Helicopter mechanic vs aircraft fueler

The differences between helicopter mechanics and aircraft fuelers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a helicopter mechanic and an aircraft fueler. Additionally, a helicopter mechanic has an average salary of $61,876, which is higher than the $34,395 average annual salary of an aircraft fueler.

The top three skills for a helicopter mechanic include hand tools, safety procedures and FAA. The most important skills for an aircraft fueler are basic math, commercial vehicles, and aircraft weight.

Helicopter mechanic vs aircraft fueler overview

	Helicopter Mechanic	Aircraft Fueler
Yearly salary	$61,876	$34,395
Hourly rate	$29.75	$16.54
Growth rate	6%	6%
Number of jobs	33,954	10,728
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 37%	High School Diploma, 48%
Average age	40	40
Years of experience	4	4

What does a helicopter mechanic do?

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.

What does an aircraft fueler do?

Aircraft fuelers' primary role is to ensure the proper refueling of aircraft before and after a flight. The position is essential, as proper refueling determines the safety of an aircraft. An aircraft fueler manages refueling equipment, transports fuel, and ensures adherence to safety protocols. They are also responsible for monitoring the functionality of all equipment and ordering repairs. This position requires a high level of safety-consciousness.

Helicopter mechanic vs aircraft fueler salary

Helicopter mechanics and aircraft fuelers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Helicopter Mechanic	Aircraft Fueler
Average salary	$61,876	$34,395
Salary range	Between $44,000 And $86,000	Between $25,000 And $45,000
Highest paying City	Hollister, CA	North Las Vegas, NV
Highest paying state	Alaska	Nevada
Best paying company	Apple	FlightSafety International
Best paying industry	Manufacturing	Transportation

Differences between helicopter mechanic and aircraft fueler education

There are a few differences between a helicopter mechanic and an aircraft fueler in terms of educational background:

	Helicopter Mechanic	Aircraft Fueler
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 37%	High School Diploma, 48%
Most common major	Aviation	Business
Most common college	Purdue University	Stanford University

Helicopter mechanic vs aircraft fueler demographics

Here are the differences between helicopter mechanics' and aircraft fuelers' demographics:

	Helicopter Mechanic	Aircraft Fueler
Average age	40	40
Gender ratio	Male, 93.0% Female, 7.0%	Male, 94.3% Female, 5.7%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 9.1% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 23.4% Asian, 6.3% White, 55.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%	Black or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 23.6% Asian, 6.8% White, 54.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between helicopter mechanic and aircraft fueler duties and responsibilities

Helicopter mechanic example responsibilities.

Used drills, countersinks, deburr tools, and wedge lock guns.
Test, troubleshoot and repair advance aircraft hydraulic systems.
Complete all repairs and maintenance work to company and FAA standards.
Document logs to ensure company compliance of OSHA standards and employee safety.
Inspect completed work to certify that it meet FAA standards and that assets are functional.
Confer with inspectors, OSHA, EPA, and engineering firms on all construction/code relate issues/developments.

Aircraft fueler example responsibilities.

Sound knowledge of aircraft safety rules and regulations as well as the FAA's standard guidelines.
Train with accuracy and precision in military combat training, firearms training and safety, and fuel handling.
Operate all aircraft fueling operations per FAA requirements and make sure aircraft have right amount a fuel for each flight.
Experience in removal and application of aerospace coatings.
Train incoming personnel on local military and firefighting standards.
Operate firefighting vehicles and equipment during emergencies and training operations.

Helicopter mechanic vs aircraft fueler skills

Common helicopter mechanic skills

Hand Tools, 9%
Safety Procedures, 9%
FAA, 6%
Maintenance Manuals, 5%
Helicopter Maintenance, 5%
Landing Gear, 4%

Common aircraft fueler skills

Basic Math, 43%
Commercial Vehicles, 15%
Aircraft Weight, 11%
Safety Procedures, 7%
Quality Control Checks, 7%
FAA, 3%

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Helicopter Mechanic
Helicopter Mechanic vs Aircraft Fueler

Updated January 8, 2025

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