Welcome to our aircraft mechanic job description and aircraft mechanic salary information page. Typically we focus on air traffic control related career information, but this career is very closely related and for some who visit this website may be interested in this career as well. Therefore we’ve decided to branch out and give you some detailed and informative information about aircraft mechanic jobs.
Aircraft Mechanic Job Overview
There are roughly 170 aircraft mechanic schools which are certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Most who graduate from these schools aim to work for larger airlines that offer the highest pay and nice benefits. However, competition for these jobs continues to rise because of the pay and benefits, therefore jobs at smaller commuter airports are going to offer the best opportunities for employment.
Modern day aircraft are extremely complex vehicles that contain many parts which must function perfectly and with very low tolerances in order to operate safely. Scheduled maintenance, routine checkups and repairs are necessitates in order to keep these expensive and complex machines running at peak performance, and are also required by the FAA.
Aircraft Mechanic Job Description
A majority of the work performed by aircraft mechanics is preventive maintenance. Mechanics routinely inspect most parts of the airplane to ensure they are functioning properly and do not need replacement. The pieces of the aircraft which they would inspect regularly are things such as engines, instruments, landing gear, valves, brakes, tires, pumps and so forth. These inspections are very similar to the ones you would have done on your car, but they are done more thoroughly and more often; parts are also replaced more prematurely as well to ensure safety.
Inspections are conducted based on the hours of operation which an aircraft has logged. Aviation mechanics keep records which relate to the maintenance which has been performed. Operating hours of an aircraft are tracked based on how much the craft has been flown since its last inspection, cycles of operation, or in some instances based on both of these calculations.
Most large sophisticated aircraft nowadays are equipped with high tech monitoring systems which mechanics can access for information. These systems monitor and store important information about how the aircraft has been running. Airplane mechanics work on aircraft engines, working through custom designed door areas on the plane which allow them to stand on scaffolds and ladders, or by using electronic lifts. After getting into the engine compartments mechanics are able to disassemble the parts and measure them with precision instruments to ensure they are within the safety tolerances they need to be. They also use magnetic and x-ray inspection equipment to check for cracks which cannot be seen by the naked human eye. In addition to these interior parts mechanics also repair the outside composite and sheet metal surfaces. They also check control cables, the fuselage, tail and wings for distortion and cracks. After replacing or checking all these pieces of the aircraft they then check it to make sure it is working properly before letting the plan go back into the skies.
In addition to airplane mechanics that specialize in inspections there are those who specialize in repairing particular systems of the aircraft. An example of this would be when a certain gauge in the cockpit may not be working. A mechanic will troubleshoot the system to get it back up and running as quickly as possible to avoid flight delays, or long periods of downtime which can cost airlines lots of money.
Aircraft mechanics may specialize in one type of aircraft or another; for example jet, propeller-driven, and even helicopters. Others may specialize in particular parts of an aircraft like engines, hydraulics, or the electrical system.
The different classes of aircraft mechanics are as follows. Powerplant mechanics are permitted to work on engines and limited pieces of the propellers; Airframe mechanics are permitted to work on everything except the power plants, propellers and instruments; A&P mechanics are permitted to work on all parts of the aircraft except the instruments; Avionics technicians work on the radar, communication, and other instrument systems. A majority of the mechanics working on today’s airplanes are A&P mechanics.
Air Craft Mechanic Work Environment
Often aviation mechanics are working under tight deadlines, while passengers are waiting on layovers or to board flights. The combination of having to work quickly while needing to pay the utmost attention to details can create for a stressful work environment. Mechanics often are working in airplane hangars, on the airfield, or in repair stations. It is not unusual for mechanics to need to lift heavy equipment of 50 pounds or more. Not only do they need to lift heavy parts and equipment but they often do it while in awkward positions like on their backs, or sides. Ear protection is very often necessary because of the loud noises and vibrations from aircraft engines. According to the Unites States Bureau of Labor Statistics those in this field of work have a higher than average amount of work related illness and on the job injuries.
Mechanics can expect to work 8 hour shifts for 40 hours a week. Although, aviation mechanics must be ready to work at any time around the clock . Mechanics often work nights, early mornings, weekends and holidays. Overtime work is very common in this field of work.
Aircraft Mechanic Training, Certification, and Educational Requirements
A majority of airplane mechanics are certified by the FAA. To become certified one must by 18 years of age, speak English fluently, and possess a high school diploma or the equivalent. Most mechanics acquire their technical skills at aircraft mechanic schools.
