Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
What is an Aircraft Mechanic and Service Technician?
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians are skilled professionals responsible for inspecting, maintaining, and repairing aircraft to ensure they operate safely and efficiently. They play a crucial role in the aviation industry, working on various aircraft systems, including engines, electrical systems, hydraulics, and landing gear. Their work is essential for the safety of flight operations, requiring a deep understanding of aircraft mechanics, adherence to strict regulations, and compliance with safety standards. These technicians may be involved in routine maintenance checks, troubleshooting issues, and conducting modifications or upgrades on aircraft components. Their expertise ensures that all operational aircraft meet the stringent requirements set by aviation authorities and that they are always ready for safe flight. Many technicians work in commercial airlines, private aviation sectors, or government agencies, and their roles may involve working in hangars, on airfields, and even on remote locations depending on the needs of the aircraft they service.
Tasks
- Examine and inspect aircraft components, including landing gear, hydraulic systems, and deicers to locate cracks, breaks, leaks, or other problems.
- Conduct routine and special inspections as required by regulations.
- Inspect completed work to certify that maintenance meets standards and that aircraft are ready for operation.
- Read and interpret maintenance manuals, service bulletins, and other specifications to determine the feasibility and method of repairing or replacing malfunctioning or damaged components.
- Maintain repair logs, documenting all preventive and corrective aircraft maintenance.
Technology Skills
-
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
- SAP software
- Tracware AeroTrac
-
Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
-
Facilities management software
- Access Software AIRPAX
- Maintenance information databases
- Maintenance planning software
- Maintenance record software
-
Data base user interface and query software
- Mxi Technologies Maintenix
- Operational Data Store ODS software
- Pentagon 2000SQL
-
Analytical or scientific software
- CaseBank SpotLight
- Engine analysis software
Tools Used
- Integrated maintenance information systems
- Punches or nail sets or drifts
- Metal cutters
- Screwdrivers
- Wearable computing devices
Knowledge
-
Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
-
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
-
Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
-
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
-
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Skills
-
Equipment Maintenance
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
-
Repairing
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
-
Operations Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
-
Troubleshooting
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
-
Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Abilities
-
Control Precision
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
-
Finger Dexterity
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
-
Information Ordering
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
-
Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
-
Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
-
Post-secondary certificate
Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)
-
Associate's degree
-
High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
Work Activities
-
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 Materials
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.
Detailed Work Activities
- Inspect mechanical components of vehicles to identify problems.
- Interpret blueprints, specifications, or diagrams to inform installation, development or operation activities.
- Inspect completed work to ensure proper functioning.
- Maintain repair or maintenance records.
- Read technical information needed to perform maintenance or repairs.
Work Interests
-
Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
-
Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
-
Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$45760.0 - $114750.0
New job opportunities are likely in the future. : Average
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.