what is an aircraft mechanic?
As an aircraft mechanic, you perform scheduled maintenance on helicopters and aeroplanes. You also perform inspections to determine the safety of the plane for use. You can work for private firms, military or commercial airlines helping them ascertain the airworthiness of aircraft. As an aircraft mechanic, you need extensive knowledge of the various parts of an aeroplane, from the engine to propellers and landing gear. Your expertise helps you identify problems during an inspection and isolate hydraulic equipment or radar instruments that need repairs or replacement.
Sometimes, you work on defects reported by pilots. However, during an inspection, you check all parts carefully to ascertain airworthiness. You take full responsibility for the repairs since you may lose your licence if mistakes occur.
The scope of your role as an aircraft mechanic depends on the company you work for. For instance, in small private aeroplane companies, you will be in charge of all aircraft repairs before takeoff. However, in large aviation companies, you can be part of the overhaul repair team that performs extensive maintenance on aircraft. You may specialise in specific repair and maintenance roles. For instance, some aircraft mechanics become experts in hydraulic inspections.
The role requires excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills. Attention to detail is also crucial, as mistakes can have devastating consequences.
Would working in engineering as an aircraft mechanic suit your exceptional troubleshooting skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in an aircraft mechanic role.
average salary of an aircraft mechanic
According to ONS, an aircraft mechanic earns an average salary of £35,100 per year. At an entry-level position, your annual earnings start at £29,250. The salary scale moves upwards as you attain more qualifications and skills, and you can earn over £42,900 annually.
Aircraft mechanics enjoy numerous benefits and bonuses. Most employers provide basic pension benefits, life insurance and medical insurance. You also receive overtime pay and annual bonuses.
how to increase your aircraft mechanic salary
Specialisation and additional qualifications guarantee a higher compensation package. For instance, if you specialise in becoming an airworthiness engineer, your salary increases to £55,000 a year, and you will enjoy additional benefits. The size of the company also determines your earnings. Large commercial airlines have more extensive resources and pay than small companies.
types of aircraft mechanics
Some of the types of aircraft mechanics include:
- airframe and powerplant mechanics: your job is to perform general maintenance on aircraft. You use precision instruments to measure defects and start repairs. You are also certified to perform alteration tasks on the engines, landing gear, air-conditioning system and brakes.
- inspection authorised mechanics: your job is to supervise aircraft inspections before departure. You do a comprehensive inspection of aircraft and determine if an aeroplane is safe for flight after a major repair. You also have certification in airframe and powerplant, enabling you to perform some alteration and maintenance tasks.
working as an aircraft mechanic
Working as an aircraft mechanic involves supervising the repairs and maintenance of aircraft parts and systems. If you are interested in the role, read on to find out about aircraft mechanics' duties and work environments.
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aircraft mechanic job description
An aircraft mechanic performs the following tasks:
- inspecting aircraft: an aircraft mechanic's primary role is to conduct inspections before departure and after landing. You carefully check the internal and external parts of an aeroplane and identify potential problems. When conducting a routine inspection before a flight, you need to fill out a report stating the condition of each plane part. You also authorise flights or ground the aircraft and perform minor repairs before departure if you find any problems.
- diagnosing operational issues: when you spot a problem during an inspection, you conduct further tests to determine the cause. As an aircraft mechanic, you can carry out diagnostic tests using precision tools on aircraft engines, electrical systems and hydraulic systems.
- reading blueprints and measuring aircraft parts: during an inspection, you use various methods to identify problems in the aircraft. For instance, you can measure aircraft parts using gauges and technical instruments. Deviations from the normal measurements often indicate wear and tear. You also use blueprints to locate aircraft components during an inspection and troubleshoot any issues using the instruction manuals.
- performing repairs: as an aircraft mechanic, you repair damaged parts of the plane or replace broken components. Repairs usually involve the use of precision equipment and heavy machinery. You have to be an expert in modifying the aircraft's body and repairing internal components.
- cleaning mechanical parts: as an aircraft mechanic, you are in charge of cleaning and maintaining an aircraft's interior and exterior components. You also ensure the aircraft components are not exposed to corrosion, chemical build-up or rusting.
- writing maintenance reports: part of your job is documenting every aspect of maintenance and repairs done on the aeroplane. You also explain the impact of each repair on the functions of the aircraft and recommend whether the plane is ready for a flight or needs additional repairs.
