Airline Mechanic Career Information
An airline mechanic career involves the maintenance, repair and inspection of airplanes and helicopters to keep them operating in optimal condition. Mechanics work closely with pilots to learn what performance and mechanical issues an aircraft may be experiencing. The mechanic then must perform a diagnosis to determine the nature of the problem and make the necessary repairs. Once the repairs are completed, the equipment must be tested to ensure that it is functioning properly.
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Function
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Airline mechanics are employed by aircraft manufacturing companies, maintenance, repair and overhaul firms and by small and large airlines. They have the education and training to perform a wide range of tasks, such as maintenance, repair and inspection of various components. This includes the plane's body, engine, landing gear, brakes valves and hydraulic system.
While airline mechanics are inspecting or working on aircrafts, they are required to work in a variety of settings and conditions, including airfields, hangars or aviation terminals. Generally, mechanics must have their own tools, which can be rather expensive. According to Salary.com, the median salary for an airline mechanic was $74,761 in April 2009. There are basically three airline mechanic career niches an individual can choose to master: avionics, power plant and airframe mechanics.
Avionics Mechanic
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Avionic technicians are responsible for the installation, adjustment, renovation or overhaul of electronics systems and parts. That would include the navigation and communication equipment. They are also responsible for the airplane's autoflight component. All completed work must be inspected by avionic inspectors who examine various instruments, electrical and avionic systems after any work that requires assembly, changes, service or repair.
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Powerplant Mechanic
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Power plant mechanics have the sole responsibility of maintaining and repairing aircraft engines whether they are jet- or piston-driven engines. These mechanics must perform inspections after planes have accumulated a specific number of flight hours. They are charged with maintaining thorough and accurate records of their maintenance findings. They must also file maintenance reports. Typically the crews that make power plant repairs and the group that handles maintenance and inspections operate as independent units.
Airframe Mechanic
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An airline mechanic who specializes in the airframe of planes must have the training and skills to inspect, service and repair a wide variety of systems on an airplane. They are able to work on brakes, the fuselage, wings, fuel tanks and air circulation apparatus. Airframe mechanics also work on the plane's interior in areas like the kitchen and seating. In addition, they revamp hydraulic systems that control the steering mechanisms of a plane, including the flaps. Airframe mechanics are not permitted to work on propellers, engines or instrumentation.
FAA Certification
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Learning to become an airline mechanic is usually an 18- to 24-month process. The student must attend a school that is certified by the FAA. To become a certified airline mechanic, you must: 1) be at least 18 year old and write or speak English; 2) you must have 18 months of hands-on experience with airframes or power plants. Other options are to have 30 months of experience working on both power plants and airframes or graduate from an FAA-approved mechanics school, and 3) you must pass a practical test, oral test and written examination. Mechanics who are not certified must be supervised by certified airline mechanics.
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