Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technicians

What Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technicians Do

An airplane mechanic repairs an engine. Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians repair and perform scheduled maintenance on airplanes and helicopters. They also inspect airplanes and helicopters as required by their employer

Duties

Aircraft mechanics typically do the following:

•          Examine aircraft frames and parts for defects

•          Diagnose mechanical or electrical problems

•          Measure parts for wear, using precision instruments

•          Read maintenance manuals to identify methods of repair

•          Repair wings, brakes, electrical systems, and other aircraft components

•          Replace defective parts, using hand tools

•          Test aircraft parts with gauges and other diagnostic equipment

•          Inspect completed work to ensure that it meets performance standards

•          Keep records of maintenance and repair work

Avionics technicians typically do the following:

•          Test electronic instruments, using circuit testers, oscilloscopes, and voltmeters

•          Interpret flight test data to diagnose malfunctions and performance problems

•          Assemble components, such as electrical controls and junction boxes

•          Install instrument panels, using hand tools, power tools, and soldering irons

•          Repair or replace malfunctioning components

•          Keep records of maintenance and repair work

Today’s airplanes are highly complex machines that require reliable parts and service to fly safely. To keep an airplane in peak operating condition, aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians do scheduled maintenance, make repairs, and complete inspections.

Some mechanics work on many different types of aircraft, such as jets, propeller-driven airplanes, and helicopters. Others specialize in one section of a particular type of aircraft, such as the engine, hydraulics, or electrical system of a jet. In small, independent repair shops, mechanics usually inspect and repair many different types of aircraft.

Most mechanics who work on civilian aircraft have the FAA’s Airframe and Power plant (A&P) certificate. Mechanics who have this certificate are authorized to work on any part of the aircraft, except electronic flight instruments. Maintaining a plane’s electronic flight instruments is the job of avionics technicians.

The following are types of aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians:

Maintenance mechanics specialize in preventive maintenance and inspect aircraft. Every aircraft must be inspected regularly. The schedule for inspection may be based on hours flown, days since the last inspection, trips flown, or a combination of these factors.

Maintenance mechanics inspect aircraft engines, landing gear, instruments, brakes, air conditioning systems, and other parts. They use precision instruments to measure wear and replace worn out parts.

They inspect a plane’s exterior and repair metal sheets. They may use x rays and magnetic inspection equipment to check for cracks that can't be seen. They check for corrosion, distortion, and cracks in the aircraft's main body, wings, and tail.

In planes equipped with aircraft monitoring systems, mechanics can gather valuable diagnostic information from electronic consoles. After completing all repairs, mechanics must test the equipment to ensure that it works properly. Mechanics also must keep records of all maintenance that they do on an aircraft.

Repair mechanics specialize in repair work rather than inspection. They find and fix problems that pilots describe. For example, during a preflight check, a pilot may discover that the aircraft's fuel gauge is not working. Mechanics must figure out the problem and replace any defective electrical parts. They must work as fast as safety permits so that the aircraft can be put back into service quickly.

Avionic technicians repair and maintain a plane’s electronic systems, such as radio communications, radar systems, and flight instruments. As the use of automated technology increases, more time is spent maintaining a plane’s computer systems. Technicians are often needed to analyze and solve complex electronic problems.

Work Environment about this section

Airplane mechanics often have to climb, reach, and balance on a plane’s exterior. Aircraft mechanics and avionic technicians held about 142,300 jobs in 2010. Approximately 87 percent were mechanics and the rest were avionic technicians. 

Employment of aircraft mechanics and avionic technicians is concentrated in a small number of industries. The following industries employed the largest numbers of aircraft mechanics:

•   Scheduled air transportation 
• Support activities for air transportation (including airports)
• Aerospace products and parts manufacturing
• Federal government, excluding postal service
• Nonscheduled air transportation

The following industries employed the largest numbers of avionics technicians:

• Aerospace products and parts manufacturing
• Support activities for air transportation (including airports)
•   Federal government, excluding postal service
•   Scheduled air transportation
•    Navigational, measuring, electro medical, and control instruments manufacturing

Mechanics and technicians work in hangars, in repair stations, or on airfields. They must often meet strict deadlines to maintain flight schedules. At the same time, they must maintain safety standards, and doing both can cause stress.

Most mechanics and technicians work near major airports. Airline mechanics often work outside, on the airfield, while repair and corporate mechanics work in climate-controlled shops.

Injuries

Mechanics often lift heavy objects, handle dangerous chemicals, or operate large power tools. They frequently stand, lie, or kneel in awkward positions and work on scaffolds or ladders. Noise and vibrations are common when engines are being tested, so ear protection is necessary.

Because airline mechanics work outside, they must often endure hot and cold temperatures. Although their work is not inherently dangerous, aircraft mechanics and service technicians experience rates of injuries and illnesses that are higher than the average across all occupations.

Work Schedules

Mechanics and technicians usually work full time on shifts. Day shifts are usually reserved for mechanics with the most seniority.

How to Become an Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanic or Technician about this section 

Aircraft mechanics and avionics technicians must be certified according to the requirements of the local regulators.  Most mechanics learn their trade at an Approved Aviation Maintenance Technician School.

Education and Training

Coursework normally lasts 18 to 24 months and provides training with the tools and equipment used on the job.

Some of these schools award 2- or 4-year degrees in avionics, aviation technology, or aviation maintenance management. Increasingly, employers are looking more favorably on those with a bachelor’s degree.

Aircraft trade schools are placing more emphasis on technologies being used in new airplanes, such as turbine engines, composite materials, and aviation electronics. These technical advances require mechanics to have stronger backgrounds in composite materials and electronics.

Courses in mathematics, physics, chemical engineering, electronics, computer science, and mechanical drawing are helpful because they teach the principles involved in operating an airplane. Mechanics often need this knowledge to figure out what is wrong and how to fix it.

Courses that develop writing, communication, and management skills are important for mechanics who want to move into senior positions.

Certification

Local regulators requires that aircraft maintenance be done by certified mechanics or under the supervision of a supervised mechanic. Regulators  separate certifications for airframe mechanics and engine mechanics, but most airlines prefer to hire mechanics with a combined Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate.

To qualify, mechanics must be of the age specified by the regulator, be fluent in the language used locally, and have experience working on airframes and engines. However, completion of a program at an Aviation Maintenance Technician School approved by the local regulator can substitute for the experience requirement.

In addition to having experience or formal training, applicants must pass written, oral, and practical exams that demonstrate required skills. Candidates take the written tests on a computer at one of many designated testing facilities around the world. 

Advancement

As aircraft mechanics gain experience, they may advance to lead mechanic, lead inspector, or shop supervisor. Opportunities are best for those who have an aircraft inspector's authorization.

A bachelor’s degree has become increasingly important for career advancement, some mechanics continue their education.

Important Qualities

Agility.  Mechanics should be able to climb on airplanes, balance, and reach with no fear of heights.

Detail oriented. Mechanics should be able to adjust airplane parts to exact specifications. For example, mechanics often use precision tools to tighten wheel bolts to an exact tension.

Manual dexterity.  Mechanics should be able to precisely coordinate the movement of their fingers and hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble parts.

Technical skills.  Mechanics should be able to interpret engine noises, gauges, dials, and other technical instruments to determine whether a plane’s mechanical systems are working properly.

Troubleshooting skills. Mechanics should be able to diagnose complex problems and evaluate options to correct those problems.

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