Aircraft Mechanics & Service Technicians

realistic interests repair conduct inspection aircraft maintenance specifications malfunctioning equipment system proper functioning

Aircraft Mechanic, Aircraft Technician, Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic (A and P Mechanic), Aviation Mechanic

What they do:
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul aircraft engines and assemblies, such as hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
On the job, you would:
  • 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.

Knowledge

Engineering and Technology

  • mechanical
  • product and service development

Arts and Humanities

  • English language

Business

  • customer service

Math and Science

  • arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics

Skills

Basic Skills

  • thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
  • reading work related information

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Technical

  • planning and doing the basic maintenance on equipment
  • repairing machines or systems using the right tools

Abilities

Hand and Finger Use

  • put together small parts with your fingers
  • hold or move items with your hands

Verbal

  • read and understand what is written
  • communicate by speaking

Ideas and Logic

  • notice when problems happen
  • order or arrange things

Controlled Movement

  • quickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat

Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.

They do well at jobs that need:

  • Attention to Detail
  • Integrity
  • Dependability
  • Persistence
  • Self Control
  • Adaptability/Flexibility

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Enterprise resource planning ERP software

  • SAP software Hot Technology
  • Tracware AeroTrac

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint Hot Technology

Facilities management software

  • Maintenance planning software
  • Maintenance record software

Education

Education: (rated 3 of 5)
certificate after high school or
associate's degree
usually needed

Get started on your career:

Find Training
Find Licenses
Apprenticeship.gov

Job Outlook

Average
New job opportunities are likely in the future.
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See more details at O*NET OnLine about aircraft mechanics and service technicians.