Aircraft Mechanic Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of an aircraft mechanic. Feel free to use our aircraft mechanic job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as an aircraft mechanic.
Who is an Aircraft Mechanic?
Aircraft mechanics are hired by airlines, the government, private companies, as well as the military to perform scheduled maintenance and repair on planes and helicopters.
Modern airplanes require high-quality parts and reliable service to fly safely. Aircraft mechanics perform scheduled maintenance, repairs, and complete inspections to keep your airplane in peak operating condition.
Many aircraft mechanics are skilled in working on different types of aircraft such as propeller-driven planes, helicopters, and jets. Some specialize in a specific type of aircraft such as the engine and hydraulics or electrical system.
They are responsible for the supervision, management, inspections, maintenance, repairs, and monitoring of aircraft. Their top priority is to ensure that aircraft safety and airworthiness are maintained for passenger travel, air cargo, shipping, and other purposes. Federally certified and highly-trained, mechanics for aircraft are often referred to as A&P mechanics (or aviation maintenance technicians) or airframe and powerplant mechanics (A&P).
Individuals must pass rigorous training and tests to become A&P certified, which entitles them to carry out aviation maintenance. A&P ratings are essential for a career as an aircraft mechanic. These ratings are also required to pursue other career paths or advancement opportunities.
Before they perform repairs or maintenance, mechanics inspect the aircraft for any damage or imperfections. Inspecting aircraft parts includes testing them with diagnostic equipment, looking over completed work to make sure it meets performance standards and inspecting replacement parts for any defects.
After inspections are completed, mechanics might need to do repairs or other unscheduled maintenance. Many mechanics repair the wings, brakes, and electrical systems of aircraft. They also fix other components such as the body and engines.
Preventative maintenance is also performed by aircraft mechanics at regular intervals. Many factors can affect the time between maintenance checks. These include hours of flight, days since the last inspection, flights, or a combination of all of these. Line maintenance includes ‘A’ checks and ‘B’ inspections, C’ checks, and ‘D’ checks. Scheduled maintenance may include inspections, which could require unscheduled repairs.
Line maintenance checks are the most common maintenance service for aircraft. These checks ensure that an aircraft is safe and airworthy. They inspect the brakes, wheels, and fluid levels (oil, hydraulics). Line maintenance is required for aircraft after 24 to 60 hours of flight time depending on how the aircraft operator assesses.
Aircraft Mechanic Job Description
Below are the aircraft mechanic job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write an aircraft mechanic job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
The duties and responsibilities of an aircraft mechanic include the following:
- Respecting safety guidelines and implementing them.
- Maintaining repair logs and records.
- Using hand tools, diagnostic tests, and gauges to detect hydraulic and mechanical malfunctions.
- Working with system mechanics and engineers to ensure the correct operation of all aircraft systems.
- Preparing diagnostic reports and suggesting repair solutions based on thorough evaluations.
- Ensuring that all parts of the aircraft are correctly labeled, arranged, and restored.
- Checking aircraft for broken or defective components, fluid leakages, and other issues.
- During repairs or maintenance, disassembling and assembling different components of an aircraft.
- Performing maintenance, disassembly, and rework.
- Performing oil changes, maintenance, and hydraulic system service.
- Assuring compliance with FAA standards and company guidelines
- Making sure your work area is safe and clean.
- Checking the engine for cracks or leaks.
- Notifying the chief mechanic and manager about any component repairs.
- Troubleshooting and solving technical issues.
- Respecting safety, health, and environmental regulations
- Assisting in the removal and installation of major components.
- Storing and maintaining company-provided equipment and tools.
- Checking for any defects in aircraft parts and frames
- Diagnosing of electrical or mechanical problems
- Using precision instruments to measure wear parts
Other important tasks include:
- Fitting and measuring aircraft parts
An aircraft mechanic uses a gauge and other technical tools to check which parts are needed to fit an airplane. They use technical equipment to measure engines and determine the wear and corrosion over time.
