Military Training, every Airman goes to technical training to learn their career. Here's the basic information about Aerospace Propulsion, Turboprop and Turboshaft Propulsion technical training:

School location: Sheppard AFB [TX]

Length of course: 53–61 days (varies)

College degree earned: Aviation Maintenance Technology

College credits earned: 17–25 (varies)