Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians

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Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians

Careers / Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians

Summary Description


	Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul aircraft engines and assemblies, such as hydraulic and pneumatic systems. Includes helicopter and aircraft engine specialists.

Sample Job Titles

1.	A&P Mechanic

2.	Aircraft Accessories Mechanic

3.	Aircraft Air Conditioning Mechanic

4.	Aircraft Body and Bonded Structure Repairer

5.	Aircraft Cylinder Mechanic

6.	Aircraft Engine Mechanic

7.	Aircraft Engine Specialist

8.	Aircraft Engine Technician

9.	Aircraft Magneto Mechanic

10.	Aircraft Maintenance Director

11.	Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor

12.	Aircraft Maintenance Technician (Aircraft Maintenance Tech)

13.	Aircraft Mechanic

14.	Aircraft Motor Mechanic

15.	Aircraft Pneudraulics Repairer

16.	Aircraft Powertrain Repairer

17.	Aircraft Restorer

18.	Aircraft Rigging and Controls Mechanic

19.	Aircraft Steel Fabricator

20.	Aircraft Structural Repairer

21.	Aircraft Structure Mechanic

22.	Aircraft Technician

23.	Aircraft Worker

24.	Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic (A and P Mechanic)

25.	Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic Apprentice

26.	Airframe and Powerplant Technician (A and P Technicians)

27.	Airframe Technician

28.	Airline Mechanic

29.	Airplane Mechanic

30.	Airplane Mechanic Apprentice

31.	Airplane Rigger

32.	Airplane Technician

33.	Airplane Tester

34.	Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT)

35.	Aviation Mechanic

36.	Aviation Support Equipment Repairer

37.	Burnisher and Bumper

38.	Carburetor Expert

39.	Carburetor Specialist

40.	Dinkey Engine Mechanic

41.	Engine Installer

42.	Engineman

43.	Experimental Aircraft Mechanic

44.	Experimental Rocketsled Mechanic

45.	FAA Certified Powerplant Mechanic

46.	Flight Test Mechanic

47.	Flight Test Shop Mechanic

48.	Fuel System Maintenance Worker

49.	Heat and Vent Aircraft Mechanic

50.	Helicopter Mechanic

51.	Hydraulic Mechanic

52.	Ignition Mechanic

53.	Jet Aircraft Servicer

54.	Jet Engine Mechanic

55.	Jet Mechanic

56.	Landing Gear Mechanic

57.	Launching Pad Mechanic

58.	Magneto Electrician

59.	Mechanical Developer Prover

60.	Metal Fabricator

61.	Missile Mechanic

62.	Pneudraulic Systems Mechanic

63.	Power Plant Installer

64.	Preflight Mechanic

65.	Propeller Mechanic

66.	Propeller-Driven Airplane Mechanic

67.	Rocket Engine Component Mechanic

68.	Rocket Engine Mechanic

69.	Rotor Blade Installer

70.	Supercharger Mechanic

71.	Trouble Shooter

72.	Utility Helicopter Repairer

73.	Vacuum System Tester

74.	X Ray Examiner of Aircraft

Job Tasks

	Examine and inspect aircraft components, including landing gear, hydraulic systems, and deicers to locate cracks, breaks, leaks, or other problems. Inspect mechanical components of vehicles to identify problems.

	Conduct routine and special inspections as required by regulations. Inspect mechanical components of vehicles to identify problems.

	Inspect completed work to certify that maintenance meets standards and that aircraft are ready for operation. Inspect completed work to ensure proper functioning.

	Read and interpret maintenance manuals, service bulletins, and other specifications to determine the feasibility and method of repairing or replacing malfunctioning or damaged components. Read technical information needed to perform maintenance or repairs. Interpret blueprints, specifications, or diagrams to inform installation, development or operation activities.

	Maintain repair logs, documenting all preventive and corrective aircraft maintenance. Maintain repair or maintenance records.

	Modify aircraft structures, space vehicles, systems, or components, following drawings, schematics, charts, engineering orders, and technical publications. Interpret blueprints, specifications, or diagrams to inform installation, development or operation activities.

	Inspect airframes for wear or other defects. Inspect structural components of vehicles to identify problems.

	Measure parts for wear, using precision instruments. Inspect mechanical components of vehicles to identify problems.

	Examine engines through specially designed openings while working from ladders or scaffolds, or use hoists or lifts to remove the entire engine from an aircraft. Inspect mechanical components of vehicles to identify problems. Operate cranes, hoists, or other moving or lifting equipment.

	Check for corrosion, distortion, and invisible cracks in the fuselage, wings, and tail, using x-ray and magnetic inspection equipment. Inspect structural components of vehicles to identify problems.

	Obtain fuel and oil samples and check them for contamination. Test fluids to identify contamination or other problems.

