Occupation Details
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul aircraft engines and assemblies, such as hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
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Interests
Realistic
Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Investigative
Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Conventional
Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Work Values
Working Conditions
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Relationships
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
Support
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Salary & Job Outlook
Starting Salary
$54,480.00
New York StateMedian Salary
$79,520.00
New York StateExperienced Salary
$94,120.00
New York StateNational Average for Comparison
New York State Job Market Outlook
Jobs Right Now (2018)
3,770
professionals in NYFuture Job Growth (2030)
4,890
+112 jobs/yearNew Jobs Every Year
462
new opportunities yearlyGrowth Rate
0.3%
projected increasePreparation: Experience, Training, and Education
The list below outlines the prior educational experience required to perform in this occupation.
College Helps - Some college classes or training
Experience Requirements
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Education Requirements
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Training Details
Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Transferrable Skills and Experience
These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, desktop publishers, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters and simultaneous captioners, and medical assistants.
School Programs
The following lists school programs which are applicable to this occupation.
Licensing & Certification
State License and Certifications Requirements are not currently associated with this occupation.
Apprenticeship
Contact your regional representative to learn more about apprenticeships available in your area by visiting Apprenticeship Contacts.
Skills
The list below includes the skills required by workers in this occupation; skills are what allow you to learn more quickly and improve your performance.
Equipment Maintenance
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Repairing
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Operations Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Troubleshooting
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Quality Control Analysis
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Skill level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Knowledge
The list below includes knowledge items, the principles and facts required by this occupation.
Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Knowledge level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Work Environment
The list below includes the physical and social factors that influence the nature of work in this occupation.
Hover over or tap each factor to see its description.
Work Styles
Included in the list below are the personal work style characteristics that can affect how well a worker is likely to perform in this occupation.
Achievement/Effort
Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Independence
Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Persistence
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Self-Control
Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Stress Tolerance
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
Tools & Technology
This list below describes the machines, equipment, tools, software, and information technology that workers in this occupation will use.
Tools
- Acetylene welding equipment
- Adjustable wrenches
- Air compressors
- Air drills
- Aircraft lifting jacks
- Aircraft maintenance management systems
- Aircraft test stands
- Aligning jigs
- Allen wrenches
- Ammeters
- Aviation spark plug sockets
- Ball peen hammers
- Bastard files
- Borescopes
- Brakes
- Brass punches
- Brazing equipment
- Bucking bars
- Cable splicing knives
- Calipers
- Center punches
- Channel lock pliers
- Cleco pliers
- Cold chisels
- Combination squares
- Combination wrenches
- Compasses
- Compound leverage snips
- Continuity meters
- Cordless drills
Technology
- Access Software AIRPAX
- CaseBank SpotLight
- Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
- Computerized aircraft log manager CALM
- DatcoMedia EBis
- Engine analysis software
- Maintenance record software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Word
- Pentagon 2000SQL
- SAP business and customer relations management software
- Supply system software
- Technical manual database software
- Tracware AeroTrac
Duties
Duties are job behaviors describing activities that occur on multiple jobs. The generalized and detailed work activities described in the list below apply to this occupation.
- determine installation, service, or repair needed
- determine material or tool requirements
- apply cleaning solvents
- apply adhesives, caulking, sealants, or coatings
- climb ladders, scaffolding, or utility or telephone poles
- build or repair structures in construction, repair, or manufacturing setting
- erect scaffold
- move or fit heavy objects
- repair sheet metal products
- repair vehicle body parts
- lay out machining, welding or precision assembly projects
- fabricate sheet metal parts or items
- fabricate aircraft parts
- use electronic calibration devices
- use engine diagnostic equipment
- operate lathes
- use lifting equipment in vehicle repair setting
- use precision measuring tools or equipment
- operate sheet metal fabrication machines
- operate vehicle engine electrical system test equipment
- use auto or vehicular body repair equipment
- use electrical or electronic test devices or equipment
- use hand or power tools
- set up and operate variety of machine tools
- use pneumatic tools
- use precision measuring devices in mechanical repair work
- use voltmeter, ammeter, or ohmmeter
- use acetylene welding/cutting torch
- weld together metal parts, components, or structures
- operate pneumatic test equipment
- solder metal parts or components together
- use soldering equipment
- use arc welding equipment
- use machine tools in installation, maintenance, or repair
- operate hoist, winch, or hydraulic boom
- repair or replace electrical wiring, circuits, fixtures, or equipment
- test electrical/electronic wiring, equipment, systems or fixtures
- apply filler substances to dents in vehicle bodies
- file, sand, grind, or polish metal or plastic objects
- apply protective coating to products
- laminate objects
- cut metal or plastic
- fabricate, assemble, or disassemble manufactured products by hand
- stretch, bend, straighten, shape, pound, or press metal or plastic
- operate forklift
- make independent judgment in assembly procedures
- determine project methods and procedures
- use aviation electronics
- follow vehicle repair procedures
- use x-ray or magnetic inspection techniques
- use knowledge of metric system
- use knowledge of welding filler rod types
- observe or listen to machinery or equipment operation to detect malfunctions
- identify properties of metals for repair or fabrication activities
- understand service or repair manuals
- understand technical operating, service or repair manuals
- recognize characteristics of metals
- identify base metals for welding
- recognize characteristics of alloys
- adjust or set mechanical controls or components
- align vehicle frame
- align or adjust clearances of mechanical components or parts
- align or adjust clearances of vehicle body parts or components
- diagnose mechanical problems in machinery or equipment
- repair aircraft ignition or ignition systems
- repair commercial transportation equipment
- repair aircraft propulsion systems
- dismantle or reassemble rigging
- maintain or repair cargo or passenger vehicle
- test mechanical products or equipment
- maintain welding machines or equipment
- overhaul vehicle major operating units, such as engines or transmissions
- conduct tests to locate mechanical system malfunction
- repair or replace malfunctioning or worn mechanical components
- lubricate machinery, equipment, or parts
- diagnose malfunctioning vehicle systems
- assemble, dismantle, or reassemble equipment or machinery
- inspect machinery or equipment to determine adjustments or repairs needed
- adhere to safety procedures
- perform safety inspections in industrial, manufacturing or repair setting
- examine products or work to verify conformance to specifications
- read blueprints
- read specifications
- read schematics
- read technical drawings
- read vehicle manufacturer's specifications
- read work order, instructions, formulas, or processing charts
Tasks
The list below outlines specific tasks that a worker in this occupation is called upon to do regularly.
