Aircraft Powerplant Repairer (15B)
- Enlisted
- Active Duty
- Army Reserve
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. Here are some duties of an Aircraft Powerplant Repairer:
- Remove, replace, clean and store engine assemblies or components
- Disassemble, repair, adjust and perform diagnostics on turbine engines
- Assist in troubleshooting engines and rigging engine controls
- Perform limited maintenance operational checks
- Perform user maintenance on common and special tools
- Maintain shop and bench stock for repair of aircraft engines
- Prepare requests for turn-ins and repair parts and engine components
- Service and lubricate aircraft and subsystems
- Perform scheduled inspections and assist in performing special inspections
- Repair or replace starters, lights, batteries, wiring and other electrical parts
Training:
Job training for an Aircraft Powerplant Repairer consists of nine weeks of Basic Training, where you’ll learn basic Soldiering skills, and 17 weeks, four days of Advanced Individual Training, including inspection and repair of aircraft engines and equipment. 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
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
Advanced Responsibilities:
Advanced level Aircraft Powerplant Repairers supervise and train other Soldiers. As an advanced level Aircraft Powerplant Repairer, you may also be involved in:
- Performing operational checks and scheduled inspections
- Diagnosing and troubleshooting malfunctions in aircraft engines and subsystems
- Participating in maintenance test flights as required