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Welcome to the inspirational, informational, and transparent aviation careers podcast. Today we have a special guest, Former Army Helicopter Mechanic Madison Johnston. He helps veterans transition to Civilian Mechanic.
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Talking Points:
- Madison’s journey towards becoming a helicopter mechanic in the Army. Enlisted at 24 with the intent to go through the warrant officer program. My recruiter said that a mechanic job would be my best bet. Ended up enjoying working on aircraft as much as I enjoyed flying in my personal life and decided to stay with it/earn my A&P.
- The challenges and rewards of being a mechanic in the military. Challenges are long hours, time away from family, difficulties with leadership, and duty assignments among other things. Rewards are the possibility of being a crew member aboard the aircraft(only certain airframes) and accomplishing missions overseas. Knowing that your work as a mechanic is keeping crew and pilots safe. The ability to gain your airframe and powerplant license using the experience requirement in part 14CFR part 65 and access to great jobs so long as you understand the cyclical nature of the industry and aren’t just looking for the money.
- Transitioning to civilian life. Can be very stressful, even for someone like myself who started the process nearly a year and a half away from the end of my enlistment contract. Take advantage of all your resources. Reach out to friends and family for help. It makes things a lot smoother.
- His current position as a contract mechanic to the military. Are only former military pilots/mechanics able to become contract mechanics to the military? Overseas contracting can be very lucrative, but also difficult, especially right now with the pandemic. Workdays tend to be long and days off are few. You do not need to be a former military to contract for the government. It’s a great opportunity for fresh A&P students, though caution should be exercised as some contracts are not on N numbered aircraft and a mechanic can go out of currency very easily because they are not working on certified aircraft.
- How Madison Is helping mechanics transition to the civilian world. Career coaching relating to aviation maintenance jobs, interview preparation, and resume building. Working on a program to help veterans navigate and stand out in places like USAJOBS.
- Advice for veterans transitioning to a civilian job. Start early if you know you want out. Start quickly if you’re being chaptered out. Know your resources. The education center and the soldier for life transition center(SFL-TAP) are great resources. Make a plan, and stick to it. Make a budget and be strict with yourself. Too many people just think something will fall in their laps and end up down on their luck.
- Where they can find help. Soldier for life transition center career skills program, on-base education center, myself, the VA, any other veterans they may know.
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