What does an aircraft technician do?
An Aircraft Technician inspects, maintains, and addresses any issues that arise with an aircraft. Their primary duties include diagnosing electrical issues, replacing defective parts, and maintaining aircraft standards.
Aircraft technician responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real aircraft technician resumes:
- Lead and train personnel supporting aerospace equipment sustainment and operations.
- Used micrometers, calipers and depth gauges to verify quality standards are met and document discrepancies.
- Diagnose and troubleshoot malfunctions in CH-47F engines and their components.
- Perform structural repairs as required and prepare components for NDI inspections by cleaning and striping and repainting components after inspections.
- Perform structural installation on wing tips, used reamers, drill bushing for hi-lock countersunk rivets, and cherry max fasteners.
- Perform and supervise the maintenance/repair requirements of helicopter hydraulic/pneumatic systems components.
- Design and implement tracking checklist for each helicopter to track progress of each modification installation.
- Analyze aircraft publications to troubleshoot aircraft discrepancies down, assessing proper course of action for repair and/or replacement of malfunctioning equipment.
- Repair, replace, or modify as required by SRM.
- Receive various training and certifications including blue print reading, SRM manual comprehension, and electrical bonding.
- Sign logbook airworthiness release (RII).
- Perform receiving inspection on all RII install parts.
- Analyze aircraft publications to troubleshoot aircraft discrepancies down, assessing proper course of action for repair and/or replacement of malfunctioning equipment.
Aircraft technician skills and personality traits
We calculated that 11% of Aircraft Technicians are proficient in FAA, Airframe, and Aircraft Components. They’re also known for soft skills such as Detail oriented, Dexterity, and Strength.
We break down the percentage of Aircraft Technicians that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- FAA, 11%
Possessed FAA repairman certificate for facility
- Airframe, 8%
Performed general maintenance to airframe facilitate cleaning, Inspection and repair or replacement of components required.
- Aircraft Components, 7%
Conducted and demonstrated proper use of calibrated measuring instruments to evaluate and inspect aircraft components.
- Aircraft Systems, 5%
Perform functional tests of all aircraft systems utilizing calibrated aircraft test equipment as required.
- Ground Support Equipment, 5%
Operate ground support equipment including, but not limited to tugs, jacks, nitrogen servicing and oxygen servicing.
- Landing Gear, 5%
Removed and installed aircraft subsystem assemblies such as engines, landing gear, doors, mechanical flight controls and their components.
Most aircraft technicians use their skills in "faa," "airframe," and "aircraft components" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential aircraft technician responsibilities here:
Detail oriented. One of the key soft skills for an aircraft technician to have is detail oriented. You can see how this relates to what aircraft technicians do because "mechanics and technicians need to adjust airplane parts to exact specifications." Additionally, an aircraft technician resume shows how aircraft technicians use detail oriented: "fabricate detail parts maintaining precise tolerances using engineering drawings. "
Dexterity. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling aircraft 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 technician resume, here's how aircraft technicians can utilize dexterity in their job responsibilities: "operated boom truck, forklift, man-lift, and scissor-life carefully painted multiple aircraft parts"
Strength. This is an important skill for aircraft technicians to perform their duties. For an example of how aircraft technician 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 technician: "managed, supervised specific maintenance tasks based on personnel strengths. ".
The three companies that hire the most aircraft technicians are:
- Gulfstream Aerospace92 aircraft technicians jobs
- General Dynamics70 aircraft technicians jobs
- PDS Tech44 aircraft technicians jobs
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Compare different aircraft technicians
Aircraft technician vs. Jet engine 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.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between aircraft technicians and jet engine mechanic. For instance, aircraft technician responsibilities require skills such as "faa," "de-icing," "airframe," and "ground support equipment." Whereas a jet engine mechanic is skilled in "test stands," "aerospace," "maintenance practices," and "support equipment." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Jet engine mechanics tend to reach similar levels of education than aircraft technicians. In fact, jet engine mechanics are 0.7% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.0% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Aircraft technician vs. Systems 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 technician responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "de-icing," "airframe," "aircraft components," and "aircraft systems." Meanwhile, a systems mechanic has duties that require skills in areas such as "support equipment," "electronic equipment," "mechanical troubleshooting," and "safety practices." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Systems mechanics earn a higher average salary than aircraft technicians. But systems mechanics earn the highest pay in the government industry, with an average salary of $78,942. Additionally, aircraft technicians earn the highest salaries in the manufacturing with average pay of $56,394 annually.systems mechanics earn similar levels of education than aircraft technicians in general. They're 0.2% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Aircraft technician vs. Helicopter mechanic
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 technician is likely to be skilled in "de-icing," "airframe," "aircraft systems," and "engineering drawings," while a typical helicopter mechanic is skilled in "helicopter maintenance," "preventative maintenance," "gear boxes," and "uh-60."
Helicopter mechanics earn the highest salary when working in the manufacturing industry, where they receive an average salary of $68,156. Comparatively, aircraft technicians have the highest earning potential in the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $56,394.helicopter mechanics typically earn similar educational levels compared to aircraft technicians. Specifically, they're 0.2% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Aircraft technician vs. Hydraulic mechanic
Types of aircraft technician
Updated January 8, 2025
