 |
||
|
|
 .
|
Job Report Aircraft Mechanics and Engine Specialists
Nature of the Work
Most travelers hardly think twice about flying thousands of feet above the ground.
The confidence they have in aircraft is a tribute to the mechanics (also referred to as
technicians) who keep them in top operating condition.
Many mechanics specialize in scheduled maintenance required by the Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA). Following a schedule that is based on the number of hours
flown, calendar days, cycles of operation, or a combination of these factors, mechanics
inspect the engines, landing gear, instruments, pressurized sections, accessories--brakes,
valves, pumps, and air-conditioning systems, for example--and other parts of the aircraft
and do the necessary maintenance. They may examine an engine through specially
designed openings while working from ladders or scaffolds, or use hoists or lifts to remove
the entire engine from the craft. After taking the engine apart, mechanics may use precision
instruments to measure parts for wear, and use X-ray and magnetic inspection equipment
to check for invisible cracks. Work or defective parts are repaired or replaced. They also
may repair sheet-metal surfaces, measure the tension of control cables, or check for
corrosion, distortion, and cracks in the fuselage, wings, and tail. Mechanics tests the
equipment to make sure the repairs were made properly.
Mechanics specializing in repair work rely on the pilot's description of a problem to
find and fix faulty equipment. For example, during a preflight check, a pilot may discover
that the aircraft's fuel gauge does not work. To solve the problem, mechanics may check
the electrical test equipment to make sure no wires are broken or shorted. They work as
fast as safety permits so that the aircraft can be put back into service quickly.
Mechanics may work on one or many different types of aircraft, such as jets,
propeller-driven airplanes, and helicopters, or, for efficiency, may specialize in one section
of a particular type of aircraft, such as the engine, hydraulic, or electrical system. In small,
independent repair shops, mechanics usually inspect and repair many different types of
aircraft.
Working Conditions
Mechanics usually work in hangers or other indoor areas. However, if the hangers
are full or if repairs must be made quickly, they may work outdoors, sometimes in
unpleasant weather. This occurs most often to airline mechanics who work at airports
because, to save time, minor repairs and preflight checks often are made at the terminal.
Mechanics often work under the pressure of time to maintain flight schedules or, in general
aviation, to keep from inconveniencing customers. At the same time, mechanics must
maintain safety standards.
Frequently, mechanics must lift or pull as much as 50 pounds. They often stand, lie,
or kneel in awkward positions and occasionally must work in precarious positions on
scaffolds or ladders. Noise and vibration are common when testing engines. Aircraft
mechanics generally work 40-hours a week on 8-hour shifts around the clock.
Employment
Aircraft mechanics held about 128,000 jobs in 1990. Over three-fifths worked for
airlines, nearly one-fifth for aircraft assembly firms, and nearly one-sixth for the Federal
Government. Most of the rest were general aviation mechanics, the majority of whom
worked for independent repair shops or companies that operate their own planes to
transport executives and cargo. Very few mechanics were self-employed.
Most airline mechanics work near large cities at the airlines' main stops. Many are
civilians employed by the Armed Forces and work at military aviation installations. Others
work for the FAA, many in the headquarters at Oklahoma City. Mechanics for independent
repair shops work at airports in every part of the country.
Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement
The Majority of mechanics who work on civilian aircraft are certified by the FAA as
"airframe mechanic," "powerplant mechanic," or "repairman." Airframe mechanics are
authorized to work on any part of the aircraft except the instruments, powerplants, and
propellers. Powerplant mechanics are authorized to work on engines and to do limited work
on propellers. Technicians called repairmen--who are employed by appropriately rated
FAA-certificated repair stations and air carriers--do work on instruments and major work on
propellers. Combination airframe-and-powerplant mechanics can work on any part of the
plane, and those with an inspector's authorization can certify inspection work completed by
other mechanics. Uncertified mechanics are supervised by those with certificates.
The FAA requires at least 18 months of work experience for an airframe, powerplant,
or repairman's certificate. For a combined airframe-and-powerplant certificate, at least 30
months of experience working with both engines and airframes are required. To obtain an
inspector's authorization, a mechanic must have held an airframe-and-powerplant certificate
for at least 3 years. Applicants for all certificates also must pass written and oral tests and
demonstrate that they can do the work authorized by the certificate.
Although a few people become mechanics through on-the-job training, most learn
their job in the Armed Forces or in trade schools certified by the FAA. Courses in these
trade schools generally last from 2 years to 30 months and provide training with the tools
and equipment used on the job. For an FAA certificate, attendance at such schools may
substitute for work experience. However, these schools do not guarantee jobs or FAA
certificates.
