Aircraft Mechanic Jobs - A Listing of Jobs In Your AreaAircraft Mechanic Jobs Aircraft mechanics service and repair aircraft and aircraft engines. They do this to ensure safe and dependable performance.
Visit Our Aviation Job Search to look for aircraft mechanic jobs
Aircraft mechanics perform routine maintenance and inspections. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires regular checks to be made to aircraft to ensure the proper flight safety standards are met. For example, after aircraft have flown a certain number of hours, mechanics may inspect them. Or they may check planes after a specific number of days, cycles of operation, or a combination of all of these factors. All this is done to ensure the safety of the general public.
Many aircraft maintainers work only on preventive maintenance. They inspect the engines, landing gear, instruments, pressurized sections, and accessories. Accessories include brakes, valves, and air-conditioning systems. They may grease moving parts or replace fluids. Aircraft mechanics use precision instruments to measure parts for wear. They also use x-ray equipment or magnetic inspection equipment to check for cracks that cannot be seen by human eyes. When they find worn parts, mechanics replace or repair them. Mechanics may work on one or many types of aircraft. These may include jets, propeller-driven airplanes, and helicopters. Some mechanics specialize in one section of a certain type of aircraft.
In small repair shops, mechanics usually work on many types of aircraft. In larger shops, they are more likely to specialize. Advances in technology are changing how mechanics spend their time. More and more, mechanics are repairing electronic systems, such as navigation and radar. The workers who specialize in these repairs are called avionics technicians. To work as an aircraft mechanic, you must:
Education After High School Most aircraft mechanics learn their skills at a professional-technical school. Training programs last two or four years and you earn an associate or bachelors degree. In school you learn about turbine engines and aviation electronics. You also learn to use tools and equipment. To become a certified mechanic, you must study at a school certified by the FAA. Work Experience The FAA requires 18 months of work experience before you can become a certified aircraft mechanic. For an airframe and power plant (A & P) certificate, you need 30 months of work experience. You can sometimes substitute a degree from a training program for work experience. Aircraft Mechanic Jobs - On-The-Job Training A few aircraft mechanics are trained on the job by experienced mechanics. Training may take two years or more. Mechanics who enter the job with some experience will go through less on -the-job training. Military Training The military trains people to be aircraft mechanics and avionics technicians. Training lasts three to 17 weeks for aircraft mechanics. For avionics technicians training lasts 18 to 25 weeks. Further training occurs on the job and through advanced courses.
The time you spend in the military as an aircraft mechanic may give you enough work experience to satisfy the requirements for FAA certification. However, military training is specialized. Thus, many military-trained mechanics complete a full training course at a professional-technical school to become certified.
Wages for aircraft mechanics vary by specialty. Wages for mechanics in some areas are given below. Pay varies by employer. For example, mechanics who work on jets for the major airlines earn more than other mechanics. Mechanics work all shifts and often work overtime. Employers pay mechanics extra for working shifts that are not during regular work times. Mechanics who work full time usually receive benefits. Benefits usually include health insurance, paid vacation, and a retirement plan. Airline mechanics also receive travel discounts for themselves and their family members. Aircraft Mechanic Jobs Most aircraft mechanics work at major airports near large cities. Both civilian and military mechanics work on military bases. Large numbers of mechanics work for aircraft manufacturers in California and Washington. Mechanics who work for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) generally work in one of three cities. These cities are Oklahoma City, Atlantic City, or Washington, DC. Mechanics who work for independent repair shops work at airports throughout the nation.
Major Employers
Return From Aircraft Mechanic Jobs To Aviation Jobs
|
