What does an aircraft mechanic do?
An aircraft mechanic is responsible for regularly checking and maintaining aircraft systems to ensure its safety and stability during operations. Aircraft mechanics should have extensive knowledge of troubleshooting and detecting system malfunctions. They are also required to adhere strictly with the standard protocols and regulations of the company, guaranteeing smooth procedures and efficient solutions. Aircraft mechanics must possess excellent decision-making and critical-thinking skills to perform diagnosis and inspection under minimal supervision. An aircraft mechanic should be able to utilize aviation tools and equipment, document resources, and report findings for safety concerns.
Aircraft mechanic responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real aircraft mechanic resumes:
- Work from SRM, TRM, AMM, EO and various other aircraft documentation to accomplish repair objectives.
- Perform scheduled maintenance tasks in accordance with manufacturer and FAA guidelines.
- Conduce problem analysis, correction/repairs and operational checks of aircraft avionics, electrical, propulsion and hydraulic systems.
- Train in OSHA and HAZMAT.
- Change cables and pulleys command.
- Obtain and continue MSHA training.
- Service and inspect couplings on centrifugal blowers.
- Maintain annual training in all relate OSHA safety areas.
- Conduct monthly HAZMAT validation for the command as directed.
- Participate in engine runs pre-flight and post-flight of aircraft.
- Perform all major pre-flight work on planes before delivery to customer.
- Trouble shoot and maintain HVAC, hydraulic, and pneumatic equipment.
- Maintain and modify repairs to HVAC pneumatic control devices and refrigeration equipment.
- Monitor train and truck loadout and scale systems.Follow EPA and Msha regulations.
- Demonstrate the ability to consistently perform assign tasks within quoted or standard CMP time.
Aircraft mechanic skills and personality traits
We calculated that 11% of Aircraft Mechanics are proficient in Hand Tools, Airframe, and FAA. They’re also known for soft skills such as Detail oriented, Dexterity, and Strength.
We break down the percentage of Aircraft Mechanics that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Hand Tools, 11%
Developed ability to research proper hand tools utilizing standard wiring practice manuals.
- Airframe, 6%
Applied technical knowledge of airframe systems in determining equipment malfunctions and applied required expertise in restoring equipment condition to operating status.
- FAA, 5%
Performed aircraft maintenance and inspection duties as a FAA certificated mechanic on general aviation and corporate aircraft.
- Aircraft Systems, 5%
Work is performed in conjunction with scheduled and unscheduled maintenance on all aircraft systems to ensure reliability, acceptability and airworthiness.
- Landing Gear, 5%
Removed and replaced hydraulic landing gears and rigged to electrically driven mechanical gearbox.
- Technical Data, 4%
Applied professional technical expertise and guidance to solve complex problems by interpreting technical data such as blueprints or manufactures maintenance manuals.
Most aircraft mechanics use their skills in "hand tools," "airframe," and "faa" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential aircraft mechanic responsibilities here:
Detail oriented. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for an aircraft mechanic to have is detail oriented. Their role and responsibilities require that "mechanics and technicians need to adjust airplane parts to exact specifications." Aircraft mechanics often use detail oriented in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "performed details visual inspections service and repair hydraulic systems. "
Dexterity. Another essential skill to perform aircraft mechanic duties is dexterity. Aircraft mechanics responsibilities require that "mechanics and technicians need to coordinate the movement of their fingers and hands in order to grasp, manipulate, or assemble parts." Aircraft mechanics also use dexterity in their role according to a real resume snippet: "licensed forklift and warehouse tug, and flight line licensed. "
Strength. This is an important skill for aircraft mechanics to perform their duties. For an example of how aircraft mechanic responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "mechanics and technicians may carry or move heavy equipment or aircraft parts, climb on airplanes, balance, and reach without falling." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of an aircraft mechanic: "managed, supervised specific maintenance tasks based on personnel strengths. ".
The three companies that hire the most aircraft mechanics are:
- Pacific Architects and Engineers
72 aircraft mechanics jobs
- Boeing59 aircraft mechanics jobs
- Air Methods59 aircraft mechanics jobs
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Compare different aircraft mechanics
Aircraft mechanic vs. Aviation maintenance technician
An Aviation Maintenance Technician carries out repairs and maintenance on all sorts of aircraft, like airplanes and helicopters. They ensure that aircraft are in perfect working condition.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of an aircraft mechanic are more likely to require skills like "ventilation," "ladders," "plumbing," and "torque wrenches." On the other hand, a job as an aviation maintenance technician requires skills like "aircraft maintenance," "aviation maintenance," "troubleshoot," and "powerplant." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Aviation maintenance technicians tend to reach similar levels of education than aircraft mechanics. In fact, aviation maintenance technicians are 1.3% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Aircraft mechanic vs. Jet engine mechanic
A light wheel mechanic is responsible for maintaining the optimal performance and efficiency of light-wheeled vehicles used for industrial operations, especially in a military setting. Light wheel mechanics inspect the condition of the vehicle's engine, perform preventive maintenance, replace defective components, assemble upgrade systems based on schematics and blueprints, and create resolution reports for reference. They must have excellent knowledge of the auto-mechanic industry to determine faults and identify repairs, avoiding delays, complications, and hazards during operations.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, aircraft mechanic responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "hand tools," "airframe," "faa," and "ventilation." Meanwhile, a jet engine mechanic has duties that require skills in areas such as "test stands," "aerospace," "maintenance practices," and "support equipment." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
In general, jet engine mechanics achieve similar levels of education than aircraft mechanics. They're 1.1% less likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Aircraft mechanic vs. Light wheel 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.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from aircraft mechanic resumes include skills like "hand tools," "airframe," "faa," and "aircraft systems," whereas a light wheel mechanic is more likely to list skills in "mechanical problems," "equipment systems," "mos," and "track vehicles. "
When it comes to education, light wheel mechanics tend to earn similar degree levels compared to aircraft mechanics. In fact, they're 0.5% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.1% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Aircraft mechanic vs. Systems mechanic
Types of aircraft mechanic
Updated January 8, 2025
