Transportation

Aircraft Mechanic

Have you always had a knack for fixing things? How would you like to learn how to work on the most sophisticated machines in the world?

Inspect, repair, and maintain aircraft engines, landing gear, and other mechanical and electronic systems to ensure flight safety.

Salary Range

$48,000 – $120,000

per year (10th–90th percentile)

Median Salary

$66,440

per year

Growth Outlook

High Growth(+5%)

2024–2034 projected

Learn a recession-proof skill, Work with the most sophisticated equipment in the world, Work in public or private sectors

Browse Aircraft Maintenance Jobs

Tasks & Responsibilities

Examine and inspect aircraft components, including landing gear, hydraulic systems, and deicers to locate cracks, breaks, leaks, or other problems.
Conduct routine and special inspections as required by regulations.
Inspect completed work to certify that maintenance meets standards and that aircraft are ready for operation.
Read and interpret maintenance manuals, service bulletins, and other specifications to determine the feasibility and method of repairing or replacing malfunctioning or damaged components.
Maintain repair logs, documenting all preventive and corrective aircraft maintenance.
Modify aircraft structures, space vehicles, systems, or components, following drawings, schematics, charts, engineering orders, and technical publications.
Inspect airframes for wear or other defects.
Measure parts for wear, using precision instruments.
Obtain fuel and oil samples and check them for contamination.
Maintain, repair, and rebuild aircraft structures, functional components, and parts, such as wings and fuselage, rigging, hydraulic units, oxygen systems, fuel systems, electrical systems, gaskets, or seals.

Tools of the Trade

Integrated maintenance information systemsPunches or nail sets or driftsMetal cuttersScrewdriversWearable computing devicesPower drillsLiftsGround power units for aircraftCold chiselsRivet toolsDiagonal cut pliersSpecialty wrenchesLocking pliersPortable data input terminalsVoltage or current metersStripping toolsHex keysDial indicator or dial gaugeMill saw fileWire twisterPneumatic impact wrenchesRectifiersManlift or personnel liftTape measuresDrill press or radial drillWire cuttersNibblersCalipersWelder torchSpeed sensorsManual press brakeHammersAcoustic ear muffs or defendersJacksHold down clampsCircuit testerScribersPressure indicatorsNotebook computersSoldering ironSocket setsMagnetic particle examination equipmentCompassesSquaresSlip or groove joint pliersTouch padsTracer or duplicating or contouring latheHand trucks or accessoriesPull spring balancesSocketsUltrasonic examination equipmentGogglesInspection mirrorVibration testersPneumatic drillBox end wrenchesTarget or reconnaissance dronesPower riveterCalibrated resistance measuring equipmentDrill bit setShearsBall peen hammerBorescope inspection equipmentFlat nose pliersMicroprocessorsGas welding or brazing or cutting apparatusAlignment jigEnd cut pliersDigital testersX ray radiography examination equipmentWire lug crimping toolGlobal positioning system GPS receiverCable splicing kitsMagnetic toolsShielded metal arc welding or stick welding machineAircraft pushback or tow tractorsScrew extractorsTinners snipsGo or no go gaugeBastard cut fileHacksawMultimetersLaddersMicrometersMalletsAir compressorsPutty knivesAmmetersRatchetsOhmmetersRespiratorsScaffoldingHoistsSafety glassesHand clampsUtility knivesForkliftsCombination wrenchesPyrometersRulersPower grindersLaser printersTorque wrenchesOpen end wrenchesDesktop computersAdjustable wrenchesScalesFeeler gaugesHeat gunsNeedlenose pliersPersonal computersPaint sprayersOscilloscopesTablet computersTemplates

Knowledge Areas

Mechanical

Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance. 93/100

English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. 68/100

Engineering and Technology

Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services. 60/100

Customer and Personal Service

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction. 57/100

Mathematics

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications. 55/100

Public Safety and Security

Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions. 53/100

Transportation

Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits. 49/100

Administration and Management

Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources. 48/100

Design

Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models. 48/100

Physics

Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes. 48/100