Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians
Significant Points
Most workers learn their job in 1 of about 170 schools certified
by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Job opportunities should be excellent for persons who have
completed an aircraft mechanic training program, but keen competition
is likely for the best paying airline jobs.
Job opportunities are likely to be the best at small commuter
and regional airlines, at FAA repair stations, and in general
aviation.
Nature of the Work
To keep aircraft in peak operating condition, aircraft and
avionics equipment mechanics and service technicians perform
scheduled maintenance, make repairs, and complete inspections
required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Many aircraft mechanics, also called airframe mechanics,
power plant mechanics, and avionics technicians, specialize
in preventive maintenance. They inspect aircraft engines,
landing gear, instruments, pressurized sections, accessories—brakes,
valves, pumps, and air-conditioning systems, for example—and
other parts of the aircraft, and do the necessary maintenance
and replacement of parts. They also maintain records related
to the maintenance performed on the aircraft. Mechanics and
technicians conduct inspections following a schedule based
on the number of hours the aircraft has flown, calendar days
since the last inspection, cycles of operation, or a combination
of these factors. In large, sophisticated planes equipped
with aircraft monitoring systems, mechanics can gather valuable
diagnostic information from electronic boxes and consoles
that monitor the aircraft’s basic operations. In planes of
all sorts, aircraft mechanics examine engines by working through
specially designed openings while standing on ladders or scaffolds
or by using hoists or lifts to remove the entire engine from
the craft. After taking an engine apart, mechanics use precision
instruments to measure parts for wear and use x-ray and magnetic
inspection equipment to check for invisible cracks. They repair
or replace worn or defective parts. Mechanics also may repair
sheet metal or composite surfaces; measure the tension of
control cables; and check for corrosion, distortion, and cracks
in the fuselage, wings, and tail. After completing all repairs,
they must test the equipment to ensure that it works properly.
Mechanics specializing in repair work rely on the pilot’s
description of a problem to find and fix faulty equipment.
For example, during a preflight check, a pilot may discover
that the aircraft’s fuel gauge does not work. To solve the
problem, mechanics may troubleshoot the electrical system,
using electrical test equipment to make sure that no wires
are broken or shorted out, and replace any defective electrical
or electronic components. Mechanics work as fast as safety
permits so that the aircraft can be put back into service
quickly.
Some mechanics work on one or many different types of aircraft,
such as jets, propeller-driven airplanes, and helicopters.
Others specialize in one section of a particular type of aircraft,
such as the engine, hydraulics, or electrical system. Airframe
mechanics are authorized to work on any part of the aircraft
except the instruments, power plants, 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 the instruments. Most 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.
Avionics systems are now an integral part of aircraft design
and have vastly increased aircraft capability. Avionics
technicians repair and maintain components used for aircraft
navigation and radio communications, weather radar systems,
and other instruments and computers that control flight, engine,
and other primary functions. These duties may require additional
licenses, such as a radiotelephone license issued by the U.S.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Because of the increasing
use of technology, more time is spent repairing electronic
systems, such as computerized controls. Technicians also may
be required to analyze and develop solutions to complex electronic
problems.
Working Conditions
Mechanics usually work in hangars or in other indoor areas.
When hangars are full or when repairs must be made quickly,
they can work outdoors, sometimes in unpleasant weather. Mechanics
often work under time pressure to maintain flight schedules
or, in general aviation, to keep from inconveniencing customers.
At the same time, mechanics have a tremendous responsibility
to maintain safety standards, and this can cause the job to
be stressful.
Frequently, mechanics must lift or pull objects weighing
more than 70 pounds. They often stand, lie, or kneel in awkward
positions and occasionally must work in precarious positions,
such as on scaffolds or ladders. Noise and vibration are common
when engines are being tested, so ear protection is necessary.
Aircraft mechanics usually work 40 hours a week on 8-hour
shifts around the clock. Overtime work is frequent.
Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement
Most mechanics who work on civilian aircraft are certified
by the FAA as an “airframe mechanic” or a “powerplant mechanic.”
Mechanics who also have an inspector’s authorization can certify
work completed by other mechanics and perform required inspections.
Uncertified mechanics are supervised by those with certificates.
The FAA requires at least 18 months of work experience for
an airframe or powerplant certificate. For a combined A&P
certificate, at least 30 months of experience working with
both engines and airframes is required. Completion of a program
at an FAA-certified mechanic school can substitute for the
work experience requirement. Applicants for all certificates
also must pass written and oral tests and demonstrate that
they can do the work authorized by the certificate. To obtain
an inspector’s authorization, a mechanic must have held an
A&P certificate for at least 3 years, with 24 months of
hands on experience. Most airlines require that mechanics
have a high school diploma and an A&P certificate.
