Aircraft Mechanic
Aviation Schools
Alternate Job Title: Airframe, Powerplant,
and Aviation Maintenance Technician
Job Description: Aircraft and avionics
equipment mechanics and service technicians perform scheduled
maintenance, make repairs, and complete inspections required
by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in order to keep
aircraft in peak operating condition. Some mechanics
work on one or many different types of aircraft, such as propeller-driven airplanes, jets, and helicopters. Others
specialize in one section of a particular type of aircraft,
such as hydraulics, the engine, or electrical system.
Airframe mechanics are authorized to
work on any part of the aircraft except the instruments,
powerplants, and propellers. Powerplant
mechanics are authorized to work on engines and do limited
work on propellers. Combination airframe-and-powerplant
mechanics—called A & P mechanics—work on
all parts of the plane, except instruments. The majority
of mechanics working on civilian aircraft today are A &
P mechanics. In small, independent repair shops, mechanics
usually inspect and repair many different types of aircraft.
Working Conditions: Mechanics
usually work in hangars or in other indoor areas, but
they can also work outdoors—sometimes in unpleasant weather—when
hangars are full or when repairs must be made quickly. Mechanics
often work under pressure to meet time deadlines in order to maintain flight schedules
or keep from inconveniencing customers, as is the case in general aviation.
At the same time, mechanics have a tremendous responsibility
to maintain safety standards, and this can cause the job
to be stressful.
Aviation mechanics must frequently lift or pull objects weighing
as much as 70 pounds. They often stand, lie, or kneel in
awkward positions and occasionally must work in precarious
positions on ladders or scaffolds. Noise and vibration are
common when engines are being tested, so ear protection
is necessary. Aircraft mechanics usually work 40 hours a
week on eight-hour shifts around the clock. Overtime work
is frequent.
Education and Training Requirements:
The majority of mechanics who work on civilian aircraft
are certificated by the FAA as
“powerplant mechanic,” “airframe mechanic,”or “avionics repair
specialist.” Mechanics who also have an inspector’s
authorization can certify work completed by other mechanics
and perform required inspections. Uncertificated mechanics
are supervised by those with certificates.
Although a few people become mechanics with on-the-job
training, most learn their job in one of about 200 trade
schools certified by the FAA. About one-third of these schools
award two- and four-year degrees in avionics, aviation technology,
or aviation maintenance management.
Salary Range:
Median Hourly Wage: $21.00
Middle 50 percent: $17-$25.00
Highest 10 percent: Greater than $29.00
Job Outlook: Opportunities
for avionics and aircraft equipment mechanics and service
technician jobs should be excellent for persons who have
completed aircraft mechanic training programs. Employment
of aircraft mechanics is expected to increase about as fast
as the average for all occupations through the year 2012,
and large numbers of additional job openings should arise
from the need to replace experienced mechanics who retire.
Are you interested in becoming an aircraft mechanic? Please check out our list of featured schools below that offer aviation maintenance programs. Request free information and jump start your career today.
Featured Schools Offering
Aviation Maintenance Programs
Westwood
College of Aviation Technology
Location: Los
Angeles (CA); Denver
(CO); Houston
(TX).
Programs: Associate Degree - Airframe and Powerplant
Associate Degree - HVAC/R,Diploma - Advanced Electronics Technology (Avionics)
Westwood College offers programs in automotive technology, and Westwood College
of Aviation Technology offers programs and aviation technology. In the automotive
program on its newly-renovated Denver, Colorado campus, students receive hands-on,
professional training in courses ranging from engine rebuilding and driveability
and performance diagnostics to anti-lock brake systems and emissions systems.
Trained on the latest industry-standard equipment—like handheld scanners,
digital storage oscilloscopes, and state-of-art computerized diagnostic and alignment
equipment—students will graduate from Westwood College perfectly prepared
to enter the automotive industry and tackle the most demanding diagnostics and
subsequent repairs. Westwood College of Aviation Technology (in Denver and Los
Angeles) and Westwood Aviation Institute (in Houston) also offer aviation tech
programs in Avionics and Airframe & Powerplant Maintenance, upon completing
which graduates usually land jobs with companies like B.F. Goodrich Aerospace
and Lockheed Martin. Whether you’re into planes or cars, Westwood College
has the facilities to get your career off the ground!
Request
more information from Westwood College of Aviation Technology >>
WyoTech
Locations: Fremont, California (CA); West
Sacramento, California (CA); Daytona Beach, FL
Programs: Automotive technology, Chassis Fabrication and High Performance Engines, Collision/Refinishing Technology, Street Rod and Custom Fabrication, Trim and Upholstery, BMW Motorcycle Mechanic, Ducati Motorcycle Mechanic, Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Mechanic, Honda Motorcycle Mechanic, Kawasaki Motorcycle Mechanic, Marine Mechanics, Suzuki Motorcycle Mechanic, Yamaha Motorcycle Mechanic
*Programs are specifc to campus, and not all programs listed above are available
at each location.
At WyoTech, you'll learn how to fix equipment the right way, so you can diagnose, service and repair both domestic and foreign automobiles, HVAC units, and plumbing lines of any type and size. You'll use the latest tools, equipment and technologies. And you'll be trained by instructors experienced in the business - pros who know what employers expect.
If you feel you would like to enter a new stage of your life and start making plans to live your dreams, then contact WyoTech today! We’re ready to help you build an exciting career!
Request
more information from WyoTech >>
