Aviation Maintenance |
Who Are Aviation Maintenance Specialists?Is This Program in My Area?What Do Aviation Maintenance Specialists Do? Aviation maintenance specialists keep aircraft operating safely and efficiently by completing several different types of tasks. These aircraft mechanics inspect, service, replace parts or repair the aircraft’s engines, landing gears, instruments, pressurized sections, brakes, valves, pumps, air-conditioning systems and other parts of the aircraft. Aircraft maintenance crews coordinate with pilots during preflight checks to verify that all the gauges and controls are functioning properly. Aviation mechanics also keep records to keep track of the maintenance performed on an aircraft. Aircraft Maintenance Training People pursing a career in aircraft maintenance must complete aircraft maintenance courses and earn a certification or degree from an aircraft maintenance school certified by the FAA. At aircraft mechanic school and aircraft maintenance school people work on either a 2-year or 4-year degree in targeted fields of aviation maintenance and repair, such as avionics, aviation technology or aviation maintenance management. At aircraft mechanic school the student must complete aircraft maintenance course requirements that involve learning about and gaining experience in turbine engine technology and operation, aviation electronics used in new aircraft, the materials used to construct the plane and students must learn to use the tools used by aircraft mechanics. Aircraft maintenance school offers class room and on the job training and takes approximately 18 to 24 months to complete. Aircraft Maintenance Certification After completing aircraft maintenance courses at an FAA-certified aircraft mechanic school the new aviation maintenance specialist can apply for certification. Certification is important when seeking an aviation maintenance job because it indicates a level of competency and proficiency. To attain and keep certification the aviation maintenance specialist must pass a comprehensive exam and complete 16 hours of training every two years. These training courses are offered through employers and by aircraft maintenance schools. There is also a combined certification available through the FAA for airframe and power plant mechanics. This A&P certificate requires aviation maintenance course completion at an aviation maintenance school and at least 30 months of on the job experience. Aviation Maintenance Job Prospects Aviation maintenance is a highly specific field so jobs are centered at areas with ties to the airline industry. Qualified aviation maintenance and aircraft mechanics are generally employed by major, regional and commuter airlines. Aircraft mechanics also get jobs at international, national or municipal airports where they service fleets of various aircraft types. Many civilian aircraft mechanics are employed by U.S. Air Force and work at military installations. Some aviation mechanics find jobs with airline manufacturing companies or at FAA repair stations. Aviation maintenance specialists use the experience they gain to advance their careers in the industry. Many advance to supervisory positions, such as lead mechanic, crew chief, lead inspector or shop supervisor. Aircraft Maintenance Job Security and Salary The demand for certified aircraft maintenance specialists is strong and is expected to grow. The Bureau of Labor expects the demand in jobs for aviation maintenance school graduates to grow ten percent over the next 8 years. Since airlines require aircraft maintenance workers to keep their planes in the air they attract skilled workers by offering salaries ranging from $39,000 to $72,000 per year. |