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What does an aircraft maintenance technician do?

Updated January 8, 2025
6 min read
What does an aircraft maintenance technician do

Aircraft Maintenance Technicians make commercial, government/private airplanes, and helicopters safe for their crew and passengers. They ensure that aircrafts meet Federal Aviation Regulations.

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Aircraft maintenance technician responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real aircraft maintenance technician resumes:

  • Manage the FOD prevention program to reduce costly repairs and increase the participation in FOD awareness and FOD walk downs.
  • Work in building maintenance HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems.
  • Develop lesson plans using ISD utilizing PowerPoint, excel and word documents.
  • Prepare daily lesson plans, handout materials, overhead transparencies, PowerPoint slides, and other training aids.
  • Install, repair, troubleshoot aviation and navigation systems install on military aircraft
  • Maintain all photo and etch equipment.
  • Generate and monitor SPC charts for key equipment.
  • Input SPC information into daily production and tool uptime logs.
  • Experience with Siemens PLC, Allen Bradley PLC and servo drives.
  • Maintain a demanding pm schedule due to FDA regulations and internal audits.
  • Perform transfer tests with all transfer switches used in homes, pump stations.
  • Clean and repair condensers and steam traps and check valves and air compressors.
  • Correct wiring issues find in PLC network used for motor controls and system monitoring.
  • Perform in-flight duties to ensure the successful completion of combat, reconnaissance, and transport.
  • Inspect and performs functional checks of helicopter systems such as hydraulic, electrical, fuel, lubrication and hoists.

Aircraft maintenance technician skills and personality traits

We calculated that 11% of Aircraft Maintenance Technicians are proficient in FAA, Airframe, and Powerplant. They’re also known for soft skills such as Detail oriented, Dexterity, and Customer-service skills.

We break down the percentage of Aircraft Maintenance Technicians that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • FAA, 11%

    Performed & implemented repairs & modification to Horizon fleet as required within FAA regulations & manufactures specifications.

  • Airframe, 11%

    Conducted heavy base maintenance Aircraft worked ATR42/72 and CRJ200 Airframe and engines worked and modified Completed aircraft maintenance documentation

  • Powerplant, 9%

    Performed ground operation and functional checks of Aircraft systems including: Hydraulic, Electric/Environmental, Powerplant, and Primary/Secondary flight Controls.

  • Ladders, 6%

    Subject to cuts, bruises, muscle strain, and injury from falls off scaffolds, ladders, and aircraft surfaces.

  • Hand Tools, 5%

    Handle the tasks of repairing and replacing defective or damaged components by using gauges, hand tools and testing equipment.

  • Aircraft Components, 5%

    Inspected and repaired North American P-51 Mustang aircraft components and reciprocating engine components in accordance with documented overhaul procedures.

"faa," "airframe," and "powerplant" are among the most common skills that aircraft maintenance technicians use at work. You can find even more aircraft maintenance technician responsibilities below, including:

Detail oriented. The most essential soft skill for an aircraft maintenance technician to carry out their responsibilities is detail oriented. This skill is important for the role because "mechanics and technicians need to adjust airplane parts to exact specifications." Additionally, an aircraft maintenance technician resume shows how their duties depend on detail oriented: "performed flight line maintenance and detailed 200 and 400-hour inspections in support of flight operations at three different operating locations. "

Dexterity. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling aircraft maintenance technician 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 maintenance technician resume, here's how aircraft maintenance technicians can utilize dexterity in their job responsibilities: "performed various types of line maintenance on dc-10-10 and -30 type aircraft chartered for the usaf's military airlift command. "

See the full list of aircraft maintenance technician skills

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Compare different aircraft maintenance technicians

Aircraft maintenance technician vs. Mechanic helper

The job of a mechanic helper is to support lead mechanics and perform a variety of duties and responsibilities. You will be assisting in the maintenance of cars, such as changing tires and oils, replacing brakes, and diagnosing vehicle issues. In addition, you will be responsible for logging labor costs and inventory use and take vehicles for test drives. Other duties include replacing belts and hoses, assisting the lead mechanic in major projects, and repairing and maintaining cars.

