Then explain to me how my fire dept buddies are working as electricians, plumbers, and HVAC guys on the side. Some are fully licensed and have their own business, and some work part time for a company. Some started before getting on the job, others picked up the trade after becoming firefighters. It is 100% doable.

The requirements depend on where you live.

In Virginia, if you have a bachelors degree in engineering (which many pilots do), you need one year experience as an unlicensed apprentice to test out as a journeyman plumber. Another year of experience as a journeyman and you can take the test for master plumber—fully certified. If you decided to get your degree in runway maintenance, it’ll take longer.