- Examine and inspect aircraft components, including landing gear, hydraulic systems, and deicers to locate cracks, breaks, leaks, or other problems.
- Conduct routine and special inspections as required by regulations.
- Inspect completed work to certify that maintenance meets standards and that aircraft are ready for operation.
- Read and interpret maintenance manuals, service bulletins, and other specifications to determine the feasibility and method of repairing or replacing malfunctioning or damaged components.
- Maintain repair logs, documenting all preventive and corrective aircraft maintenance.
- Inspect airframes for wear or other defects.
- Modify aircraft structures, space vehicles, systems, or components, following drawings, schematics, charts, engineering orders, and technical publications.
- Measure parts for wear, using precision instruments.
- Examine engines through specially designed openings while working from ladders or scaffolds, or use hoists or lifts to remove the entire engine from an aircraft.
- Check for corrosion, distortion, and invisible cracks in the fuselage, wings, and tail, using x-ray and magnetic inspection equipment.
- Obtain fuel and oil samples and check them for contamination.
- Maintain, repair, and rebuild aircraft structures, functional components, and parts, such as wings and fuselage, rigging, hydraulic units, oxygen systems, fuel systems, electrical systems, gaskets, or seals.
- Replace or repair worn, defective, or damaged components, using hand tools, gauges, and testing equipment.
- Disassemble engines and inspect parts, such as turbine blades or cylinders, for corrosion, wear, warping, cracks, and leaks, using precision measuring instruments, x-rays, and magnetic inspection equipment.
- Read and interpret pilots' descriptions of problems to diagnose causes.
- Test operation of engines and other systems, using test equipment, such as ignition analyzers, compression checkers, distributor timers, or ammeters.
- Measure the tension of control cables.
- Spread plastic film over areas to be repaired to prevent damage to surrounding areas.
- Remove or install aircraft engines, using hoists or forklift trucks.
- Assemble and install electrical, plumbing, mechanical, hydraulic, and structural components and accessories, using hand or power tools.
- Locate and mark dimensions and reference lines on defective or replacement parts, using templates, scribes, compasses, and steel rules.
- Fabricate defective sections or parts, using metal fabricating machines, saws, brakes, shears, and grinders.
- Reassemble engines following repair or inspection and reinstall engines in aircraft.
- Service and maintain aircraft and related apparatus by performing activities such as flushing crankcases, cleaning screens, and or moving parts.
- Clean, refuel, and change oil in line service aircraft.
- Cure bonded structures, using portable or stationary curing equipment.
- Trim and shape replacement body sections to specified sizes and fits and secure sections in place, using adhesives, hand tools, and power tools.
- Listen to operating engines to detect and diagnose malfunctions, such as sticking or burned valves.
- Install and align repaired or replacement parts for subsequent riveting or welding, using clamps and wrenches.
- Remove or cut out defective parts or drill holes to gain access to internal defects or damage, using drills and punches.
- Accompany aircraft on flights to make in-flight adjustments and corrections.
- Inventory and requisition or order supplies, parts, materials, and equipment.
- Clean engines, sediment bulk and screens, and carburetors, adjusting carburetor float levels.
- Determine repair limits for engine hot section parts.
- Clean, strip, prime, and sand structural surfaces and materials to prepare them for bonding.
- Communicate with other workers to coordinate fitting and alignment of heavy parts, or to facilitate processing of repair parts.
- Remove, inspect, repair, and install in-flight refueling stores and external fuel tanks.
- Prepare and paint aircraft surfaces.
Learning Resources
More information on this occupation may be found in the links provided below.
Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and service technicians
Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.
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