Helicopter Mechanic Job Description
Helicopter mechanics are individuals who repair parts of helicopters. These and other types of aviation mechanics filled about 140,300 positions in 2008, according to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics. Helicopter mechanics must be enthusiastic and agile in climbing helicopters to perform repair and maintenance work as necessary.
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Duties
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Helicopter mechanics regularly inspect parts of helicopters such as propellers, landing gear, hydraulic equipment, engines and bodies, according to StateUniversity.com. They use devices such as electrical test equipment to find problems in electrical systems or X-ray and magnetic inspection equipment to locate cracks in engines, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. They then make needed repairs or replace malfunctioning parts in accordance with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which requires that all planes be inspected after being flown for a certain amount of time. Helicopter mechanics rely on blueprints and instructional manuals to make needed repairs.
Skills
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Strong manual dexterity and good repair skills are important for helicopter mechanics. These mechanics also should be physically fit for lifting and pulling heavy equipment and have good vision and hearing. They additionally must be detail-oriented, self-directed and accurate. Helicopter mechanics should be open to working in environments with high noise levels and must be willing to work outdoors in all kinds of weather conditions as well. They must handle stressful situations effectively and often work on multiple projects simultaneously, according to iHispano.com, a job information site. In addition, helicopter mechanics should have strong oral and written communication, problem-solving and mechanical skills. Helicopter mechanics also should be flexible to work on weekends and to work overtime.
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Education
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A high school diploma or GED is the first step to becoming a helicopter mechanic. While in high school, students should focus on courses such as machine shop, welding, math, industrial drafting and physics. They then can pursue aircraft mechanic training by completing programs that last 12 to 24 months at schools approved by the FAA. Some employers look for individuals who have a four-year bachelor’s degree in fields such as aviation maintenance management or aviation technology.
Certification
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Certification by the government to work on engines, aircraft bodies or both is required for helicopter mechanics. Helicopter mechanics are certified by passing written, oral and practical tests. To be eligible to take these tests, aspiring helicopter mechanics must complete an approved training program or have 18 to 30 months of practical experience in the field. They also must be at least 18 years old and fluent in English. To maintain their certification, helicopter mechanics must have completed 1,000 hours of work experience in the past two years and met continuing education requirements or must have taken a refresher course.
Outlook
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Employment of aircraft mechanics, which include helicopter mechanics, is projected to climb by seven percent from 2008 to 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This can be attributed to the fact that more tourist attractions, news departments, firefighters and police departments are using helicopters, according to Technician-Programs.com. Average helicopter mechanic salaries in 2010 were $56,000, reports Indeed.com.
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References
- Photo Credit helicopter image by Irina Kodentseva from Fotolia.com
