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

Where in the military? Select a military branch to see samples.
Advanced Fighter Aircraft Integrated Avionics; Aerospace Propulsion Helper, F100, F119, F135Jet Engines (F-15, F16, F-22 aircraft); Airborne Mission Systems Specialist Craftsman, EC-130H; Aircraft Armament Systems Apprentice, F-16; Aircraft Fuel Systems Journeyman; Aircrew Flight Equipment Craftsman, Ejection Seat Aircraft; Avionics Superintendent; Helicopter/Tiltrotor Aircraft Maintenance Apprentice, MHU-139; Nondestructive Inspection Craftsman; Remotely Piloted Aircraft Maintenance Apprentice, MQ-1/MQ-9
AH-64 Armament/Electrical/Avionics Systems Repairer; Aircraft Components Repair Supervisor; Aircraft Powerplant Repairer; Armament/Electrical/Avionics Repair Supervisor; Aviation Officer; Avionic Mechanic; Cavalry Scout; Combat Medic Specialist; Military Police; UH-60 Helicopter Repairer/Aircrew Member
Airman; Aviation Engineering Specialty; Aviation Maintenance Technician; Aviation Survival Technician; Avionics Electrical Technician
Additive Manufacturing Officer; Aircraft Communications/Navigation/Radar Systems Technician, F/A-18; Aircraft Maintenance (Rotary-Wing); Aviation Electronic Micro/miniature Component and Cable Repair Technician, IMA; Communication/Navigation/Cryptographic/Countermeasures Systems Technician, IMA; Fixed-Wing Aircraft Flight Engineer, KC-130; Fixed-Wing Aircraft Power Plants Mechanic, F-404; Fixed-Wing Transport Aircraft Specialist, C-20; Helicopter Power Plants Mechanic, T-400/T-700; Reconfigurable Transportable Consolidated Automated Support System (RTCASS) Technician, IMA
Advanced Composite Structural Repair IMA Technician; Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Officer, Support Equipment; Aviation Electrician's Mate Intermediate Level Technician; Aviation Maintenance/Production Chief; C-40 Systems Organizational Maintenance Quality Assurance Representative; Conversion NEC AME Aviation Structural Mechanic (Safety Equipment); Expeditionary Force - Unmanned Systems (Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV)/Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV)/USG) Maintenance; Helicopter Rotors/Related Components IMA Mechanic; MH-60S Electronics Systems Organizational Initial Maintenance Technician; P-3/C-130/E-2/C-2 Electrical Component IMA Technician
; Aerospace Propulsion Helper, TF33, CF6, F103, F108, F117, TFE-731, TF39, PW 2040, F138 Jet Engines (Airlift, Special Mission, and B-52 aircraft); Aircraft Fuel Systems Helper; Aircrew Egress Systems Apprentice; Airlift/Special Mission Aircraft Maintenance Helper, C-17; Helicopter/Tiltrotor Aircraft Maintenance Apprentice, MHU-139; Refuel/Bomber Aircraft Maintenance Apprentice, B-1; Refuel/Bomber Aircraft Maintenance Helper, KC-10; Remotely Piloted Aircraft Maintenance Apprentice, RQ-4; Tactical Aircraft Maintenance (5th Generation) Helper, F-35
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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