What Can You Specialize in as an Aircraft Mechanic?

Aircraft mechanics work in tight spaces.

Aircraft mechanics work in various specializations within the industry. Typically, the occupation is divided into three broad specialty areas: airframe mechanics, avionics technicians and powerplant mechanics. Aircraft mechanics are often trained to work on both the components of the body of aircrafts and power plants and are called A&P mechanics, short for airframe and powerplant combined. In addition, a trained mechanic may specialize further in one niche of the broader categories.

Airframe Mechanics

According to the United States Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), an airframe mechanic is qualified to work on all parts of an aircraft except engines, propellers, hydraulic systems, and instruments. The airframe mechanic will specialize in areas involving the entire body of the craft, which includes wings and fuselages.

Powerplant Mechanics

Individuals specializing as powerplant mechanics work on engines and some parts of the propeller system. Powerplant mechanics know how to troubleshoot and repair all parts of an aircraft engine including the ignition, fuel, lubrication and cooling systems for various types of aircraft. Specialists in this discipline are knowledgeable in the intricacies of both reciprocating and turbine engine systems and components. Powerplant mechanics may be responsible for maintaining fluid lines and controlling engine corrosion.

A&P Mechanics

Aircraft mechanics who specialize in both airframes and power plants, A&P mechanics for short, make up the majority of aircraft mechanics employed in private industry in the U.S., according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This comprehensive training permits authorized personnel to work on all parts of an aircraft except those classified as avionics.

Avionics Technicians

Avionics encompass technology used in flight. The avionics technicians have good math skills and knowledge of electronics including computer components such as integrated circuits and processors. Avionics technicians repair and maintain instruments including weather and navigational radar systems, communication and flight control systems, and electrical systems. Generally, this type of specialization requires comprehensive knowledge of aviation electronics.

Further Specialization

Aircraft mechanics may specialize further into one specific area of aircraft maintenance and repair. For example, a mechanic or technician may work only with hydraulic systems or only with the electrical system. Aircraft personnel may also specialize in one type of craft such as helicopters or small aircraft. Job specializations within the industry provide mechanics with opportunities to work only in preventive maintenance as service technicians or solely as repair personnel who troubleshoot and solve problems.

Aircraft Inspectors

According to the BLS, an aircraft mechanic who has worked in the field for a minimum of three years with at least two years of applied experience can seek Federal Aviation Administration authorization as an aircraft inspector. Inspectors must be certified A&P mechanics while working to gain the requisite experience.

References

• Broward College: Aircraft Airframe Mechanics
• Broward College: Avionics Certificate Program
• Broward College: Aircraft Powerplant Mechanic
• O Net OnLine: 49-3011.00 Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
• O Net OnLine: 49-2019.00 Avionics Technicians
• United States Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics: Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians

Resources

• Federal Aviation Administration: Basic Requirements to Become an Aircraft Mechanic