- Diagnose operation problems
An aircraft mechanic is also responsible for conducting tests to find the source of any issues in an aircraft’s internal and external components. They can test safety equipment, engines, and electrical systems, as well as all other parts of an aircraft.
- Interpreting manuals
This is how aircraft mechanics learn about particular equipment and vehicles through reading instruction manuals and blueprints. They can interpret manuals to locate and fix problems in aircraft components and help maintain them. After troubleshooting issues, they can order parts for specific aircraft models.
- Coordinating aircraft maintenance plans
Aircraft mechanics are responsible for the production of flight chiefs, crew chiefs, reclamation, expeditor, and support roles. They coordinate maintenance plans and schedules to meet operational goals. They assist in the recovery and launch of aircraft. They review maintenance information summaries for new trends and to improve productivity. You can also be a pilot in the air force and perform supervisory duties as well as aircraft crash recovery tasks.
Qualifications
- Experience as an aircraft mechanic, or in a similar role.
- Training in aviation-specific subjects
- A&P certification is preferable.
- You will need to have strong problem-solving skills as well as attention to detail.
Essential Skills
A combination of technical skills and soft skills makes an aircraft mechanic a skilled professional. You can prepare for a career as an aircraft mechanic by improving your skills in certain areas. These are some of the most important skills required to be an aircraft mechanic:
- Attention to detail
An aircraft mechanic’s ability to pay attention to the smallest details during inspections helps them spot anything that might be out of place. Even minor mechanical problems can lead to major aircraft problems. This is why it is so important for aircraft mechanics that they are attentive and have good perception skills.
- Dexterity
As an aircraft mechanic, you must be able to handle both large and small parts that you must carefully assemble and adjust. You need to have good hand-eye coordination as well as physical dexterity to make accurate and quick mechanical adjustments. This ability allows aircraft mechanics to use large power tools to accomplish precise tasks.
- Endurance
Repairing an aircraft requires endurance and strength. A single aircraft repair can take several hours. Aircraft mechanics must be able to focus and tolerate any discomfort until the task is completed. Successful aircraft mechanics can use their endurance to navigate narrow, dark, and noisy areas while holding heavy equipment to replace or run tests.
- Reading comprehension
Aircraft mechanics use their reading comprehension skills to understand blueprints, manuals, and maintenance instructions. To understand technical information, they must use their reading comprehension skills.
- Communication skills
Communication is key to the success of an aircraft mechanic. They must communicate with pilots, engineers, and other mechanics. To properly document repairs in maintenance reports, they should be able to communicate verbally. They should have exceptional listening and verbal communication skills to communicate with fellow aircraft mechanics or address urgent issues with them.
- Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting involves applying logic to find the root cause of a problem. Aircraft mechanics must be able to solve problems and use critical thinking to identify the root cause of any mechanical issues.
How to Become an Aircraft Mechanic
- Get a GED or a high school diploma
A high school diploma is a prerequisite for becoming an aircraft mechanic. Consider elective courses in the field of aircraft mechanics if you can. You can build strong foundations by taking courses in math, science, and engineering. Some schools offer an opportunity to learn mechanic skills in a shop before you begin your formal training.
- Choose your specialty
Before you begin to develop your technical skills, you should decide what type of aircraft mechanic you would like to become. There are two sub-specialties that the FAA offers to mechanics: powerplant mechanic and airframe mechanic. The focus of powerplant aircraft mechanics is on the maintenance and repair of plane engines and fuel systems. Airframe aircraft mechanics are responsible for the overall construction and operation of aircraft. You can choose to become certified in either one or both of these areas. A&P mechanics are aircraft mechanics who have dual certification. It is important to get experience in the field or to enroll in an educational program.
- Attend a technical school
A technical school accredited by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), is the best way to fulfill requirements for a position as an aircraft mechanic. You will complete 400 hours of aircraft mechanic basics and then 750 hours in specialized powerplant or airframe classes at Aviation Maintenance Technician School. You will need to complete 750 hours for each airframe or powerplant subject if you choose the A&P route. This totals 1500 hours, plus 400 hours of general credits. The AMTS program can take anywhere from 18 to 24 months to complete.
