What does an aircraft electrician do?
An aircraft electrician specializes in installing and repairing electrical systems in an aircraft, ensuring quality and efficiency. Their responsibilities typically include running diagnostic tests and examinations, troubleshooting problems, replacing and fixing components, understanding diagrams, and keeping records. There are also instances where they must solder wires, climb up high places, and perform regular maintenance checks. Moreover, an aircraft electrician typically works in a team setting, which requires an active communication line for an efficient and safe workflow.
Aircraft electrician responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real aircraft electrician resumes:
- Remove, analyze, identify issue install properly working pressure transducers, effectively accomplishing priorities to go underway.
- Comply with Cessna and FAA specs.
- Prepare and load live ammunition onto aircraft.
- Set up and mark wires per FAA specifications.
- Clean helicopter/turbojet transmissions, gearboxes, drive shafts and relate components.
- Inspect work for quality defects as well as prevent FOD mishaps -Report unsafe work conditions/actions to supervisors
- Remove, install, certify repairs, modify, overhaul, and install jet engines and gearboxes.
- Certify each inspection include an examination of work area for sources of foreign object debris (FOD).
- Set up scaffolds, ladders, stands, and other equipment to prepare the work site as required.
- Install commercial/residential HVAC and electrical systems
- Read and interpret schematics and diagrams to troubleshoot and repair electrical and instrumentation equipment.
- Conduct basic service calls to commercial installations; perform preventative maintenance on HVAC equipment.
- Perform depot level maintenance/ modification, manufacturing final test, troubleshoot, and flightless operations.
- Test and repair various communication equipment including radios, radar equipment, and navigational components.
- Perform schedule and unschedule maintenance on communication, radar, instrument, electrical/power distribution, and integrate weapons delivery systems.
Aircraft electrician skills and personality traits
We calculated that 27% of Aircraft Electricians are proficient in Electrical Systems, Hazardous Materials, and Diagnose Malfunctions. They’re also known for soft skills such as Detail oriented, Dexterity, and Math skills.
We break down the percentage of Aircraft Electricians that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Electrical Systems, 27%
Maintained oxygen, air conditioning, cabin pressurization, pneumatic systems, fire extinguishing, electrical systems and associated components.
- Hazardous Materials, 16%
Track shipping of damaged parts to back shops, and knowing transportation regulations and transportation systems for hazardous materials.
- Diagnose Malfunctions, 8%
Diagnose malfunctions of major systems and sub-systems to determine extent of repair or replacement.
- Switchboards, 6%
Operated engine control systems, electrical generators and electric plant control equipment from local operating stations and switchboards.
- Hand Tools, 6%
Installed electrical components, assemblies, and systems in aircraft, using hand tools, and power tools and soldering irons.
- Troubleshoot, 5%
Skilled at using military publications and schematics to troubleshoot complex and difficult problems.
Most aircraft electricians use their skills in "electrical systems," "hazardous materials," and "diagnose malfunctions" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential aircraft electrician responsibilities here:
Detail oriented. One of the key soft skills for an aircraft electrician to have is detail oriented. You can see how this relates to what aircraft electricians do because "mechanics and technicians need to adjust airplane parts to exact specifications." Additionally, an aircraft electrician resume shows how aircraft electricians use detail oriented: "ensured attention to detail, fod awareness. "
Dexterity. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling aircraft electrician duties is dexterity. The role rewards competence in this skill because "mechanics and technicians need to coordinate the movement of their fingers and hands in order to grasp, manipulate, or assemble parts." According to an aircraft electrician resume, here's how aircraft electricians can utilize dexterity in their job responsibilities: "followed all prescribed and written safety procedures when using forklift or other lifting devices to move aircraft components. "
The three companies that hire the most aircraft electricians are:
- Army National Guard35 aircraft electricians jobs
- National Guard24 aircraft electricians jobs
- Northrop Grumman7 aircraft electricians jobs
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Compare different aircraft electricians
Aircraft electrician vs. Systems mechanic
A systems mechanic specializes in repairing and maintaining systems, ensuring machines operate smoothly and efficiently. Although the extent of their responsibilities varies upon their company or place of employment, it typically includes meeting with clients to identify their needs, inspecting machinery, troubleshooting problems, replacing and fixing wirings, and recommending other services when necessary. They may also install and assemble equipment, establish guidelines, and replenish fluid such as oil and gas. Moreover, there are instances when a systems mechanic works in a team setting, which requires an active communication line for a safe and successful workflow.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of an aircraft electrician are more likely to require skills like "diagnose malfunctions," "switchboards," "troubleshoot," and "environmental systems." On the other hand, a job as a systems mechanic requires skills like "preventive maintenance," "electronic equipment," "mechanical troubleshooting," and "safety practices." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Systems mechanics tend to make the most money working in the government industry, where they earn an average salary of $78,942. In contrast, aircraft electricians make the biggest average salary, $63,434, in the manufacturing industry.On average, systems mechanics reach similar levels of education than aircraft electricians. Systems mechanics are 1.8% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.0% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Aircraft electrician vs. Helicopter mechanic
A helicopter mechanic is tasked with making sure all a helicopter's parts are good and working well. They thoroughly inspect and ensure that the helicopter and other aircraft meet standard regulations and are fit for flight. A helicopter mechanic is well versed in mechanics and has excellent problem-solving and computer skills. They repair and maintain both civilian and military helicopters. They may work at airfields or runways.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, aircraft electrician responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "diagnose malfunctions," "switchboards," "troubleshoot," and "electrical components." Meanwhile, a helicopter mechanic has duties that require skills in areas such as "maintenance manuals," "helicopter maintenance," "gearboxes," and "preventative maintenance." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Helicopter mechanics may earn a higher salary than aircraft electricians, but helicopter mechanics earn the most pay in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $68,156. On the other hand, aircraft electricians receive higher pay in the manufacturing industry, where they earn an average salary of $63,434.In general, helicopter mechanics achieve similar levels of education than aircraft electricians. They're 1.5% less likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Aircraft electrician vs. Jet engine mechanic
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, aircraft electricians are more likely to have skills like "diagnose malfunctions," "switchboards," "hand tools," and "troubleshoot." But a jet engine mechanic is more likely to have skills like "test stands," "aircraft engines," "aerospace," and "maintenance manuals."
When it comes to education, jet engine mechanics tend to earn similar degree levels compared to aircraft electricians. In fact, they're 2.4% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.0% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Aircraft electrician vs. Hydraulic mechanic
Types of aircraft electrician
Updated January 8, 2025