	Maintain, repair, and rebuild aircraft structures, functional components, and parts such as wings and fuselage, rigging, hydraulic units, oxygen systems, fuel systems, electrical systems, gaskets, and seals. Repair worn, damaged, or defective mechanical parts.

	Replace or repair worn, defective, or damaged components, using hand tools, gauges, and testing equipment. Replace worn, damaged, or defective mechanical parts. Repair worn, damaged, or defective mechanical parts.

	Disassemble engines and inspect parts, such as turbine blades and cylinders, for corrosion, wear, warping, cracks, and leaks, using precision measuring instruments, x-rays, and magnetic inspection equipment. Disassemble equipment to inspect for deficiencies.

	Read and interpret pilots' descriptions of problems to diagnose causes. Read work orders or descriptions of problems to determine repairs or modifications needed.

	Test operation of engines and other systems, using test equipment such as ignition analyzers, compression checkers, distributor timers, and ammeters. Test mechanical equipment to ensure proper functioning.

	Measure the tension of control cables. Inspect mechanical equipment to locate damage, defects, or wear.

	Spread plastic film over areas to be repaired to prevent damage to surrounding areas. Apply protective coverings to objects or surfaces near work areas.

	Remove or install aircraft engines, using hoists or forklift trucks. Move large objects using heavy equipment.

	Assemble and install electrical, plumbing, mechanical, hydraulic, and structural components and accessories, using hand or power tools. Assemble electrical components, subsystems, or systems. Install electrical components, equipment, or systems. Install piping for installation or maintenance activities.

	Locate and mark dimensions and reference lines on defective or replacement parts, using templates, scribes, compasses, and steel rules. Lay out work according to specifications.

	Fabricate defective sections or parts, using metal fabricating machines, saws, brakes, shears, and grinders. Fabricate parts or components.

	Reassemble engines following repair or inspection and reinstall engines in aircraft. Reassemble equipment after repair.

	Clean, refuel, and change oil in line service aircraft. Clean equipment, parts, or tools to repair or maintain them in good working order. Service vehicles to maintain functionality.

	Service and maintain aircraft and related apparatus by performing activities such as flushing crankcases, cleaning screens, and lubricating moving parts. Clean equipment, parts, or tools to repair or maintain them in good working order. Lubricate equipment to allow proper functioning. Service vehicles to maintain functionality.

	Cure bonded structures, using portable or stationary curing equipment.

	Trim and shape replacement body sections to specified sizes and fits and secure sections in place, using adhesives, hand tools, and power tools. Cut materials according to specifications or needs.

	Listen to operating engines to detect and diagnose malfunctions such as sticking or burned valves. Observe equipment in operation to detect potential problems.

	Accompany aircraft on flights to make in-flight adjustments and corrections. Troubleshoot equipment or systems operation problems.

	Remove or cut out defective parts or drill holes to gain access to internal defects or damage, using drills and punches. Remove parts or components from equipment. Drill holes in parts, equipment, or materials.

	Install and align repaired or replacement parts for subsequent riveting or welding, using clamps and wrenches. Install machine or equipment replacement parts. Align equipment or machinery.

	Inventory and requisition or order supplies, parts, materials, and equipment. Maintain inventories of materials, equipment, or products. Order materials, supplies, or equipment.

	Clean engines, sediment bulk and screens, and carburetors, adjusting carburetor float levels. Clean equipment, parts, or tools to repair or maintain them in good working order.

	Determine repair limits for engine hot section parts.

	Clean, strip, prime, and sand structural surfaces and materials to prepare them for bonding. Clean equipment, parts, or tools to repair or maintain them in good working order.

	Communicate with other workers to coordinate fitting and alignment of heavy parts, or to facilitate processing of repair parts. Communicate with coworkers to coordinate installations or repairs.

	Remove, inspect, repair, and install in-flight refueling stores and external fuel tanks. Inspect mechanical components of vehicles to identify problems. Remove parts or components from equipment. Repair worn, damaged, or defective mechanical parts.

	Prepare and paint aircraft surfaces. Paint surfaces or equipment.

Work Activities

Importance	Work Activity

Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.

Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment — Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.

Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment — Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.

Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.

Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

Provide Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

Monitoring and Controlling Resources — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

Selling or Influencing Others — Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.

Nature of the Work


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technicians
	Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians repair and perform scheduled maintenance on aircraft. They also may perform aircraft inspections as required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

	Read More >>

Working Conditions


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technicians
	Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians work in hangars, in repair stations, or on airfields. They often must meet strict deadlines to maintain flight schedules. The environment can be loud because of aircraft engines and equipment. Workers frequently bend, stoop, and reach from ladders and scaffolds. Most mechanics and technicians work full time; overtime and weekend work is common.

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