It’s hard to believe that the Wright Brothers took the first powered aircraft flight in 1903—a little more than one hundred years ago. Since then, airplanes have become a part of everyday life. From small single-engine private planes to huge jets that can carry heavy cargo, aircraft are in use in every part of the globe. They all have something in common: they require regular maintenance and repair.
Aircraft mechanics and avionics technicians must keep planes flying safely, because when aircraft are concerned, safety is critical. When your engine quits in your car, you can pull over to the side of the road. If your engine quits when you are flying a small plane at ten thousand feet, you have a much more serious problem!
Aviation technicians are highly skilled, and maintain aircraft to standards set by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). They may have different areas of specialization:
• Many aircraft mechanics specialize in preventive maintenance. They inspect landing gear, pressurized sections, aircraft engines, instruments, brakes, valves, pumps, and other parts of the aircraft. They carry out necessary maintenance and parts replacement, and keep records of the maintenance performed on the aircraft.
• Other mechanics specialize in repairs. They find and fix problems that are identified by pilots or inspectors. Mechanics often must work quickly so that the aircraft can be put back into service.
• Mechanics generally specialize in one type of aircraft, such as jets, propeller-driven airplanes, or helicopters. Others may specialize in one section of a particular type of aircraft, such as the electrical system, engine, or hydraulics. Airframe mechanics work on any part of the aircraft except the instruments, power plants, and propellers, while powerplant mechanics work on engines. Combination airframe-and-powerplant mechanics (A&P mechanics) work on all parts of the plane except the instruments.
Avionics technicians repair and maintain electronic and navigation systems. They may require additional licenses, such as a radiotelephone license issued by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
Training: Most aircraft mechanics and avionics technicians get training at one of the many technical schools certified by the FAA. About one-third of these schools award two-year and four-year degrees in aviation technology, avionics, or aviation maintenance management. Most mechanics who work on civilian aircraft are certified by the FAA as either a “powerplant mechanic” or an “airframe mechanic.”
According to FAA standards, certified mechanic schools must offer students a minimum of 1,900 class hours of instruction. Programs normally last from 18 to 24 months, and provide training with the tools and equipment used on the job. After graduation, mechanics and technicians must pass an exam for certification, and take at least 16 hours of training every 24 months to keep their certificate current. The FAA also offers the A&P certificate, a combined certificate that allows for certification as both an airframe and a powerplant mechanic.
According to the U.S. government, the field of aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and service technicians will add 14,000 new jobs in the decade between 2006 and 2016.* Candidates with appropriate training and experience will have a better shot at landing one of these jobs. Check out the career schools on EducationForCareers.com, and find out how you can get the training you need to start a career in aviation mechanics and avionics.
*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos179.htm (visited April 22, 2008).
