The following article on aircraft mechanic job description, tells everything about the job profile, salary range, educational requirements, and career prospects of an aircraft mechanic. If you’re aspiring to become one, the following words might come handy.
Perhaps, the passengers in an aircraft don’t trust the hostesses and stewards as much as they trust the aircraft mechanics. It’s an interesting and an extremely responsible job, since aircraft mechanics are people who’re employed to keep the planes’ operations safe and efficient. Their key duties involve repair, overhauling, testing, and serving the aircraft, demanding expertise mainly in the engine, wings, brakes, tail, fuselage, and fuel tanks. Aircraft mechanics are usually employed in commercial airlines, military, and private firms, where they inspect and test the safety of the planes assigned to them. Working as an aircraft mechanic can, sometimes be daunting, since airplanes are comparatively difficult to work on due to their largeness. Those aspiring to take up this reputed job in the aviation sector, need to prepare themselves to work in adverse weather conditions, just so that the safety of the passengers is not compromised with. While that’s just a fluttering peek of the job description of an aircraft mechanic, the following sections explain the nature of work, the education requirements, and the pay scale of the same. Keep reading for further information.
Educational Requirements
Even though a high school diploma is the minimum educational requirement, for those who’re interested in pursuing this career, an 18-month college degree can open the doors for a number of opportunities in the field of aircraft mechanics. Many airlines consider individuals owning this degree, and offer jobs accordingly. However, in order to start working as an aircraft mechanic, one needs to get certified from the government after passing an examination held by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Distinction in written, oral, and practical tests, will fetch the aspirant the license to start working as an aircraft mechanic. Other than the certifications, one can also enroll in an aviation school to learn more about the skills needed to become a successful aircraft mechanic, so that it comes in handy during their job.
Nature of Work
As mentioned above, aircraft mechanics ensure the safety and efficiency of all kinds of aircraft, and for this very reason, their job cannot be underestimated. They maintain good standards of work, and are proficient in all aspects of aircraft maintenance. Their duties involve fixing issues associated with the engine, fuselage, gear, and oil tanks. Sometimes, they also report critical issues about faulty equipment to the maintenance crew. They work for generally 40 hours a week in power-plants of the airline company that employs them, or other repair sites as required. Aircraft mechanics often run test flights by riding and making necessary adjustments and fixes. For that purpose, their tools include ignition analyzers, ammeters, distributor timers, compression checkers, etc., with the help of which they read, understand, and make the necessary changes required. The job does call for critically technical know-how, and hence, the rewards are fruitful.
Pay Scale
In the United States, as of June 2011, the average annual salary for aircraft mechanics has been recorded at $75,000, which is highly driven by the number of years of experience, the geographical region the mechanic is employed in, the workplace, as well as the skills he or she has. While those having begun their career in aircraft mechanics, get a good salary of approximately $35,000, many aircraft mechanics with an experience of more than 10 years earn up to $90,000. All in all, with increasing experience and improved technical skills, salary figures take a hike too.
Career Prospects
The economy is improving with each passing day, and more and more kinds of aircraft are being introduced, considering the improvement in people’s standard of living. This creates a considerable need for aircraft maintenance, and hence, aircraft mechanics and technicians. Those who graduate in training programs have an exposure to a number of career opportunities, considering newly introduced skills to learn, and hence, an enhanced know-how in comparison to those who’re existing aircraft mechanics. Regional airlines are the fastest growing segment of the aviation industry, and those employed in this sector of the aviation industry can expect a good raise in salary in just a few years.
It’s a varied and interesting career for those who’re willing to give in to a little bit of hard work. A career as an aircraft mechanic assures you a hefty salary to take back home, and a secured future, as the only thing your job heavily relies on is your skills. The better your skills, the more the number of job opportunities. However, sometimes, it becomes all the more stressful to repair the aircraft at the earliest, due to the strict flight schedule. However, once an aircraft mechanic gets the hang of working smarter, the job becomes fun.