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work environment
Most aircraft mechanics are employed in the aviation industry. Some work for private or commercial airlines, while others serve in the military. As an aircraft mechanic, you will work near airports. That means you can work on the airfield during inspection or in climate-controlled hangars performing repairs on helicopters and planes. When working, you need to put on the uniforms or overalls and protective equipment to prevent accidents and injuries. Noise pollution is a significant problem in airports, so you need earplugs to protect your ears.
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who are your colleagues?
As an aircraft mechanic, you work in the aviation industry or private airline companies. Your colleagues may include aerospace engineers, general maintenance technician, maintenance engineers, electrical engineers, electrical technicians and mechanical engineers. You also work alongside line maintenance crew, avionics technicians, and other professionals that may include pilots, flight attendants, and electrical maintenance technicians.
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work schedule
The work schedule of an aircraft mechanic involves repairing aeroplanes before departure and working on grounded aircraft to prepare them for use. You work between 40 and 42 hours a week, and since all planes need to be inspected before departure, sometimes you have to work at night. In some companies, you will work on a shift basis to ensure there is always a mechanic at the airport. You can work part-time, but you cannot work from home since the role is hands-on.
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job outlook
As an aircraft mechanic, you can grow your skills and become the lead aeroplane engineer or take up other managerial roles in the aviation industry. If you enjoy the hands-on work, you should specialise in your favourite area of interest, such as aerodynamics, avionics or electronic systems. Specialisation leads to opportunities like aerodynamics engineering, communications engineering or composite engineering. When you have expert-level knowledge and experience, you can become a consultant or lecturer.
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advantages of finding an aircraft mechanic job through randstad
Finding your aircraft mechanic job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as an aircraft mechanic is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
education and skills
Some of the educational qualifications of an aircraft mechanic include:
- university: you need a foundation degree or higher national diploma to become an aircraft mechanic. You need 1 or 2 A levels to join the higher national diploma and foundation degree. Some of the relevant fields include mechanical engineering, aeronautical engineering and avionics.
- college: you can pursue a college course in engineering or get a Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Aerospace and Aviation Engineering. Level 3 Diploma in Aircraft Manufacture is also a gateway into the career.
- apprenticeship: you can become an aircraft mechanic through apprenticeship opportunities like an advanced engineering technician role or higher apprenticeship. You will undergo on-the-job training and complete coursework to become a trainee aircraft mechanic.
skills and competencies
Some of the qualities of an aircraft mechanic include:
- troubleshooting skills: a major part of your role as an aircraft mechanic is solving problems in a plane's mechanical components. Troubleshooting skills rely on logical thinking to eliminate the potential causes of a problem. When you have exceptional troubleshooting skills, you can easily find the source of mechanical problems and develop solutions.
- reading comprehension: your work relies on using blueprints and manuals to determine problems in the aircraft. You should have the ability to read and comprehend blueprints to pinpoint issues with aircraft parts. Comprehension helps you understand the instruction manuals and process technical information accurately.
- manual dexterity: an aircraft mechanic needs good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity to succeed. When inspecting or doing repairs, you work on small components that you need to adjust or assemble carefully. Manual dexterity also helps you utilise power tools when performing intricate tasks.
- attention to detail: as an aircraft mechanic, you need to be detail-oriented to avoid missing important information during repairs. Attentiveness to detail is also essential during an inspection. It helps you perform a thorough examination, so you don't miss broken or out of place components.
- communication skills: communication skills will help you communicate clearly with engineers, pilots and other airport crew. Written communication skills are necessary for writing reports.
FAQs
FAQs about working as an aircraft mechanic
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what do aeroplane mechanics do?
As an aircraft mechanic, you inspect an aeroplane before a flight to ensure it meets the safety standards. You also conduct repairs and maintenance tasks on the plane to make it airworthy.
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what are aircraft mechanics called?
An aircraft mechanic is often referred to as an aircraft maintenance technician and is responsible for performing routine preventive maintenance on helicopters and aircraft. Some aircraft mechanics are called airframe powerplant mechanics.
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how do I become an aircraft mechanic?
You can join the profession by completing a college course or university degree in aeronautical engineering. Diploma courses and apprenticeship opportunities are also options.
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is an aircraft mechanic a good job?
Becoming an aircraft mechanic is a rewarding career with great job prospects and opportunities for career progression. The salaries are also lucrative.
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how do I apply for an aircraft mechanic vacancy?
Applying for an aircraft mechanic job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!
