Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technicians

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Duties

Doing the following is typical of an aircraft mechanic:

• Diagnose mechanical or electrical malfunctions and issues
• Restore the aircraft's wing and braking systems, as well as its electrical system.
• Fix the problem by replacing the faulty components with new ones, either by hand or by power tools.
• Look for flaws in replacement airplane components.
• To learn how to fix a vehicle, see your owner's handbook.
• Using gauges and other diagnostic tools, check the condition of aircraft components.
• Verify if the finished job is up to the required level of quality.
• Records of repairs and maintenance should be kept.
• A typical avionics technician's responsibilities include:
• Use circuit testers, oscilloscopes, and voltmeters to examine electrical equipment.
• Diagnose defects and performance issues by analyzing flight test data.
• Install software and assemble hardware, such as electrical controllers and junction boxes.
• Assemble instrument panels using soldering irons and power tools.
• Fix or replace any broken or faulty parts.
• Records of repairs and maintenance should be kept.

Parts and maintenance must be dependable in order for an aircraft to fly. An aircraft's operational state is maintained through the scheduled maintenance, repairs, and inspections performed by the aircraft and avionics equipment personnel. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandates that they adhere to a strict set of rules that define the maintenance schedules for various types of flights.

Jets, piston-driven planes, and helicopters all fall within the purview of many mechanics who are generalists. Others focus on a single component of an aircraft, such as the engine, hydraulics, or electrical system. Independent repair companies often employ mechanics to check and repair a wide variety of planes and helicopters.

Mechanics and technicians who work on aircraft and avionics equipment include the following:

• A&P mechanics are qualified generalists who can work on airplanes on their own and conduct a wide range of maintenance and modification activities. A&P technicians work on engines, landing gear, brakes, and the air conditioning system, among other things. Some specialized occupations need further training and accreditation.
• Aircraft maintenance schedules may be based on the number of hours flown, the number of days since the previous inspection, or the number of flights made. Mechanics and manufacturers may also recommend additional maintenance at other periods.
• Precision instruments are used by mechanics to check for signs of wear as well as to find potential problems. For flaws that cannot be detected on the plane's exterior, they may utilize x rays, magnetic or ultrasonic examination equipment. When the aircraft is inspected for corrosion and other damage, they also look for cracks in the wing and tail sections as well. 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 more common electronic instruments that avionics technicians work with on a day-to-day basis. As the number of people who rely on computers grows, so does the amount of time spent on computer maintenance. Aside from the Airframe rating, which confers the ability to repair and maintain numerous avionics and flight instrument systems, other licenses or certificates may be required.
• Inspectors, inspectors, and testers for airworthiness are known as designated airworthiness representatives (DARs). In order for a plane to take to the skies, it must obtain an airworthiness certificate. Manufacturers and maintainers use different kinds of DARs for different purposes.
• In order to undertake inspections on aircraft and put them back into service, mechanics must be "Inspection Authorized" (IA). This sort of maintenance worker is capable of a greater range of tasks and adjustments than any other type of worker. Aircraft may be put back into operation after substantial repairs or thorough yearly inspections.

Education

An FAA-approved Part 147 aviation maintenance technician school is the common entry point for aspiring aircraft mechanics and service technicians. The FAA accepts the certificates issued by these institutions as an alternative to the required work experience stipulated in the rules. The schools also let students to sit for the necessary FAA tests as a condition of enrollment.

To work as an avionics technician, you'll normally need at least an associate's degree. Aviation systems have grown more digital and electronic, including aircraft controls, systems, and flying instruments. Aviation flight instruments or computer maintenance is required to keep these systems running well.

However, it is not mandatory that students complete a bachelor's degree in engineering or a comparable discipline.

Training

A high school graduation or equivalent is not required to become an aviation mechanic or service technician, but on the job training is required to master their abilities and pass the FAA tests. Aviation maintenance workers who are not FAA-certified operate under supervision until they get the experience and expertise to be qualified.

Registration, Licenses, and Certifications

Aircraft maintenance must be performed by a qualified mechanic who has the proper certifications or authorizations, or under the supervision of a mechanic who has the proper certifications and authorizations.

Mechanics with both Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) ratings may be preferred by companies than those with just the "A" rating, which the FAA gives for bodywork. Aircraft mechanics who have earned their A&P ratings have shown that they fulfill minimum requirements for knowledge and skill.

In order to qualify for either the A or P grade, a mechanic must be at least 18 years old, proficient in English, and have 30 months of experience (the A&P rating). The experience requirement for taking the FAA tests may be waived by completing a program at a Part 147 FAA-approved aviation maintenance technician school.

Within two years, applicants must complete written, oral, and practical tests that show the needed competencies.

Mechanics must have conducted required repair or maintenance work in the past 24 months to maintain their certification. Mechanics may earn this requirement by taking courses offered by their workplace, a university, or an aircraft manufacturer.

If you've held your A&P certification for at least three years and complete additional conditions, you may apply for the Inspection Authorization (IA). Major repairs and modifications may be reviewed and approved by these technicians.

To operate on an aircraft's electronic and flight instrument systems, Avionics technicians must be qualified by a repair station or have the Airframe rating. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) offers a certification for Aircraft Electronics Technicians (AETs) (ASTM). There are no particular activities for which the FAA mandates this certification, but it serves as proof that mechanics have a basic understanding of aviation mechanics and aircraft maintenance and repair. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) may require radiotelephone operator certification for avionics technicians who operate with communications equipment (FCC).

A Related Occupation's Work Experience

In some cases, avionics technicians begin their careers as aircraft mechanics or service technicians. In the course of their careers, airplane mechanics and service technicians may take extra training courses that allow them to operate on specialist flight instruments. They might go on to specialize in flight instrumentation as avionics technicians.

Advancement

Experienced airplane mechanics may work their way up to the positions of lead mechanic, lead inspector, or shop supervisor after a period of time in the field. Those that have an inspection permission may have the highest chance of advancement (IA). Inspectors and examiners for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) might be mechanics with extensive maintenance and repair expertise.

Qualities that matter

Dedicated to accuracy and precision. Aerospace engineers and technicians are responsible for ensuring that aircraft components 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 components, mechanics and technicians must synchronize the movement of their fingers and hands.

The ability to observe. In order to establish whether an aircraft's systems are operating correctly, mechanics or technicians must detect engine sounds, examine gauges, and gather other information.

Strength. It is not uncommon for mechanics and technicians to lift and move heavy equipment, as well as climb on airplanes and balance while doing so.

Pay

The median annual wage for aircraft mechanics and service technicians was $75,020 in May 2023. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $45,760, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $114,750.

Job Projections

Overall employment of aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians is projected to grow 5 percent from 2023 to 2033, about as fast as the average for all occupations.