Aircraft Mechanics, also known as Airframe-and-Power-Plant (A & P) Mechanics, repair and service all types of aircraft engines and mechanical or hydraulic systems and components of airplanes to ensure safe and efficient airplane operation.

JOB DUTIES 

Aircraft Mechanics may:

Repair, replace, and assemble aircraft parts and frames

Prepare and paint aircraft surfaces

Take apart and inspect parts for wear, warping or other defects

Maintain or replace hydraulic units, oxygen systems, fuel and oil systems, fire extinguisher systems, and electrical systems

Examine engines for cracked cylinders and oil leaks and listen for sounds of malfunctioning

Maintain and replace aircraft engines, propeller pumps, and fuel, oil, and water injection systems

Operate and test engines and other completed work

Inspect all completed work and certify that the aircraft is ready for operation

The tools, equipment, and materials used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Aircraft Mechanics may specialize in these areas:

621.281-014 AIRCRAFT AND ENGINE MECHANICS repair and service all types of aircraft engines and mechanical or hydraulic systems and components of airplanes to ensure safe and efficient airplane operation.

621.281-014 CARBURETOR MECHANICS overhaul and test aircraft carburetors.

621.281-014 SUPERCHARGER MECHANICS overhaul and test aircraft superchargers (used to increase the power output of an engine).

621.261-022 EXPERIMENTAL AIRCRAFT MECHANICS test, repair, service, and modify experimental and prototype aircraft, engines, accessories, and components according to governmental, corporate and customer requirements.

806.381-066 AIRCRAFT PLUMBING AND HYDRAULICS MECHANICS assemble, install, and test aircraft plumbing and hydraulic components, such as surface control boosters, landing gears, vacuum units, and fuel, oil, oxygen and water systems.

621.281-014 INSTRUMENT REPAIRERS test, repair or replace, and certify instruments such as gyroscopic turn-indicators, compasses, pressure valves, tachometers, and transducers.

621.261-010 AIRPLANE INSPECTORS examine airframes, engines, and operating equipment to ensure that repairs are made according to specifications and to certify the airworthiness of aircraft. This certification is done annually on all aircraft and more frequently on commercial aircraft.

621.281-014 HELICOPTER MECHANICS service, repair, overhaul, and test helicopter airframes, engines, propellers, electronic equipment, and helicopter systems and instruments.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following Career Exploration Scripts

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WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Aircraft Mechanics may work alone or with others, under the direction of a supervisor. Depending on the assignment, Aircraft Mechanics may work indoors or outdoors. Indoor work is usually performed in clean, well lighted, well ventilated, and well equipped hangars. Outside work offers variety but may be unpleasant in bad weather.

They follow safety practices to avoid the hazards of inhalation of toxic fumes, explosions from paint or gasoline fumes or batteries, falls from ladders, and on oily floors; burns from inflammable fluids, hot engines, or heated bearings; collisions with moving propellers; and cuts from sharp instruments or tools.

Aircraft Mechanics usually work 40 hours per week. Schedules frequently include night and weekend work. There may also be changes in shifts. Some overtime may be required to complete a project or meet a deadline.

Mechanics usually furnish their own hand tools which may cost between $1000 and $3000.

Aircraft Mechanics may belong to unions. Unions which represent Aircraft Mechanics include the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers and the Air Transport Division of the Transport Workers Union of America. Those who belong to unions pay dues.

You Should Prefer:

• Working with objects and machines

• Satisfaction from working on or producing things

You Should Be Able To:

• Work within precise limits or standards of accuracy

• Do a variety of jobs involving frequent change

• Visualize how drawings/pictures would look as solid objects

• Apply principles of electricity and electronics

• Recognize slight differences in shapes or shadings of objects

• Evaluate the condition of an aircraft according to set standards,

• Rate information by using personal judgment

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

If the oil is suppose to be changed every 3000 miles and the owner flies a 300 mile trip (one way) every week, how times a year do you have to change the oil?