The technical school will teach you about the components and elements that make various types of aircraft fly. These are some of the topics that AMTS programs typically cover:
- Electricity
- Physics
- Hydraulics
- Aircraft operation
- Technical drawings
- Maintenance of aircraft
- Documentation
- Prevention of corrosion
- Inspection of the airframe
- Instruments for aircraft
- Welding
- Fuel systems
- Hazard warning systems
- Turbine engines
- Ignition systems
For those who love learning in a structured environment, formal education is the best path to pursue in aviation mechanics. Before applying to AMTS school, you need to consider the associated fees and tuition costs.
- Completion of on-the-job training
You can also train as an aircraft mechanic on the job (OTJ). You must spend at least 18 months in a job related to aircraft or powerplant mechanics to qualify for the experience route to aircraft technician certification. You can also choose to go the A&P route by having 30 months of experience in both powerplant and aircraft subjects.
Your OTJ aviation mechanic training can be completed through either civilian or military programs. Joint Service Aviation Maintenance Technician Certification Council offers military personnel aircraft mechanic training. Only certain military specialties are eligible for the JSAMTCC program. It is important to know your military occupational classification before you enlist. JSAMTCC plans and documents your OTJ activities for submission to the FAA once you have completed them. You can apply for the military OTJ Program if you are already enlisted by submitting the required paperwork to a Flight Standards District Office.
Civilians can also pursue the OTJ pathway through their professional experience in an aircraft maintenance facility, such as an airport. This could be either official work or volunteer service. To prove your knowledge and skills, you will need to keep detailed records of all the experience you have as a civilian aircraft mechanic. You should keep a detailed log showcasing your responsibilities, the materials and tools used, the time spent on each task, and the types of aircraft that you worked on. To supervise your work and sign off on documentation, you will need a certified aircraft mechanic in your area.
- Learn about codes and handbooks for aircraft mechanics
You will need to be able to understand the FAA regulations and rules. FAA codes are an essential part of the certification exam. Spend time reading FAA handbooks as well as aviation codes. These materials will help you to apply the knowledge that you have gained from your formal training.
- Pass FAA certification exams
After you have completed the training required, whether it was through education or work experience you will need to prepare for certification. This includes written and oral interviews, as well as field assessments. The FAA certification exam consists of a 60-question written test. You may also need to take the powerplant or airframe tests depending on what your specialty is. You will need to take the written exam and also do a practical demonstration. You can prepare for your exam by looking at sample tests and other materials on the FAA website.
- Apply for jobs
Once you pass your exam, it is possible to apply for jobs as an aircraft mechanic. People who have obtained their OTJ certification may be able to continue working for their current employer or look for a new job. Send out your resume to highlight your qualifications and search for maintenance and aircraft mechanic positions on job boards. Join professional associations like the Professional Aviation Maintenance Association and the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal
Association to find jobs as an aircraft mechanic. This will allow you to network with other members and help you learn about available positions.
- Seek inspection authorization
After three years of experience as an aircraft mechanic, it is possible to apply for Inspection Authorization (IA). IA is an advanced certification for aircraft mechanics. IA certified aircraft mechanics are authorized to perform FAA-mandated inspections of aircraft, sign off on major repairs, and operate their repair stations. IA certification requires access to inspection equipment and the ability to work from a fixed place.
Where to Work
An aircraft mechanic can work in any organization that uses planes or helicopters, such as airports, military groups, and engineering companies. An aircraft engineer’s work environment involves extensive fieldwork, where the mechanic visits an airport hangar or shop to perform repairs.
Aircraft Mechanic Salary Scale
The average annual salary for an aircraft mechanic in the United States is $69,631 The salary you earn will depend on your location and the type of certifications you hold. Earning advanced certifications and taking specialized courses can help you improve your skills and gain work experience.
