Aircraft Engine Mechanic Jobs
Whether they work for small commuter airlines or large international carriers, the U.S. military or aerospace manufacturing firms, aircraft mechanics are essential to keeping aircraft running smoothly, efficiently and safely. By performing thorough assessments, they try to predict trouble with engines and other aircraft parts before it happens in the air.
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Types of Aircraft Engine Mechanics
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Among the different types of aircraft mechanics, two groups are permitted to work on engines. Powerplant mechanics can service engines and do limited work on propellers. Airframe-and-powerplant mechanics, known as A&P mechanics, take care of engines and all other aircraft parts except the instruments.
Duties
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Aircraft mechanics and service technicians handle preventive maintenance, inspection and repair of engines and other parts of airplanes. When mechanics' careful inspections reveal faulty or worn parts, they make replacements. They keep thorough maintenance records and respond to pilot observations about possible malfunctions in certain parts of the plane. Certain types of aircraft also allow mechanics to diagnose problems using the airplane's monitoring boxes.
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Working Conditions
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Aircraft mechanics often perform their work inside large hangars, but they may also find themselves working outside, sometimes in harsh weather. To reach and inspect engines, they must work from ladders, scaffolds or hoists under the aircraft, looking inside to the engine via special openings, and sometimes removing it to do imaging to find hidden cracks, or to make repairs. Workers in this occupation often must work under tight time constraints, while also knowing that their work must be done well, to ensure the safety of the craft and the lives of its crew and passengers.
Training and Qualifications
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The Federal Aviation Administration has certified 170 trade schools nationwide where aircraft mechanics can receive training in two- or four-year programs, although some mechanics never complete a program, instead learning on the job. Certification exams follow, along with continuing training to maintain certification. To succeed as aircraft mechanics, individuals need solid mechanical and technological aptitude and great attention to detail. Since their tasks must often be performed using ladders and scaffolds, they cannot be afraid of heights.
Earnings and Job Salary
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in May 2006 the average hourly earnings for aircraft service technicians and mechanics was $22.95. While the lowest-paid 10 percent of this group earned under $14.94 per hour, the highest-paid 10 percent made over $34.51. Between 2006 and 2016, the number of jobs for this occupation is expected to grow by 11 percent.
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