Mechanics who work on civilian aircraft must be licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as an "Airframe Mechanic" and/or "Powerplant Mechanic". Applicants must be at least 18 years old; read and speak English; complete 1,900 hours of instruction at an FAA certified school or have up to 30 months of on-the-job training; and pass the oral, written, and practical tests. Mechanics must hold an airframe plus a powerplant license for at least three years to obtain an inspector's license.

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

To complete the centrifugal advance test, pull the hose off the vacuum advance unit, and then any advance that shows up under the timing light will be pure centrifugal.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

You should be able to write a report to the owner of the plane explaining any repairs that must be completed.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

You should be able to inspect a plane and then decide what repairs have to be done before the plane lifts off again.

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EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer or a High School Diploma with specific Vocational Education Classes or a Certificate (program of up to one years of study beyond High School) an Associate Degree (two years of study beyond High School) may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in this Career Exploration Scripts

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1200 ELECTRONICS , 2200 MATH , 2900 SCIENCE , 3300 TECHNOLOGY

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

041 AIRCRAFT MECHANICS

Approved vocational education programs in Aircraft Mechanics prepare students to inspect, repair, and overhaul airplane parts, including engines, propellers, instruments, fuel tanks, control cables, and hydraulic units. This program is designed to meet federal aviation administration (FAA) requirements for licensing as an airframe/powerplant mechanic.

Courses in other trade and industrial programs may be required for completion of this program.

High school students should consult their guidance office for more information about the specific requirements of this program at their school or area vocational education center.

058 TRANSPORTATION SERVICES & TECHNOLOGY

Approved vocational education programs in Transportation Services & Technology provide instruction in both foundation skills and occupationally specific skills. Upon completion of a core curriculum, students select one of 5 job titles to study: Automotive technician trainee, auto body technician trainee, diesel technician trainee, small engine technician trainee, or aircraft technician trainee.

Courses in other trade & industrial programs may be required for completion of this program.

High school students should consult their guidance office for more information about the specific requirements of this program at their school or area vocational education center.

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

191 AIRCRAFT MECHANICS

Programs in Aircraft Mechanics provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for employment which requires maintaining, repairing and inspecting aircraft. Similar opportunities are identified in the MOIS Aviation Technology Postsecondary Program #17.

Courses vary from school to school but may include:

    Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Apprenticeships related to this Career Exploration Script.

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

Please check the Military website at  http://www.myfuture.com .

AIRCRAFT MECHANICS

Military aircraft fly hundreds of missions each day for transport, patrol, and flight training. They need frequent servicing to remain safe and ready to fly. Aircraft mechanics inspect, service, and repair helicopters and airplanes.

What They Do

Aircraft mechanics in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

• Service and repair helicopter, jet, and propeller aircraft engines

• Inspect and repair aircraft wings, fuselages (bodies), and tail assemblies

• Service and repair aircraft landing gear

• Repair or replace starters, lights, batteries, wiring, and other electrical parts

Helpful Attributes

Helpful school subjects include math and shop mechanics. Helpful attributes include:

• Interest in work involving aircraft

• Interest in engine mechanics

• Ability to use hand and power tools

Training Provided

Job training consists of 3 to 17 weeks of classroom instruction, including inspection and repair of aircraft engines and equipment. Training length varies depending upon the specialty. Course content typically includes:

• Engine disassembly and repair

• Repair of hydraulic, fuel, and electrical systems

• Repair of aluminum, steel, and fiberglass airframes and coverings

Further training occurs on the job and through advanced courses. The Army, Navy, and Marine Corps offer certified apprenticeship programs for some specialties in this occupation.

Work Environment

Aircraft mechanics work in aircraft hangars and machine shops located on air bases or aboard aircraft carriers.

Civilian Counterparts

Civilian aircraft mechanics work for aircraft manufacturers, commercial airlines, and government agencies. They perform duties similar to military aircraft mechanics. They may also be called airframe or powerplant mechanics.

Physical Demand

Some specialties require moderate to heavy lifting. Normal color vision is required to work with color-coded wiring.