Although a few people become mechanics through on-the-job
training, most learn their job in 1 of about 170 trade schools
certified by the FAA. About one-third of these schools award
2-year and 4-year degrees in avionics, aviation technology,
or aviation maintenance management.
FAA standards established by law require that certified mechanic
schools offer students a minimum of 1,900 actual class hours.
Coursework in schools normally lasts from 18 to 24 months
and provides training with the tools and equipment used on
the job. Aircraft trade schools are placing more emphasis
on technologies such as turbine engines, composite materials—including
graphite, fiberglass, and boron—and aviation electronics,
which are increasingly being used in the construction of new
aircraft. Additionally, employers prefer mechanics who can
perform a variety of tasks.
Some aircraft mechanics in the Armed Forces acquire enough
general experience to satisfy the work experience requirements
for the FAA certificate. With additional study, they may pass
the certifying exam. In general, however, jobs in the military
services are too specialized to provide the broad experience
required by the FAA. Most Armed Forces mechanics have to complete
the entire training program, although a few receive some credit
for the material they learned in the service. In any case,
military experience is a great advantage when seeking employment;
employers consider applicants with formal training to be the
most desirable applicants.
Courses in mathematics, physics, chemistry, electronics,
computer science, and mechanical drawing are helpful because
they demonstrate many of the principles involved in the operation
of aircraft, and knowledge of these principles is often necessary
to make repairs. Courses that develop writing skills also
are important because mechanics are often required to submit
reports.
FAA regulations require current work experience to keep the
A&P certificate valid. Applicants must have at least 1,000
hours of work experience in the previous 24 months or take
a refresher course. As new and more complex aircraft are designed,
more employers are requiring mechanics to take ongoing training
to update their skills. Recent technological advances in aircraft
maintenance necessitate a strong background in electronics—both
for acquiring and for retaining jobs in this field. FAA certification
standards also make ongoing training mandatory. Every 24 months,
mechanics are required to take at least 16 hours of training
to keep their certificate. Many mechanics take courses offered
by manufacturers or employers, usually through outside contractors.
Aircraft mechanics must do careful and thorough work that
requires a high degree of mechanical aptitude. Employers seek
applicants who are self-motivated, hard working, enthusiastic,
and able to diagnose and solve complex mechanical problems.
Agility is important for the reaching and climbing necessary
to do the job. Because they may work on the tops of wings
and fuselages on large jet planes, aircraft mechanics must
not be afraid of heights.
Advances in computer technology, aircraft systems, and the
materials used to manufacture airplanes have made mechanics’
jobs more highly technical. Aircraft mechanics must possess
the skills necessary to troubleshoot and diagnose complex
aircraft systems. They also must continually update their
skills with and knowledge of new technology and advances in
aircraft technology.
As aircraft mechanics gain experience, they may advance to
lead mechanic (or crew chief), inspector, lead inspector,
or shop supervisor positions. Opportunities are best for those
who have an aircraft inspector’s authorization. In the airlines,
where promotion often is determined by examination, supervisors
sometimes advance to executive positions. Those with broad
experience in maintenance and overhaul might become inspectors
with the FAA. With additional business and management training,
some open their own aircraft maintenance facilities. Mechanics
learn many different skills in their training that can be
applied to other jobs, and some transfer to other skilled
repairer occupations or electronics technician jobs. Mechanics
with the necessary pilot licenses and flying experience may
take the FAA examination for the position of flight engineer,
with opportunities to become pilots.
Employment
Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and service technicians
held about 142,000 jobs in 2004; about 5 in 6 of these workers
was an aircraft mechanic and service technician. More than
half of aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and service
technicians worked for air transportation companies. About
18 percent worked for the Federal Government, and about 14
percent worked for aerospace products and parts manufacturing
firms. Most of the rest worked for companies that operate
their own planes to transport executives and cargo. Few mechanics
and technicians were self-employed.
Most airline mechanics and service technicians work at major
airports near large cities. Civilian mechanics employed by
the U.S. Armed Forces work at military installations. Mechanics
who work for aerospace manufacturing firms typically are located
in California or in Washington State. Others work for the
FAA, many at the facilities in Oklahoma City, Atlantic City,
Wichita, or Washington, DC. Mechanics for independent repair
shops work at airports in every part of the country.
Job Outlook
Opportunities for aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics
and service technicians should be excellent for who have completed
aircraft mechanic training programs. Employment is expected
to increase about as fast as average for all occupations through
the year 2014, and large numbers of additional job openings
should arise from the need to replace experienced mechanics
who retire.
