What does an Aircraft Mechanic do?
Aircraft mechanics maintain aircraft by performing tasks including inspecting mechanical equipment, repairs, parts replacement, and assessing part deterioration. They perform scheduled maintenance on aircraft by diagnosing mechanical and electrical problems, repairing components including wings, brakes, and electrical systems. They replace defective parts using hand or power tools and make sure they examine replacement aircraft parts for any possible defects. They read maintenance manuals to identify repair procedures and test aircraft parts with gauges and other diagnostic equipment.
Aircraft mechanics inspect completed work to ensure it meets performance standards and record all maintenance and repair work. They are responsible for repairing metal, fabric, wood, or composite materials that make up a plane's airframe and skin. Aircraft mechanics must attend a part 147 FAA-approved aviation maintenance technical school and have a certificate of completion recognized by the FAA or relevant experience.
- May perform similar duties in aircraft build, modification or maintenance role.
- Assemble, install, and adjust aircraft structure parts and system components.
- Store aircraft components and other customer property securely and safely.
- Complete repairs on composite, metal or laminate bonded products using inspection and rework instructions.
- Troubleshoot, repair and service aircraft and engine systems.
- Ensure aircraft is detailed and prepared for delivery or displays.
- Properly record the work performed on the appropriate maintenance record.
- Ensure cabin service agents remain up-to-date with company policies and security regulations.
- Coordinate, accomplish, and assist with aircraft movement in hangar and ramp areas.
- Must be able to perform moderate strenuous physical and repetitious work to include: bending, stooping, kneeling, lifting up to 25 pounds, and working overhead.
- Follow standard operating procedures when operating ground support equipment (external power carts, hydraulic mules, hydraulic lift platforms, tow tugs, forklifts, compressed gas cylinders, etc.)
- Coordinate staff and delegate work assignments of the interior aircraft cleaning crew.
- Ensure compliance with production and repair station policies / procedures / forms and FAA Regulations.
- Maintain and update aircraft records and status.
- Check all work and ensure a defect free assembly prior to inspection.
- Certification to work on aviation equipment such as planes.
- A critical thinker and problem solver with attention to details.
- Demonstrated fluency in parts and instruments and their repair and maintenance.
- Can lead and collaborate with others to fix issues.
- Comfortable with assembly and disassembly of aircraft systems.
- Can provide technical assistance where necessary.
- Experience with C, ROTOR, R Language, and Part 145 systems, software, and processes.
How much does an Aircraft Mechanic make near United States?
Base Pay
Additional Pay
$64,372
/ yrAircraft Mechanic Career Path
Learn how to become an Aircraft Mechanic, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Aircraft Mechanic Insights
Turkish Airlines“it is a very good experience to work here and i always enjoy working in turkish airline”
Qatar Airways“Qatar Airways is the best Airline in the world and so far it is doing good.”
Corporate Air“Job Training (OJT): One of the standout advantages of working with Corporate Air.”
Amentum“The supervisors are some of the most useless I have ever seen in my life.”
Royal Air Force“good pay and pensions.”
Endeavor Air“All 10 hour shifts and the 5th day is not overtime because it is in a separate pay week.”
US Air Force“I am saying you pay an insane amount of money in taxes and you get nothing back.”
EL AL“excellent top people very interesting to work with good salary”
Frequently asked questions about the roles and responsibilities of an Aircraft Mechanic
When working as an Aircraft Mechanic, the most common skills you will need to perform your job and for career success are Aircraft Systems, Windows Operating Systems, Views, Requests, and Windows.
- Engineer
- Project Engineer
- Process Engineer
- Maintenance Technician