Opportunities

The services have about 60,675 aircraft mechanics. On average, they need about 4,100 new mechanics each year. After job training, mechanics are assigned to an aircraft maintenance unit, where they perform routine maintenance and simple repair jobs. In time, they may perform more difficult repairs and train and supervise new mechanics. Eventually, they may become inspectors, shop supervisors, or maintenance superintendents.  

    E-Learning Courses and Programs

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OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Several ways to gain experience in this occupation include FAA-Approved college or vocational school course work in aircraft mechanics, summer work at smaller airports, and training in the military. Secondary vocational education programs in aircraft mechanics and transportation services and technology, as well as postsecondary programs in aircraft mechanics may offer a co-op portion which includes practical experience.

School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Aircraft Mechanic employer

internships

volunteer work with Aircraft Mechanic employer

community service work with an agency

Most Aircraft Mechanics obtain their positions by applying directly to employers. Some employers hire a small number of individuals with no training and place them in an on-the-job training program. Help in locating a job may be obtained from trade schools or college placement offices and aircraft workers' union offices. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:  

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

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EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Earnings of Aircraft Mechanics vary according to the employer, geographic location, the Mechanic's experience and training, level of responsibility, longevity (length of time as an Aircraft Mechanic), licensure, and union affiliation. Airlines generally offer higher wages than other employers offer.

Nationally, Aircraft Mechanics had median annual earnings of) $47,788 (or $22.98 hourly) in 2005. Those Mechanics with supervisory responsibilities averaged between $19.37 and $30.10 per hour. Cost-of-living allowances and shift and license premiums (based on number of FAA licenses held) may be paid to these workers.   The median yearly earnings of "all" workers in the U.S. were $33,852 in 2005.

Aircraft Mechanics who worked on private, business, and industrial aircraft earned (2005):

Aircraft Mechanics working for the State of Michigan earned hourly wages ranging from $16.43) to $25.44 (mid 2006). City of Detroit Aircraft Mechanics earned hourly rates ranging from $19.83 to $20.04 (2005), while supervising Aircraft Mechanics earned between $23.41 and $25.19 hourly.

Aircraft Mechanics may receive as paid vacations and holidays; sick leave; life, health, disability, hospitalization, and dental insurance; retirement plans; free or reduced-fare air travel; and uniforms and cleaning allowances. In addition, some may have profit sharing and receive free flight instruction.

The best advancement opportunities are for those Aircraft Mechanics who are licensed for both airframe and power plant mechanical work and for inspectors. Steps in a possible career ladder might include apprentice, Aircraft Mechanic, crew chief, and head inspector.

Some Mechanics become commercial pilots. The Mechanic's license enhances their opportunities to obtain a position as co-pilot. Some Mechanics become FAA inspectors or accident investigators after obtaining a bachelor's degree. Other Aircraft Mechanics may open their own repair shops.

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EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally, in2004, there were about 119,000 Aircraft Mechanics employed. Employment is expected to increase about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2014. Opportunities should be best for experienced Mechanics, Mechanics who were trained in the armed forces, or those who graduate from FAA- certified technical schools. Many airlines have standing agreements to hire graduates from these schools. Labor-saving advances in aircraft maintenance, however, may limit employment of Mechanics somewhat. In addition to openings from growth many openings are expected each year as workers retire, die, or transfer to other lines of work. About 3.3% of them were self-employed. The industry distribution for Aircraft Mechanics looked like this:

There were about 1,975 Aircraft Mechanics employed in Michigan. Most of them worked in the commercial airline transportation industry.  

Employment of Aircraft Mechanics in Michigan is expected to increase faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2012. An average of 80 openings is expected annually, with 30 due to growth and  50 due to replacement of workers who retire, die, or leave the labor force for other reasons. Additional openings will occur as workers transfer to other jobs or occupations. Increased air travel and a greater emphasis on air safety should result in a need for more Aircraft Mechanics. Wages in small companies often are low, but there is less competition for those jobs than jobs with the airlines.

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2012

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from the sources below.

  Copyright © 2007 Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth