A job as an airplane mechanic can be highly profitable, but you’ll need a keen eye for detail, a thorough understanding of planes, and, most crucially, specific training to succeed. A high school diploma or equivalent is required to work as an aircraft mechanic.
Additionally, you may require certification from an FAA-approved aviation maintenance technician school to work and earn as an aircraft mechanic.
If you’re considering a career as an airplane mechanic but aren’t sure if it’s a financially rewarding area to pursue, you need to peruse this piece carefully.
In this article, we’ll look at the various career opportunities available for aircraft mechanics, the requirements to become an aircraft technician, and the aircraft mechanic’s salary.
Let’s delve in!
Table of contents
What Does An Aircraft Mechanic Do?
Airline travel is one of the safest modes of transportation available today; both the military and commercial sectors rely on it for optimal functioning. Because of the enormous demand in the airline business, it is also necessary to maintain the aircraft well. As a result, the need for airplane mechanics appears to have increased over the years. Aircraft mechanics are in charge of routine maintenance on all aircraft types.
An aviation mechanic detects risky aircraft situations, performs maintenance, repair, and replaces parts on flying machines such as helicopters and airplanes. They guarantee that an aircraft’s mechanical components fulfill operating and safety standards. The following is a comprehensive list of an airplane mechanic’s responsibilities:
1. Inspecting Aircraft Systems
Aircraft inspections involve the examination of an aircraft’s components. Aviation mechanics perform routine checks to identify potential faults and certify that an aircraft is ready for flying.
2. Diagnosis of Operational Issues
Running tests to establish the root cause of a problem is an essential element of the aircraft mechanic’s job. They may diagnose electrical systems, engines, safety equipment, and any other components of an aircraft.
3. Measuring Aircraft Parts
This comprises measuring aircraft parts with gauges and other technical instruments to detect minute levels of wear and corrosion over time.
4. Reading and analyzing instructional manuals
Aircraft mechanics also use manuals to learn about specific equipment and use the manuals to fix problems.
5. Cleaning Mechanical Parts
Aircraft mechanics improve continuous maintenance by regularly cleaning the inside and outside of their aircraft. They tend to mechanical parts to preserve the plane in the best possible condition and to prevent dangerous rusting, corrosion, or chemical accumulation.
6. Updating Maintenance Records
Detailed records are essential for adhering to industry requirements and ensuring that airplane passengers are always kept safe. Aircraft mechanics track and document their maintenance, repairs, and updates and how their labour affects the aircraft’s function.
Knowing the role of an aircraft technician, let’s look at the aircraft mechanic’s salary.
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How Much Do Aircraft Mechanics Make? Aircraft Mechanic Salary
Aircraft mechanic salary varies based on factors like educational level, specialty, certifications, geographic location, industry, and experience level. As of February 25, 2022, the average airplane mechanic’s salary in the United States was $90,408, according to salary.com, but the range frequently falls between $78,760 and $101,915.
Now that you’ve known the various roles of an aircraft mechanic and the aircraft mechanic’s salary, it’s evident that this career is an excellent route to follow; hence, if you have a passion for the aviation industry, you can go ahead to study the passion. Let’s look at the skills required to become an aircraft mechanic and how you can become one.
What Are The Skills Required For An Aircraft Mechanic?
You’ll need soft skills and technical expertise to work as an aviation technician. As a result, honing your skills in a few key areas can assist you in preparing for a future as an aircraft mechanic.
The following are some of the essential skills required to become an aviation mechanic:
1. Attention to detail
Minor mechanical inconsistencies can cause significant difficulties on an airplane; paying attention to detail helps airplane mechanics spot anything out of place or broken so aircraft mechanics must have exceptional attention to the party.
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2. Troubleshooting
Aircraft mechanics use critical thinking, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills to identify the source of mechanical problems in their vehicles. Troubleshoot entails applying reasoning and logical rule to dissect all possible reasons for an issue that emerges in an aircraft.
3. Endurance
Repairing an airplane is a physically demanding operation that requires strength and endurance. Aircraft mechanics may spend several hours on a single repair task, so you must be able to concentrate and persevere through any discomfort until the job is completed.
4. Comprehension
Aircraft technicians use reading comprehension when deciphering manuals, plans, and maintenance instructions. So, the ability to read and comprehend the manual is a must.
5. Communication
An aviation mechanic’s success depends on teamwork and communication with engineers, pilots, and other technicians. You should be able to communicate effectively in writing to document fixes in maintenance reports properly.
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How Do I Become An Aircraft Mechanic?
Because the work of an aviation mechanic is highly technical, for you to be considered for the position, there are precise prerequisites you must meet. You can become an aviation mechanic in various ways, including through formal education or work experience.
Below is a guide on how you can become an aircraft mechanic:
1. Enroll in a technical school
Attending a technical school with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) accreditation is the first step toward meeting the qualifications for an aviation mechanic career. You’ll need to spend ample time in Aviation Maintenance Technician School (AMTS) learning the foundations of aviation mechanics before moving on to 750 hours of specialized airframe or powerplant training.
You’ll study all of the elements and components that make different types of aircraft work while in technical school before you can start earning an aircraft mechanic salary.
2. Earn a high school diploma or a GED
A high school diploma is one of the essential criteria for becoming an airplane mechanic. To begin becoming and earning an aircraft mechanic salary, you must have a high school graduate certificate or a GED.
Consider taking elective classes in the field of aviation mechanics if possible. Math, science, engineering, and construction courses can all help you build strong educational foundations for a career as an aircraft mechanic.
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3. Choose a specialization
Decide what type of aviation mechanic you want to be before you start honing your technical skills. Aircraft mechanics can select between two sub-specialties recognized by the FAA: airframe mechanic and engine mechanic.
Airframe aircraft mechanics are responsible for planes’ entire structure and interface systems. In contrast, engine aircraft mechanics are accountable for building, maintaining, and repairing plane engines and fuel systems. So, you must decide which of them you want before enrolling, graduating, and earning an aircraft mechanic salary.
4. Complete FAA certification examinations
Once you’ve obtained the requisite education or job experience before you’re certified to start working and earn the aircraft mechanic salary, you’ll need to prepare for the certification exam, which involves written examinations, oral interviews, and field evaluations.
After passing the written exam, you must also perform a practical demonstration and an in-person interview with an experienced examiner. The FAA website contains sample exams and other materials that you can use to prepare for your exam before scheduling it.
5. Obtain inspection authorization
You can apply for Inspection Authorization after three years of experience as an aviation mechanic. For aviation mechanics, IA is the advanced, expert-level certification. IA-certified aviation mechanics can perform FAA-mandated aircraft inspections, sign off on major repairs, and run their repair shops. With this certification, you can get a high aircraft mechanic salary.
Do aircraft mechanics ever receive signing bonuses?
Some aircraft maintenance companies and airlines offer signing bonuses to aircraft mechanics to attract and retain skilled technicians. Signing bonuses are typically one-time payments provided to newly hired employees, and the amount can vary depending on the company, the location, the experience, and the qualifications of the candidate.
Signing bonuses can be a way for companies to stand out from competitors and incentivize candidates to accept job offers. It’s not uncommon for companies in highly competitive industries, such as aviation, to offer signing bonuses as part of their recruitment packages.
However, it’s important to note that not all aircraft mechanics receive signing bonuses, which are not guaranteed for all job offers. Additionally, some companies may have specific eligibility criteria for signing bonuses, such as minimum years of experience or certain certifications.
Typical signing bonuses range from $5,000 to $15,000. Many airlines even offer to pay relocation expenses. CommuteAir pays $5,000 to $7,500 as a signing bonus.
Frequently Asked Questions On Aircraft Mechanic Salary
An aircraft mechanic is a skilled professional responsible for maintaining, repairing, and inspecting aircraft to ensure they are safe and operate efficiently.
To become an aircraft mechanic, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent. You must also complete an FAA-approved training program in aircraft maintenance and pass the FAA certification exam.
An aircraft mechanic is responsible for maintaining, repairing, and inspecting aircraft to ensure they are safe and operate efficiently. This includes performing routine maintenance, troubleshooting and diagnosing problems, repairing or replacing faulty parts, and completing required inspections.
Becoming an aircraft mechanic requires completing an FAA-approved training program and passing the FAA certification exam, which can be challenging. However, it is possible to become an aircraft mechanic with dedication and hard work.
Conclusion
A job as an airplane mechanic can be highly profitable, but you’ll need a keen eye for detail, a thorough understanding of planes, and, most crucially, specific training to succeed. To work and earn as an aircraft mechanic, you may require certification from an FAA-approved aviation maintenance technician school or a high school diploma or equivalent.
We hope this article has been able to help you to see the reasons why you should pursue an aviation career and also the aircraft mechanic salary.
References
- indeed.com– How To Start a Career as an Aircraft Mechanic
- salary.com – Aircraft Mechanic (Jet) Salary in the United States
- letu.edu – How To Become An Aircraft Mechanic
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