There are roughly 170 aircraft mechanic schools which are certified by the FAA. Most aircraft mechanics attend one of these schools to learn their trade; however, there are some mechanics who have learned their skills through on the job training. For those who attend these schools they are required to complete a minimum of 1,900 hours of class time. These courses take anywhere from 12 to 24 months to complete. While at these aircraft mechanic schools students will learn using the same equipment and tools which are used on the actual job. Roughly 1/3 of these schools have 2 and 4 years degrees in aviation technology, aviation maintenance management and avionics.
Today schools are putting more of an emphasis on turbine engines, composite and aviation electronics technology. These advanced materials are the future of aviation and will increasingly be used in the construction of airplanes. These days mechanics also need to posses electronic and computer skills due to the technological advances.
Classes in physics, chemistry, mathematics, and computer science are very desirable traits which an aircraft mechanic can possess. Mechanics must also have good writing skills because they often need to keep written maintenance records and file reports. This is why mechanics must be fluent when it comes to reading, writing and speaking the English language.
The FAA requires that all repairs and maintenance be carried out or supervised by airplane mechanics that possess a FAA certificate. Because of this rule many airlines opt to hire only those mechanics which have a FAA certification. In order to apply for a Powerplant mechanic certification a mechanic must have 18 months of experience. For an A&P certification one will need 30 months of experience in both airframes and engines. However course completion at an FAA aircraft mechanic school can be substituted for the work experience.
Candidates must complete and pass a written, practical and oral tests in order to demonstrate their proficiency in order to receive their FAA certifications. Written tests are overseen by one of the numerous computer testing facilities in the world. Practical and oral tests are carried out with and administered Designated Mechanic Examiner who works with the FAA. All tests need to be completed within a 24 month time frame in order to receive a certification.
It is mandatory for all airplane mechanics to have worked at least one thousand hours in the last 24 months or they are required to take continued education courses. Mechanics must also complete 16 hours of training every 24 months in order to maintain their certifications.
Airlines seek mechanics who are hard working, enthusiastic, self-motivated, able to solve problems and diagnose mechanical problems. Employers also prefer those who are able to perform a variety of tasks. Being agile is very important so that you can crouch, climb and work on scaffolds and ladders. It also helps to not be afraid of heights since you may often being on the tops of the wings or fuselage.
Those coming out of the armed forces may have completed enough broad work experience to qualify for FAA certifications, but in many cases individuals coming out need to attend aircraft mechanic schools in order to get their FAA certifications.
Aircraft Mechanic Job Advancement
For those mechanics who excel and strive for excellence job advancement opportunities will be available. These advancements will come in the form of promotions to positions like lead mechanic, chief inspector, or shop supervisor jobs. Having an aircraft inspectors authorization helps when it comes to promotions. These authorizations are given to those who have obtained A&P certifications for a minimum of 3 years, and who have 24 months of on the job work experience.
Mechanics can also over time be promoted to inspectors for the FAA. Some mechanics who have entrepreneurial skills opt to go into business for themselves. Other mechanics go on to get pilots licenses and eventually become pilots for major airlines.
Aircraft Mechanic Salary
Employment in this field is expected to be favorable and grow about as fast as the average for all jobs across the United States. Jobs are expected to grow by 7% between the years of 2008 to 2018. Globalization and an expanding economy is going to mean more air travel, more airplanes and therefore more demand for aircraft mechanics. Many airlines prefer to have their planes serviced in the U.S. However, there are some that are beginning to outsource their maintenance overseas where they can save money. Another contributing factor to future job openings is that those who have the mental aptitude for these positions are choosing other careers instead.
In May of 2008 the median aircraft mechanic salary was calculated to be around $25 per hour. The highest 10% of mechanics were paid more than $33 per hour. These numbers were supplied by the Unites States Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Additional salary resources reported that an aviation mechanic salary for jet airplanes was on average around $67k annually as of March of 2012. These numbers was compiled by using human resource statistics along with those currently employed in this field of work and their respective aircraft mechanic salaries.
Conclusion
Thanks for visiting our aircraft mechanic job description and salary information web page. We hope you’ve found this information to be detailed and informational. Please leave a comment, as we love to hear from our readers. For more information about aviation careers please read some of our other articles.
