Those with a passion for aviation and a desire to finish complex, technical tasks might choose a profession as an aircraft mechanic.
Aircraft mechanics play a crucial role in ensuring that airplanes and other flying devices run correctly and safely.
Developing the necessary abilities, credentials, and experience to work as an aircraft mechanic requires dedication, but it can lead to a rewarding, secure profession.
In this post, we go through the fundamentals of being an aviation mechanic and offer instructions on how to get started.
SEE ALSO: What Does a UPS Package Handler Do?
What Does an Aircraft Mechanic Do?
An aircraft mechanic is in charge of routinely inspecting and maintaining an aircraft’s systems to guarantee operational safety and stability.
A thorough understanding of identifying and troubleshooting system issues is essential for aircraft mechanics.
Additionally, they must follow the company’s standards and laws to ensure effective processes.
To execute diagnosis and inspection with little supervision, aircraft technicians must have strong decision-making and critical-thinking abilities.
A mechanic for aircraft should be able to use tools and equipment for aviation, record resources, and report discoveries for safety issues.
Aircraft Mechanic Job Duties
The duties of aircraft mechanics are extensive and might include:
- Ensuring an aircraft’s safety by performing pre- and post-flight inspections
- Inspecting airplane parts for wear and flaws to determine if repairs are required
- Maintaining the aircraft’s hydraulics, wiring, brakes, and other systems to ensure its safety.
- Check the aircraft systems with preventative maintenance to ensure they operate correctly.
- Repairing damaged airplane parts with the aid of welding equipment and rivet guns, including the wings, tails, fuselages, and hulls.
- Installing new parts, including avionics, hydraulic systems, engines, brakes, and wiring.
- Keeping records of each aircraft’s maintenance activities.
- Repairing harm brought on by bird strikes, lightning strikes, hail damage, or other unexpected collisions with environmental items.
- Making modifications to the seats, windows, doors, flaps, brakes, and instrument panels of aircraft
Aircraft Mechanic Salary
The level of education and experience, the size of the organization, and the location all affect an aircraft mechanic’s pay.
They might also receive overtime pay as additional remuneration.
- Median Annual Salary: $62,500 ($30.05/hour)
- Top 10% Annual Salary: $85,000 ($40.87/hour)
Aircraft Mechanic Job Requirements
Typically, aircraft mechanics need the following education:
SEE ALSO: What Does a Telecommunications Operator Do?
Education
A high school diploma or GED is the minimum education requirement for aircraft mechanics.
Many mechanics opt to study aircraft maintenance technology for an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree.
Aeronautical engineering, aviation systems, and aeronautical maintenance technology are all included in these two-year degrees.
Training & Experience
When aviation mechanic first joins a company, they typically undergo on-the-job training.
Depending on the aircraft’s complexity and the organization’s size, this training may last a few weeks to a few months.
The mechanic will get knowledge of the particular aircraft and the maintenance practices used by the business throughout this training.
Certifications & Licenses
An aircraft mechanic must obtain certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to operate on airplanes.
The designation of Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) is the most popular certification.
The AMT Basic and AMT Advanced are the two components of the AMT certification. Obtaining the AMT Advanced certification requires having the AMT Basic certification.
AMT Advanced certification holders can get either the AMT certification alone or the AMT plus Aircraft Electrical Systems certifications.
Aircraft Mechanic Work Environment
Work environments for aircraft mechanics include hangars, maintenance facilities, and airfields.
They might be subjected to noise from tools, machinery, and airplane engines. Additionally, they can be exposed to chemicals and fumes, including hydraulic fluids, motor oils, and cleaning solvents.
They might have to lift heavy goods and work in small spaces. Mechanics must adhere to safety protocols and put on safety gear, such as gloves, safety glasses, and earplugs or muffs, to prevent accidents.
Aircraft Mechanic Skills
To succeed, aircraft mechanics require the following abilities:
- Technical skills
- Problem-solving
- Mechanical aptitude
- Attention to detail
- Communication
How to Become an Aircraft Mechanic
A job as an aircraft mechanic can be both satisfying and lucrative. It’s crucial to start your trip by receiving the appropriate instructions.
Finding the aviation mechanics degree that best suits your needs requires investigation because numerous colleges offer it.
It’s crucial to gain experience working on aircraft after completing your training.
You can accomplish this by working for an airline or aviation business, volunteering at your neighborhood airport or flying club, or both.
You’ll be able to climb the corporate ladder and take on more difficult responsibilities as you gain more experience.
SEE ALSO: What Does Scaffold Erector Do?
Conclusion
Most aircraft mechanics begin their careers as assistants or apprentices, working under the guidance of more experienced mechanics.
They are given more responsibility and are permitted to work independently on small tasks as they gain experience in the trade and develop their talents.
