NigCareers

Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of an aircraft technician. You can use our job description template in this article to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as an aircraft technician.

 

Who is an Aircraft Technician?

Aircraft technicians are experts in the maintenance and repair of many sorts of aircraft, including planes, helicopters, balloons, and blimps. Their responsibilities include evaluating electrical and mechanical problems as well as repairing damaged and old parts. They do maintenance checks on aircraft to avoid problems from occurring. They may do testing on a plane’s communication and diagnostic systems. They may also choose to work on a specific component of a plane, such as an aircraft engine, structure, or frame. They also produce performance statistics and other operational data.

 

Aircraft Technician Job Description

Below are the aircraft technician job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.

Aircraft technicians are responsible for a wide range of tasks, which can include:

• Maintain aircraft components such as engines, avionics, hydraulics, and other systems regularly.
• Repair damage caused by wear and use or accidents, such as dents in the fuselage, smashed glass, and damaged propellers.
• Install or remove interior furniture such as chairs, galleys, restrooms, and entertainment systems.
• Inspect aircraft to ensure that they are fit for flight.
• Install new aircraft systems and components, such as engines and avionics.
• Repair or replace ribs, bulkheads, frames, stringers, keels, wing spars, stabilizers, or fuselage sections that have been damaged.
• Clean the interiors and exteriors of the aircraft to eliminate any debris or grime accumulation.
• Clean, maintain and repair hydraulic, pneumatic, and landing gear systems, as well as brakes, shafts, and bearings.
• Perform normal preflight engine and mechanical system inspections.
• Maintain all safety and security protocols, as well as FAA rules.

 

Qualifications

A variety of qualifications are required to work as an aircraft technician. They are as follows:

1. Education: A high school diploma or GED certificate is often necessary for aircraft technicians. An associate’s or bachelor’s degree in aviation technology or a similar discipline is preferred by many businesses. Aeronautical engineering, aeronautical science, aircraft maintenance technology, and aviation maintenance technology courses will help you get a job as an aircraft technician.
2. Training and experience are required: The majority of aircraft technicians’ training is provided through their educational programs. On-the-job training may also be provided by some employers for new technicians. This training may include learning about the company’s specific procedures and equipment.
3. Licenses and certifications: Aircraft technicians can obtain a variety of qualifications that demonstrate their knowledge of various types of aircraft, vehicles, and equipment.

 

Essential Skills

To be effective, aircraft technicians must possess the following abilities:

