2A3X8 Remotely Piloted Aircraft Maintenance

Overview of 2A3X8 Remotely Piloted Aircraft Maintenance AFSC

The 2A3X8 AFSC specializes in the maintenance of Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA), including the MQ-1 Predator, MQ-9 Reaper, and RQ-4 Global Hawk. These maintenance professionals ensure the operational readiness of RPAs by performing and supervising a wide range of maintenance tasks. Their responsibilities include sortie generation operations, ground handling, servicing, and conducting various inspections to ensure the RPAs and related aerospace equipment are mission-capable.

Training and Education:

  • Tech School Duration: Varies by specific shredout, conducted at Sheppard AFB.
  • CCAF Degree: Avionics Systems Technology.

Duty Badge:

  • Maintenance Badge.

Demographics:

  • Male: 498 (97%)
  • Female: 17 (3%)
  • Total: 515

Requirements to Become a 2A3X8:

  • ASVAB Score: Minimum of 47 in the Mechanical section.
  • Physical Strength: Capability to lift 70 lbs.
  • Vision: Normal color vision is required.
  • Security Clearance: Routine access to Secret material necessitates this level of clearance.

Duties and Responsibilities:

2A3X8 technicians are tasked with:

  • Conducting preflight, thru-flight, postflight, special inspections, and phase inspections of RPAs.
  • Using technical data to diagnose and solve maintenance problems on RPA systems.
  • Inspecting, troubleshooting, and maintaining RPA structures, engines, hydraulic systems, and other related components.
  • Removing and installing RPA components, conducting operational checks, and repairing systems and components.
  • Supervising and performing RPA jacking, lifting, and towing operations.
  • Managing aircraft equipment inventories and maintaining comprehensive maintenance documentation.
  • Coordinating maintenance plans and schedules to meet operational requirements and supervising aircraft launch and recovery operations.

Specialty Qualifications:

Knowledge:

  • Essential knowledge includes aircraft systems principles, flight theory, hydraulic and electrical theories, maintenance directives application, technical data usage, and hazardous waste management.

Education:

  • High school diploma or equivalent is mandatory, with related vocational courses being highly desirable.

Training:

  • Completion of a suffix-specific basic aircraft maintenance course for initial AFSC award.
  • Advanced training and a craftsman aircraft maintenance course for higher skill levels.

Experience:

  • Experience requirements include qualification in lower-level AFSCs, along with practical experience in RPA maintenance tasks.

Specialties (Shredouts) for 2A3X8:

  • A: Specialization in MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper maintenance.
  • B: Focused on RQ-4 Global Hawk maintenance.

2A3X8 RPA Maintenance specialists play a pivotal role in the Air Force’s RPA operations by ensuring these critical assets are maintained to the highest standards. Their expertise supports the increasingly important role of unmanned aerial systems in reconnaissance, surveillance, and combat operations, contributing significantly to the United States’ defense and intelligence capabilities.

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