AFSC 2A6X3 - Aircrew Egress Systems

Preparing a pilot's ejection seat to be 100% operational is a job in the Air Force. Not many people have this job, but this small community of specialists save lives when their is not options available for the pilot. In the Air Force, jobs are called Air Force Specialty Codes (AFSC) and the code for the job that works on aircraft egress systems (ejection seats) in all the aircraft in the Air Force is 2A6X3. The Aircraft Egress Systems Specialist is responsible for the last life saving feature within the military aircraft for that pilot and co-pilot.

The Aircraft Egress Systems Specialist will troubleshoot and maintain escape systems on certain equipped aircraft. These aircraft include the following planes: Trainer Aircraft: T-38 Talon, and the T-6 Texan II. Attack Aircraft: A-10 Warthog. Fighter Aircraft: F-15 Eagle, F-16 Faclon, F-22 Raptor, F-35 Lightning II. Bomber Aircraft: B-1 Lancer, B-2 Spirit, B-52 Stratofortress, and even the Spy Plane: U-2

Each of these have similar functioning systems, but some with vary depending on the platform. The education involved in learning operation and maintenance of the ejection seat, canopy/hatches, and all the applicable explosive components used to eject the seat and or jettison the canopy is extensive. However, you will tend to learn more platforms over time. As a newly trained airman, you will most likely be limited to the A-10 Thunderbolt II (aka Warhog), F-15 Eagle, F-16 Falcon, F-22 Raptor, B-1 Lancer, B-2 Spirit - Stealth Bomber, and B-52 Stratofortress. Many of the new frames are worked on by civilian contractors, but the most secret jobs such at U-2 Spy plane require some time in the job before getting assigned that duty. Yes, the U-2 Spy Plane is still operational!

Specialty Summary:

Maintains aircraft egress systems including ejection seats, canopies, hatches, and modules; explosive components; subsystems; and related support equipment (SE).

Duties and Responsibilities:

Advises on and solves installation, maintenance, and repair problems by studying schematic and technical publications. Diagnoses malfunctions and recommends corrective action. Implements maintenance and safety policies for egress systems.
Performs scheduled and unscheduled maintenance on egress systems. Removes and installs egress systems. Ensures egress explosive cartridge activated devices (CAD) and pressure activated devices (PAD) are safe and disarmed prior to performing maintenance. Performs operational and functional tests of egress systems, subsystems, and components using test equipment and test kits. Applies corrosion control procedures to escape systems and related components. Operates and maintains related SE. Uses the automated maintenance system to monitor maintenance trends, analyze equipment requirements, maintain equipment records, document maintenance actions, and time change database.
Performs integrity inspections of the escape system. Inspects egress systems, subsystems, and components for safety, security, and serviceability. Inspects and determines serviceability of CAD and PAD devices based on shelf and service life limits. Uses and disposes of hazardous waste and materials according to environmental standards.

Specialty Qualifications:

Knowledge. Knowledge is mandatory of mechanical, pneumatic, and electrical principles applying to aircrew egress systems; concepts and application of applicable maintenance directives; and using and interpreting schematic drawings, and technical publications.

Education. For entry into this specialty, completion of high school with courses in general science or mathematics is desirable.
Training. For award of AFSC 2A633, completion of a basic aircrew egress system maintenance course is mandatory.
Experience. The following experience is mandatory for award of the AFSC indicated: (Note: See Explanation of Air Force Specialty Codes).

2A653. Qualification in and possession of AFSC 2A633. Also, experience in functions such as removing, inspecting, installing, repairing, and modifying aircrew egress systems and components.

2A673. Qualification in and possession of AFSC 2A653. Also, experience performing or supervising functions involved in maintaining and inspecting egress systems and subsystems.

Other. For entry into this specialty, normal color vision as defined in AFI 48-123, Medical Examination and Standards, is mandatory.

Deployment Rate for this AFSC

Strength Req : N

Physical Profile: 333131

Citizenship: Yes

Required Appitude Score : M-51 (Changed to M-56, effective 1 Jul 04).

Technical Training:

Course #: J3ABR2A633 002

Length (Days): 32

Location: S

There are not many jobs in the civilian sector for egress systems specialists. In fact, the only jobs are with the engineering firms that make the different types of ejection seats. Firms such as Martin Baker, Pacific Science EMC, ChemRing Group will hire former egress specialists especially senior enlisted personnel with a vast knowledge of multiple aircraft systems.