1. Technical abilities: Technical abilities are used by aircraft technicians to troubleshoot and repair aircraft systems. They employ technical abilities to discover and comprehend the root of an issue before repairing it with their understanding of the system. They also employ technical abilities to identify and comprehend the function of various aircraft parts and systems.
2. Excellent communication abilities: Aircraft technicians frequently operate in groups, thus they must be able to communicate well with their coworkers. They must frequently convey technical information to persons who are unfamiliar with aircraft technology. They must also be able to listen to and comprehend their coworkers’ and clients’ demands.
3. Excellent problem-solving abilities: To troubleshoot and identify difficulties with aviation systems, aircraft technicians employ problem-solving skills. They use problem-solving skills to identify the cause of an issue, investigate solutions, and put the solution into action.
4. Keen attention to detail: To guarantee that all jobs are completed correctly, aircraft technicians must pay close attention to detail. They must also ensure that all safety standards and procedures are followed to ensure the safety of the aircraft and its passengers. Following checklists requires attention to detail to ensure that all activities are performed.
5. Ability to operate in a team: Aircraft technicians frequently collaborate with other technicians and team members such as pilots and flight attendants. Working as part of a team entails being able to effectively communicate, share information, and collaborate to solve problems.
6. Understanding of Regulatory Compliance: The ability to adhere to industry standards and rules is referred to as regulatory compliance. This involves knowing what credentials are required for your employment, comprehending safety processes, and adhering to Federal Aviation Administration guidelines (FAA). For example, if you work on an aircraft with a radio system, you must be adequately qualified to operate it.
7. Understanding of Aircraft Systems: Aircraft technicians must be familiar with aircraft systems such as electrical, hydraulic, and fuel systems. This ensures that they can appropriately detect and repair difficulties with an aircraft’s mechanical components. It also allows them to assure passenger safety by checking that all parts are operational before a flight.
8. Understanding of Parts Replacement: The ability to detect and replace parts in an aircraft is referred to as parts replacement. This ability can assist you in maintaining the functionality, safety, and appearance of a plane. Parts range from simple components such as screws to major ones such as engines. You may also need to order replacement parts for repairs or maintenance. Understanding how each part works and what it does is part of parts knowledge. For example, if you’re changing a gasoline pump, you should know where it’s located, what it does, and how to remove and replace it.
9. Repair: The ability to repair a machine or system. This can include troubleshooting, issue-solving, and component repair. Aircraft technicians are frequently required to repair complex systems with numerous parts. Strong repair abilities can help you succeed in your career by demonstrating to employers that you can handle difficult problems.
10. Troubleshooting abilities: The capacity to recognize and solve problems is referred to as troubleshooting. You may need to troubleshoot mechanical difficulties with many types of equipment as an aircraft technician. For example, if a plane’s landing gear fails to function properly, you may need to locate the source of the problem and repair it. Troubleshooting abilities can help you save time by swiftly detecting and resolving issues.
11. Knowledge about Preventative Maintenance: The process of recognizing and addressing possible flaws before they become greater problems is known as preventative maintenance. In the long term, this can help you save time, money, and resources. For example, if a component on an aircraft shows signs of wear, you may be able to repair it before it entirely fails. This can prevent future delays or costly repairs.
12. Capability to conduct inspections: Inspection is the capacity to analyze a system and decide whether or not it is functioning properly. When solving an aircraft problem, aircraft technicians employ inspection skills. To determine the source of the problem, they may need to inspect multiple different components of the plane. This will allow them to resolve the problem more quickly. It also guarantees that passengers are safe on board.
13. Knowledge of aircraft maintenance: To maintain passenger safety, aircraft technicians must have a solid understanding of aircraft maintenance. They use their knowledge to repair and maintain all components of an aircraft, such as engines, landing gear, electrical systems, and body panels. This necessitates that they understand how each component works and what tools are required to repair it.
14. Knowledge of Diagnostic Equipment: Diagnostic equipment is used by aviation personnel to examine and analyze the performance of aircraft systems. Oscilloscopes, which measure electrical impulses in circuits, and multimeters, which check for continuity, resistance, and voltage levels, are examples of such tools. Pressure testers, infrared cameras, and computerized engine analyzers are examples of other diagnostic tools.
15. Excellent organizational abilities: The ability to keep track of your equipment, documents, and other resources is referred to as an organization. Aircraft technicians must be organized to find what they need quickly and execute jobs efficiently. For example, if you’re working on a certain component of an airplane, identify each tool with its position so you know where to return them after you’re finished.
16. Analytical abilities: Analytical skills are used by aircraft technicians to troubleshoot and repair airplanes. They must be able to identify the problem, investigate potential solutions, and decide which approach is the most successful. For example, if an aircraft’s engine isn’t running properly, they must investigate to establish whether the problem is mechanical or electrical.

 

How to Become an Aircraft Technician

Here are various ways to become an aircraft technician.

1. Earn a high school diploma or its equivalent: To enroll in aviation maintenance technician programs, aircraft technicians must have a high school diploma or equivalent. If you are interested in this career path before finishing high school, consider taking math and science classes to prepare for the courses you will take at a trade school or community college. You should also think about taking an aviation course while you’re still in high school. These elective courses can help you learn more about aircraft technology and put you ahead of the competition when applying for jobs as an aircraft technician.
2. Enroll in an aviation maintenance technician program at a community college or trade school: After graduating from high school, you can enroll in a trade school or community college aviation maintenance technician program. These programs are normally two years long and teach you the skills required to work on aircraft. Before enrolling in aviation maintenance technician programs, you should consider attending general education classes. This enables you to choose a school based on its reputation for providing high-quality education.
3. Obtain approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): For aircraft technicians, FAA certification is required. You must pass the Aviation Mechanic (Avionics) National Examination (NEC) to earn it, which consists of two tests: a written test and a practical presentation of your skills. Electricity, hydraulics, engines, and navigation systems are among the topics covered in the written exam. You must demonstrate your skills to install instruments in an aircraft, test electrical circuits, and replace parts during the practical exam.
4. Work for an airline or aircraft manufacturer: After completing your training, you will be able to apply for jobs with airlines or aircraft manufacturers. Airline companies normally hire aircraft technicians with at least two years of experience. Candidates with a four-year degree in aviation maintenance technology are frequently preferred by aircraft manufacturers.

You could also explore becoming an aircraft technician for the US military. Military aircraft technicians receive intensive training and are well compensated. They also get to travel the world and work on a variety of aircraft.