Some aircraft mechanics in the Armed Forces acquire enough general experience
to satisfy the work experience requirements for the FAA certificate. With additional study,
they may pass the certifying exam. Generally, however, jobs in the military services are too
specialized to provide the broad experience required by the FAA. Most have to complete
the entire training program at a trade school, although a few receive some credit for the
material they learned in the service. In any case, military experience is a great advantage
when seeking employment; employers consider trade school graduates who have this
experience to be the most desirable applicants.
A high school diploma or its equivalent is necessary for all prospective aircraft
mechanics. Courses in mathematics, physics, chemistry, electronics, computer science,
and mechanical drawing are helpful because many of their principles are involved in the
operation of an aircraft and knowledge of the principles often is necessary to make repairs.
As new and more complex aircraft are designed, mechanics must update their skills.
Recent technological advances in aircraft maintenance necessitate a strong background
in electronics--both for acquiring and retaining jobs in this field. A working knowledge of
composite materials such as graphite is also important, as such materials are increasingly
being used in the construction of new aircraft.
Aircraft mechanics must do careful and thorough work which requires high
mechanical aptitude. Agility is important for the reaching and climbing necessary for the
job. Aircraft mechanics must not be afraid of heights since they may work on the top of
wings and fuselages on large jet planes.
As aircraft mechanics gain experience, they have the opportunity for advancement.
Opportunities are best for those who have an aircraft inspector's authorization. A mechanic
may advance to lead mechanic (or crew chief), inspector, lead inspector, and ship
supervisor. In the airlines, where promotion is often determined by examination,
supervisors may advance to executive positions. Those with broad experience in
maintenance and overhaul may become inspectors with the FAA. With additional business
and management training, some open their own aircraft maintenance facilities.
Job Outlook
Overall, aircraft mechanics--particularly those with work experience--are expected
to have excellent job opportunities since the number of job openings is expected to exceed
the supply of qualified applicants. Growth in demand for the services of aircraft mechanics
coupled with an expected wave of retirements should provide many job openings.
Job opportunities are likely to be best in general aviation. Since wages in small
companies tend to be relatively low, there generally are fewer applicants for these jobs than
for airline jobs. Also, some jobs will become available as experienced mechanics leave for
better paying jobs with airlines or large private companies. Mechanics may face some
competition for airline jobs because the high wages and travel benefits attract more
qualified applicants. The number of job openings for aircraft mechanics in the Federal
Government will fluctuate with changes in defense spending. Mechanics who keep abreast
of the technological advances in electronics, composite materials, and other areas will be
in greatest demand.
The number of aircraft mechanics is expected to increase about as fast as the
average for all occupations through the year 2000. A growing population and rising
incomes are expected to stimulate the demand for airline transportation, and the number
of aircraft is expected to grow. However, employment growth will be restricted somewhat
by increase in productivity resulting from greater use of automated inventory control and
modular systems which speed repairs and parts replacement. Most job openings are
expected to arise from the need to replace mechanics who transfer to other fields of work
or stop working altogether.
Declines in air travel during recessions force airlines to curtail the number of flights,
which results in less aircraft maintenance and, consequently, layoffs for aircraft mechanics.
Earnings
In 1991, the median annual salary of aircraft mechanics was about $27,050.
Mechanics who worked on jets generally earned more than those working on other aircraft.
The top 10 percent of all aircraft mechanics earned over $36,400 a year. Airline Mechanics
and their immediate families receive reduced fare transportation on their own and most
other airlines.
Earnings of airline mechanics generally are higher than mechanics working for other
employers. Beginning aircraft mechanics employed by the airlines earned from $10 to $14
an hour in 1990, according to the Future Aviation Professionals of America.
Some mechanics, including those employed by some major airlines, are covered by
union agreements. The principal unions are the International Association of Machinists and
Aerospace Workers and the Transport Workers Union of America. Some mechanics are
represented by the International brotherhood of Teamsters, Chauffeurs, Warehousemen
and Helpers of America.
Related Occupations
Workers in some other occupations that involve similar mechanical and electrical
work are electricians, elevator repairers, and telephone maintenance mechanics.
Sources of Additional Information
Information about jobs in a particular airline may be obtained by writing to the
personnel manager of the company. For addresses of airline companies and information
about job opportunities and salaries, contact:
Future Aviation Professionals of America, 4291 J. Memorial Dr., Atlanta, GA
30032. (This organization may be called toll free at 800-JET-JOBS.)
For general information about aircraft mechanics, write to:
Aviation Maintenance Foundation, P.O. Box 2826, Redman, WA 98073.
Professional Aviation Maintenance Association, P.O. Box 248, St. Ann, MO
63074.
For information on jobs in a particular area, contact employers at local airports or
local offices of the State employment service.
work at home - work at home jobs
Copyright 2002 Work-at-Home.org
|