Aircraft Electrical and Environmental Systems

What does the Aircraft Electrical and Environmental Systems career field do?

Performs and supervises aircraft electrical and environmental (E & E) functions and activities. Troubleshoots, inspects, removes, installs, repairs, modifies, overhauls, and operates integrated E & E systems, components, and associated support equipment. Related DoD Occupational Subgroup: 160200.

Duties and responsibilities

• Inspects, troubleshoots, and maintains aircraft E & E systems, subsystems, components, and associated test equipment. E & E onequipment systems include direct and alternating current; gas turbine compressors and auxiliary power units; landing gear, anti-skid, and nose wheel steering; electronic engine control, ignition, and starting; lighting; master caution and warning; take-off warning; flight control; cargo door and cargo delivery equipment; non-electro static application (NESA) windows; anti-icing; fire and overheat warning; fire extinguishing and suppression; fuel control; liquid cooling; air conditioning, bleed air, cabin pressurization, and auxiliary pressurization; oxygen; and aircraft utility systems.
• Performs off-equipment maintenance on E & E system components and associated test equipment. Included are control, protection, caution, and warning panels; lighting equipment; frequency and load controls; anti-icing controllers; inverters; voltage regulators; nose wheel steering and anti-skid amplifiers; generators and integrated drive generators; actuators, relays, motors, and valves; lighting equipment; fire and overheat panels; fire extinguishing equipment; aircraft batteries; aircraft oxygen system components and special equipment testers. Performs cryogenic maintenance on mobile aircraft servicing units. Maintains, repairs, and fabricates electrical wiring, harnesses, and connectors. Uses electrical, electronic, pneumatic, and other test and support equipment. Maintains compressed gas equipment.
• Inspects and evaluates aircraft E & E maintenance activities. Determines operational status of assigned assets. Interprets inspection findings and determines corrective actions. Ensures compliance with technical publications and directives.

Specialty qualifications

Knowledge. Knowledge is mandatory of: electrical, electronic, and mechanical principles relating to E & E systems; concepts and application of maintenance directives; meaning of symbols used in wiring diagrams, blueprints, and schematics; and proper handling, use, and disposal of hazardous waste and materials.

Education. For entry into this specialty, completion of high school with courses in basic electronics, mathematics, general science, and mechanics is desirable.

Training. For award of AFSC 2A636, completion of a basic aircraft E & E systems maintenance course is mandatory.

Experience. The following experience is mandatory for award of the AFSC indicated:

• 2A656. Qualification in and possession of AFSC 2A636. Also, experience maintaining electrical, electronic, and environmental systems.
• 2A676. Qualification in and possession of AFSC 2A656. Also, experience performing or supervising E & E maintenance.

Other. The following are mandatory as indicated:

• For entry into this specialty:
• Normal color vision as defined in AFI 48-123, Medical Examinations and Standards, is mandatory.
• See attachment 4 for additional entry requirements.
• For award and retention of these AFSCs: must maintain local network access IAW AFI 17-130, Cybersecurity Program Management and AFMAN 17-1301, Computer Security.

Civilian career paths

Comparable civilian careers for this field pay roughly $40,460–$103,650 per year (median salaries; varies by role and location):

• Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians: $68,570
• Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians: $66,440
• Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers: $53,160
• Aviation Inspectors: $78,400
• Avionics Technicians: $67,840
• Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers: $46,590
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians: $67,550
• Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment: $62,010
• Electricians: $56,900
• First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers: $70,240
• General and Operations Managers: $103,650
• Hazardous Materials Removal Workers: $45,270
• Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers: $40,460
• Maintenance and Repair Workers, General: $40,850
• Maintenance Workers, Machinery: $50,100