5. Gain aircraft maintenance experience: After finishing your aircraft maintenance technician training, look for an entry-level position at a repair facility. Aircraft technicians who work for airlines or manufacturers typically develop experience fast because assignments are frequently assigned based on the priority level of each project. Working as an aircraft technician might also help you determine whether you want to work for an airline or a manufacturer of aircraft. If you wish to work for an airline, you should focus on acquiring experience in commercial aircraft repair and maintenance.
6. Think about being certified by the National Institute of Certification in Engineering Technologies: Aircraft technicians who pass a series of tests and an oral interview can obtain certification from the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET). Aircraft technicians who have this certification may earn more than those who do not. You must be at least 18 years old and have finished high school or equivalent to earn NICET certification. In addition, you must have three years of experience working on aircraft systems.
7. Stay current on technological advancements and industry trends: Because aviation technology is always evolving, aircraft technicians must stay current with the latest innovations in their industry. New aircraft models, for example, are frequently launched with updated features and designs that aircraft technicians must be aware of. New materials and components are also introduced into the aviation industry, which means that aircraft technicians must stay up to date on these changes and how they affect their work.

 

Where to Work as an Aircraft Technician

Aircraft technicians work in hangars, at airports, or in other industrial settings such as aircraft engine manufacturing plants. Noise from aircraft engines, tools, and other equipment may be present. They may also be subjected to fumes, grease, and grime. Aircraft technicians generally wear hearing protection, such as earplugs or earmuffs, as well as safety glasses to protect themselves from these hazards. Many technicians work full-time, and overtime is frequently required to satisfy flight schedule needs. Some technicians may be on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and work nights, weekends, and holidays.

 

Aircraft Technician Salary Scale

In the United States, the typical aircraft technician’s pay is $50,700 per year or $26 per hour. Entry-level salaries begin at $36,314 per year, with most experienced workers earning up to $73,125 per year.

The average gross salary for an aircraft technician in the United Kingdom is £36,493, or £18 per hour. They also receive an average bonus of £1,215. Wage estimates are based on salary survey data from employers and anonymous employees in the United Kingdom. The average income for an entry-level aircraft technician (1-3 years of experience) is £26,581. A senior-level aircraft technician (8+ years of experience) makes an average of £44,736 per year.

The average gross compensation for an aircraft technician in Ontario, Canada is $63,774, or $31 per hour. This is 2% higher (+$1,067) than the national average for aircraft technicians. They also receive an average bonus of $2,003. Wage estimates based on salary survey data from businesses and anonymous employees in Ontario, Canada. The average income for an entry-level aircraft technician (1-3 years of experience) is $46,842. A senior-level aircraft technician (8+ years of experience) makes an average salary of $77,919 per year.

The average gross salary for an aircraft technician in Ireland is €54,447, or €26 per hour. They also receive an average bonus of €2,053. Wage estimates are based on salary survey data from businesses and anonymous employees in Ireland. The average compensation for an entry-level aircraft technician (1-3 years of experience) is €39,282. A senior-level aviation mechanic (8+ years of experience), on the other hand, receives an average pay of €67,041.

The typical gross compensation for an aircraft technician in Sydney, Australia is $101,785, with an hourly rate of $49. This is 6% more than the average aircraft technician salary in Australia (+$6,134). They also receive an average bonus of $3,837. Wage estimates based on salary survey data from employers and anonymous employees in Sydney, Australia. The average income for an entry-level aircraft technician (1-3 years of experience) is $73,535. A senior-level aircraft technician (8+ years of experience), on the other hand, gets an average pay of $125,497.

In Germany, the average gross compensation for an aircraft technician is 45.238 € or an hourly rate of 22 €. They also receive an average bonus of 1.420 Euros. Wage estimates are based on salary survey data from businesses and anonymous employees in Germany. An entry-level aircraft technician (1-3 years of experience) earns 33.228 Euros on average. A senior-level aircraft technician (8+ years of experience), on the other hand, receives an average pay of 55.272 euros.

In Nigeria, an aircraft technician can expect to make roughly 164,000 NGN per month. Salaries range from 75,500 NGN (the lowest) to 261,000 NGN (the highest) (highest).

Trade and Services

Tags: Aircraft Technician, Aircraft Technician Job Description, Aircraft Technician Qualifications, Aircraft Technician Salary, Aircraft Technician Skills, How to Become an Aircraft Technician, Job Description, Who is an Aircraft Technician