Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technicians
Additional Information
Duties
To name a few common tasks performed by aircraft mechanics:
- Diagnosis of electrical and/or mechanical issues.
- Restore the aircraft's wing and braking systems, as well as its electrical system.
- Using hands or power tools, remove and replace damaged parts.
- Defects can be found in replacement airplane parts.
- Repair techniques can be found in maintenance manuals.
- Gauges and other diagnostic devices can be used to inspect airplane components.
- To guarantee that the finished product is up to specification, do a final inspection.
- Be sure to keep track of every maintenance and repair work that is performed.
A typical avionics technician's responsibilities include:
- Examine and test electrical devices with circuit testers, oscilloscopes, and voltmeters.
- Diagnose defects and performance issues by analyzing flight test data.
- Install software and put together the necessary hardware, such as electrical switches and junction boxes.
- Using hand tools, power tools, and soldering irons, install instrument panels.
- To fix or replace faulty parts.
- Keep a log of all maintenance and repair work done on your vehicle.
Parts and maintenance must be dependable in order for a plane to fly. Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians undertake routine maintenance, repairs, and inspections to keep planes in flying condition. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandates that they adhere to a strict set of rules that define the maintenance schedules for different types of flights.
Jets, piston-driven planes, and helicopters all fall under the purview of many mechanics who are generalists. There are others who specialize in a single part of an aircraft, such as the engine or hydraulic system. Independent repair companies often employ mechanics to check and repair a wide variety of planes and helicopters.
Technicians and mechanics for aircraft and avionics systems include the following:
An A&P mechanic is a qualified generalist mechanic who is capable of doing a variety of aircraft maintenance and modification operations on his or her own. There are a number of A&P mechanics that are responsible for repairing and maintaining a wide range of aircraft components. Additional training and certification are required for certain specialized activities.
Aircraft maintenance schedules may be based on the number of hours flown, the number of days since the last inspection, or the number of flights made. Mechanics or manufacturers may determine that further maintenance is necessary at other periods to address specific problems.
Precision devices are used by mechanics to monitor wear and discover flaws. Unnoticeable fractures can be found by use of x-rays, magnetic or ultrasound examination equipment. Inspections are performed on the aircraft's main body, wings, and tail to look for corrosion, deformation, and cracks. The airframe and skin are then repaired using metal, cloth, wood, or composite components.
Mechanics complete all repairs on an aircraft by performing functional tests and documenting the results of those tests.
Radio communication equipment, radar systems, and navigational aids are just some of the many items that an avionics technician is trained to work on. Maintaining computer systems becomes increasingly time-consuming as the usage of digital technology grows. As part of the Airframe rating, you are awarded the ability to repair and maintain a wide range of avionics and flight instrument systems.
Inspectors, inspectors, and testers for airworthiness are known as designated airworthiness representatives (DARs). They offer certificates of airworthiness, which are required for aircraft to fly. Manufacturing DARs and maintenance DARs are the two categories of DARs.
As an IA mechanic, you have the ability to inspect and restore aircraft to service, as long as you have both Airframe and Powerplant certification. This sort of maintenance worker is capable of a greater range of tasks and adjustments than any other type of worker. Aircraft can be put back into operation after substantial repairs or thorough annual inspections.
Holders of the Repairmen certificate may or may not also be in possession of the A&P certificate or any other certificates. Aviation maintenance employees are awarded repairman credentials by recognized repair stations, which allow them to do specified tasks. Certificates issued to mechanics are only good while they are employed by the repair shop that issued them; they cannot be used at another location.
Education
An FAA-approved Part 147 aviation maintenance technician school is where most aircraft mechanics and service technicians begin their careers. As an alternative to the experience requirements specified in rules, the FAA acknowledges a certificate of completion from one of these institutions. Holders of the diplomas are also eligible to sit for the corresponding FAA tests.
Before beginning work as an avionics technician, most people complete an associate degree program. Digital and electronic aircraft controls, systems, and flying instruments are becoming more commonplace. Aviation flight instruments or computer maintenance are required to keep these systems running well.
A bachelor's degree in engineering or a closely related discipline, such as transportation, may be helpful, although it is not necessary.
Training
In order to gain the necessary skills and pass the FAA certifications, some aircraft mechanics and service technicians just need a high school education or its equivalent. Workers in aviation maintenance who aren't FAA-certified are supervised until they've accrued the experience and expertise to be qualified.
Registration, Certification, and Licensing
Maintaining an aircraft must be done by a certified mechanic with the relevant ratings or authorizations or be done under the guidance of one who has such credentials and authorizations.
There are separate certificates for bodywork and engine repair offered by the FAA, although companies may prefer to hire technicians with both Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) ratings. Mechanics who hold A&P certifications are typically considered competent in the field of aviation.
To be eligible for either the A or the P rating, mechanics must be at least 18 years old, proficient in English, and have 30 months of experience (the A&P rating). The experience requirement can be replaced, and the time needed to sit for the FAA examinations shortened by completing a program at an FAA-approved Part 147 aircraft maintenance technician school.
Within a two-year period, candidates must pass a series of tests demonstrating their knowledge and abilities in a variety of fields.
Maintenance and repair work must be conducted within the last 24 months in order for mechanics to maintain their certification. They can attend lessons from their company, a school or an aircraft manufacturer to meet this need.
To qualify for the IA, mechanics must have had their A&P certification for at least three years and complete additional prerequisites. Major repairs and modifications can be reviewed and approved by these technicians.
Avionics technicians are normally qualified by a repair station or possess an Airframe rating to operate on an aircraft's electronic and flight instrument systems. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) offers a certification in Aircraft Electronics Technician (AET) (ASTM). The FAA does not demand it for any specific jobs, but it validates that aircraft technicians have a fundamental understanding of the subject matter. To operate communications equipment, avionics technicians may need to be certified radiotelephone operators by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) (FCC).
Working Knowledge of a Related Field
Beginning their careers as aircraft mechanics or service technicians, some avionics technicians become experts in their field. The ability to work on specialist flight instruments may be obtained by taking classes or by obtaining further certifications as aircraft mechanics and service personnel acquire expertise. They might go on to specialize in flight instrumentation as avionics technicians.
Advancement
It is possible to become a lead mechanic, a lead inspector, or a shop supervisor after working as an aviation mechanic for a while. Those that have an inspection authorization may have the highest chance of advancement (IA). Inspectors and examiners for the FAA might be mechanics with a wide range of maintenance and repair skills.
Qualities that may matter
A stickler for the smallest of details. Engineers and technicians are responsible for ensuring that plane parts are properly calibrated. Precision tools are used to tighten wheel bolts to a certain tension, for example.
Dexterity. In order to grab, operate, or assemble parts, mechanics and technicians must synchronize the movement of their fingers and hands.
The ability to observe. To assess if an aircraft's systems are functioning properly, mechanics and technicians must listen for engine sounds, examine gauges, and gather other data.
Strength. A mechanic or technician may lift or move heavy equipment or aircraft components, climb on airplanes, balance, and reach without falling, all without falling.
Pay
In May 2020, the median yearly wage for airplane mechanics and service technicians was $66,440. It is the salary at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount, and half earned less. Percentages in the bottom and top tenths of earners range from $38,970 to over $103,880.
Job Projections
Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians are expected to see an 11% increase in employment between 2020 and 2030, which is more than the average for all occupations.