We looked at the average aircraft maintenance technician salary and compared it with the wages of a mechanic helper. Generally speaking, mechanic helpers are paid $21,134 lower than aircraft maintenance technicians per year.While their salaries may differ, the common ground between aircraft maintenance technicians and mechanic helpers are a few of the skills required in each roleacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities. In both careers, employee duties involve skills like hand tools, work ethic, and strong work ethic.

There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, aircraft maintenance technician responsibilities require skills like "faa," "airframe," "powerplant," and "ladders." Meanwhile a typical mechanic helper has skills in areas such as "preventive maintenance," "safety equipment," "oil changes," and "safety procedures." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.

Mechanic helpers earn the highest salaries when working in the professional industry, with an average yearly salary of $36,229. On the other hand, aircraft maintenance technicians are paid more in the government industry with an average salary of $58,621.The education levels that mechanic helpers earn slightly differ from aircraft maintenance technicians. In particular, mechanic helpers are 2.4% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than an aircraft maintenance technician. Additionally, they're 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Aircraft maintenance technician vs. Mechanic

Mechanics are professionals responsible for assembling, maintaining, and repairing vehicles and types of machinery. They are knowledgeable of various tools and equipment, machinery, electrical systems, and other components. They can usually be seen indoors, garages in particular. Due to the advancement of technology, they are also required to be familiar with computer and software programs that can be used in auto shops and vehicles. They always work in safety precautions.

On average, mechanics earn a $5,877 lower salary than aircraft maintenance technicians a year.While the salary may differ for these jobs, they share a few skills needed to perform their duties. Based on resume data, both aircraft maintenance technicians and mechanics have skills such as "faa," "ladders," and "hand tools. "

While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that aircraft maintenance technician responsibilities requires skills like "airframe," "powerplant," "aircraft components," and "work ethic." But a mechanic might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "preventive maintenance," "customer service," "customer vehicles," and "diagnosis."

Mechanics may earn a lower salary than aircraft maintenance technicians, but mechanics earn the most pay in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $51,758. On the other hand, aircraft maintenance technicians receive higher pay in the government industry, where they earn an average salary of $58,621.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Mechanics tend to reach similar levels of education than aircraft maintenance technicians. In fact, they're 1.7% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Aircraft maintenance technician vs. Shop mechanic

A shop mechanic is responsible for maintaining and repairing defective machinery and vehicles. Shop mechanics identify the disrupted components by inspecting and running diagnostic tests and informing the owner of the necessary procedures they need to take. They discuss the costs and expenses, the materials to be used, and the duration to fix the machine upon analyzing its complexity. A shop mechanic monitors the shop inventory, assemble parts, and upgrade engines and machinery for optimal performance.

On average, shop mechanics earn lower salaries than aircraft maintenance technicians, with a $5,649 difference per year.By looking over several aircraft maintenance technicians and shop mechanics resumes, we found that both roles require similar skills in their day-to-day duties, such as "ladders," "hand tools," and "work ethic." But beyond that, the careers look very different.

There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, an aircraft maintenance technician is likely to be skilled in "faa," "airframe," "powerplant," and "aircraft components," while a typical shop mechanic is skilled in "cleanliness," "cdl," "customer service," and "air brakes."

Shop mechanics make a very good living in the government industry with an average annual salary of $43,954. On the other hand, aircraft maintenance technicians are paid the highest salary in the government industry, with average annual pay of $58,621.Most shop mechanics achieve a similar degree level compared to aircraft maintenance technicians. For example, they're 2.2% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Aircraft maintenance technician 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.

Systems mechanics tend to earn a higher pay than aircraft maintenance technicians by an average of $14,653 per year.According to resumes from aircraft maintenance technicians and systems mechanics, some of the skills necessary to complete the responsibilities of each role are similar. These skills include "faa," "ladders," and "hand tools. "

Even though a few skill sets overlap between aircraft maintenance technicians and systems mechanics, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, an aircraft maintenance technician might have more use for skills like "airframe," "powerplant," "aircraft components," and "aircraft systems." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of systems mechanics require skills like "preventive maintenance," "support equipment," "electronic equipment," and "mechanical troubleshooting. "

In general, systems mechanics earn the most working in the government industry, with an average salary of $78,942. The highest-paying industry for an aircraft maintenance technician is the government industry.In general, systems mechanics hold similar degree levels compared to aircraft maintenance technicians. Systems mechanics are 0.6% less likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.0% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of aircraft maintenance technician

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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