Sometimes a pilot reports defective equipment to the maintenance crew. However, defects are usually discovered during the regular periodic inspections made on all aircraft. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires that every plane be inspected and tested for safety after it has flown a certain number of hours. Sometimes the engines and parts must be completely overhauled. The mechanic inspects the plane to make sure that the craft meets all specifications. The mechanic takes full responsibility for the repairs and can lose his federal Aviation Administration license if the plane is not in perfect condition.
Line maintenance crews work at airports. They make quick repairs on planes that are scheduled to take off. The mechanic's main concern is to make minor repairs in the shortest time possible in order to keep a flight schedule. Major repairs are not handled by the line maintenance crews but are completed at the airline's overhaul base.
At the main overhaul base, mechanics thoroughly inspect planes and parts. The mechanics are generally more specialized at this kind of base. Usually they work on just one part of the plane, such as the engine or the landing gear.
Mechanics who do not work for the big airlines can work in smaller airports and for airplane charter services. They may also work in general aviator repair shops. Because most of these shops are small, the mechanics who work for them must know how to work on all the parts of a plane. Other aircraft mechanics work in plants where planes are manufactured. Those mechanics prepare the aircraft for test flights. Sometimes they go on test flights to discover and correct any problems that new aircraft may have.
Education and Training: Mechanics should be interested in mechanical equipment and be skillful at working with their hands and with tools. Aircraft mechanics must be accurate and precise and have a good mind for detail. Good hearing and eyesight are helpful to those who wish to be mechanics.
Employers require that applicants have a high school diploma or its equivalent. Useful subjects include mathematics, physics, chemistry, machine shop, industrial drafting, auto mechanics, metal and wood shop, electricity, sheet metal shop, aircraft mechanics, and welding. Applicants should be able to read and interpret blueprints, diagrams, electricity charts, and instructional manuals.
All aircraft mechanics must obtain government certification. There are two kinds of licenses: an A license, which allows mechanics to work on the airplane's body; and a P license, which allows mechanics to work on engines (also known as power plants). Some mechanics have both A and P licenses. Mechanics must pass written, oral, and practical tests to earn a license. Applicants should be 18 years old and know how to read and write English.
Most mechanics go to an FAA-approved school for mechanics for 18 to 24 months. Others may take an FAA-approved 2-year course in high school or in college. All graduates who have FAA-approved training may take the mechanic's test right away. Mechanics who have not taken such courses of study must have 18 months of practical experience. If applicants desire both A and P certification, they must have a total of 30 months of experience working with both the framework of an airplane and its engine. Often untrained workers start out as helpers under skilled workers.
Getting the Job: You can apply directly to the employment office of an airline. If you are in a program for mechanics, you can get help from your school's placement office. The state employment service can also help you find a job. Check, too, with the labor unions for aircraft mechanics.
Employment Outlook: Advancement is easiest for mechanics with both an A and a P rating. Those with only one rating may get the other by taking another test and the licensing exam. Regular mechanics can advance to head mechanic or to the rank of crew chief. Some become supervisors and maintenance superintendents. Very good mechanics may become FAA inspectors after taking a test.
The job outlook for aircraft mechanics is good. The FAA expects increased demand for air travel every year, both on the large airlines and in private and corporate aircraft. However, the demand for mechanics will be offset by technological advances that increase productivity. Still, openings will occur each year to replace workers who retire or leave their jobs for other reasons.
Working Conditions: It takes time to learn all the skills needed to be an aircraft mechanic. Even after mechanics have earned their certification, they must keep on learning. Specialized workers often take pride in their detailed knowledge of a single part of the plane, such as the landing gear. Those workers who service whole planes can take pleasure in the breadth of their skills.
Most mechanics work 40 hours a week. Because airports are in operation at night as well as during the day, mechanics are employed in 8-hour shifts around the clock. Those who have worked the longest are given their choice of shifts. New mechanics usually find themselves on the night shift.
Earnings and Benefits: Large airlines usually pay higher wages than other companies. Mechanics with both A and P ratings also generally receive higher pay. Actual wages vary with each company. Annual salaries for experienced mechanics often range from $29,000 to $44,000. Benefits include paid vacations and holidays, medical insurance, and reduced air fares.