Reduced passenger traffic—resulting from a weak economy and
the events of September 11, 2001—forced airlines to cut back
flights and take aircraft out of service. However, over the
next decade passenger traffic is expected to increase as the
result of an expanding economy and a growing population, and
the need for aircraft mechanics and service technicians will
grow accordingly. Furthermore, if the number of graduates
from aircraft mechanic training programs continues to fall
short of employer needs, opportunities for graduates of mechanic
training programs should be excellent.
Most job openings for aircraft mechanics through the year
2014 will stem from replacement needs. Many mechanics are
expected to retire over the next decade and create several
thousand job openings per year. In addition, others will leave
to work in related fields, such as automobile repair, as their
skills are largely transferable to other maintenance and repair
occupations. Also contributing to favorable future job opportunities
for mechanics is the long-term trend toward fewer students
entering technical schools to learn skilled maintenance and
repair trades. Many of the students who have the ability and
aptitude to work on planes are choosing to go to college,
work in computer-related fields, or go into other repair and
maintenance occupations with better working conditions. If
the trend continues, the supply of trained aviation mechanics
will not be able to keep up with the needs of the air transportation
industry.
Job opportunities are likely to be the best at small commuter
and regional airlines, at FAA repair stations, and in general
aviation. Commuter and regional airlines are the fastest growing
segment of the air transportation industry, but wages in these
companies tend to be lower than those in the major airlines,
so they attract fewer job applicants. Also, some jobs will
become available as experienced mechanics leave for higher
paying jobs with the major airlines or transfer to another
occupation. At the same time, general aviation aircraft are
becoming increasingly sophisticated, boosting the demand for
qualified mechanics. Mechanics will face more competition
for jobs with large airlines because the high wages and travel
benefits that these jobs offer generally attract more qualified
applicants than there are openings. Also, there is an increasing
trend for large airlines to outsource aircraft and avionics
equipment mechanic jobs overseas; however, most airline companies
prefer maintenance work done on aircraft be performed in the
U.S. because of safety and regulation issues of overseas contractors.
In spite of these factors, job opportunities with the airlines
are expected to be better than they have been in the past.
But, in general, prospects will be best for applicants with
experience. Mechanics who keep abreast of technological advances
in electronics, composite materials, and other areas will
be in greatest demand. Also, mechanics who are mobile and
willing to relocate to smaller rural areas will have better
job opportunities. The number of job openings for aircraft
mechanics in the Federal Government should decline as the
government increasingly contracts out service and repair functions
to private repair companies.
Job opportunities for avionics technicians who are prepared
to master the intricacies of the aircraft and work with A&P
mechanics are expected to be good. Technicians who are cross-trained
and able to work with complex aircraft systems should have
the best job prospects. Additionally, technicians with licensing
that enables them to work on the airplane, either removing
or reinstalling equipment, are expected to be in especially
high demand.
Earnings
Median hourly earnings of aircraft mechanics and service
technicians were about $21.77 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent
earned between $17.82 and $27.18. The lowest 10 percent earned
less than $13.99, and the highest 10 percent earned more than
$33.84. Median hourly earnings in the industries employing
the largest numbers of aircraft mechanics and service technicians
in May 2004 were:
Scheduled air transportation
$27.37
Federal Government
21.67
Nonscheduled air transportation
20.88
Aerospace product and parts manufacturing
20.60
Support activities for air transportation
18.70
Median hourly earnings of avionics technicians were about
$21.30 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $18.12
and $25.12. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $14.63,
and the highest 10 percent earned more than $27.85.
Mechanics who work on jets for the major airlines generally
earn more than those working on other aircraft. Airline mechanics
and their immediate families receive reduced-fare transportation
on their own and most other airlines.
About 4 in 10 aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and
service technicians are members of unions or covered by union
agreements. The principal unions are the International Association
of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, and the Transport Workers
Union of America. Some mechanics are represented by the International
Brotherhood of Teamsters.
Related Occupations
Workers in some other occupations that involve similar mechanical
and electrical work are electricians, electrical and electronics
installers and repairers, and elevator installers and repairers.
Sources of Additional Information
Information about jobs with a particular airline can be obtained
by writing to the personnel manager of the company.
For general information about aircraft and avionics equipment
mechanics and service technicians, contact:
Professional Aviation Maintenance Association, 717 Princess
St., Alexandria, VA 22314. Internet: http://www.pama.org/
For information on jobs in a particular area, contact employers
at local airports or local offices of the State employment
service.
Information on obtaining positions as aircraft and avionics
equipment mechanics and service technicians with the Federal
Government is available from the Office of Personnel Management
through USAJOBS, the Federal Government’s official employment
information system. This resource for locating and applying
for job opportunities can be accessed through the Internet
at http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/ or through an interactive
voice response telephone system at (703) 724-1850 or TDD (978)
461-8404. These numbers are not tollfree, and charges may
result
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics,
U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook,
2006-07 Edition
