Aviation Mechanics
Aircraft mechanics diagnose mechanical or electrical problems, while avionics equipment mechanics and technicians repair and perform scheduled maintenance on aircraft. Many mechanics are generalists and work on many different types of aircraft, such as jets, piston-driven airplanes, and helicopters. Others specialize in one section, such as the engine, hydraulic system, or electrical system. Airframe and Powerplant (A and P) mechanics are certified generalist mechanics who can independently perform many maintenance and alteration tasks on aircraft. A and P mechanics repair and maintain most parts of an aircraft, including the engines, landing gear, brakes, and air-conditioning system.
Maintenance schedules for aircraft may be based on hours flown, days since the last inspection, trips flown, or a combination of these factors. Maintenance also may need to be done at other times to address specific issues recognized by mechanics or manufacturers. Mechanics use precision instruments to measure wear and identify defects. They may use x-rays or magnetic or ultrasonic inspection equipment to discover cracks that cannot be seen on a plane's exterior. They check for corrosion, distortion, and cracks in the aircraft's main body, wings, and tail. They then repair the metal, fabric, wood, or composite materials that make up the airframe and skin.
Avionics Technicians
Avionics equipment mechanics and technicians repair and perform scheduled maintenance on aircraft. Airplanes require reliable parts and maintenance in order to fly safely. To keep an airplane in operating condition, aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians perform scheduled maintenance, make repairs, and complete inspections. They must follow detailed regulations set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that dictate maintenance schedules for different operations.
Avionics technicians are specialists who repair and maintain a plane's electronic instruments, such as radio communication devices and equipment, radar systems, and navigation aids. As the use of digital technology increases, more time is spent maintaining computer systems. The ability to repair and maintain many avionics and flight instrument systems is granted through the Airframe rating, but other licenses or certifications may be needed as well.
Education
Aircraft mechanics and service technicians typically enter the occupation after attending a Part 147 FAA-approved aviation maintenance technician school. These schools award a certificate of completion that the FAA recognizes as an alternative to the experience requirements stated in regulations. The schools also grant holders the right to take the relevant FAA exams. Mechanics must be at least 18 years of age, be fluent in English, and have 30 months of experience to qualify for the A or the P rating.
Completion of a program at a Part 147 FAA-approved aviation maintenance technician school can substitute for the experience requirement and shorten the time requirements for becoming eligible to take the FAA exams. To keep their certification, mechanics must have completed relevant repair or maintenance work within the previous 24 months. The Inspection Authorization (IA) is available to mechanics who have had an A and P rating for at least 3 years and meet other requirements. IA mechanics are able to review and approve many major repairs and alterations.
When you train in an FAA approved program, you learn how airplane technology works, and you also gain the hands-on training needed to maintain, inspect, and repair the aircraft and its associated systems, such as aircraft instrumentation, communication, and navigation flight controls. Other topics include hydraulics and landing gear inspection, reciprocating engine systems, aircraft electrical systems, and fuel metering.
The FAA requires that aircraft maintenance be done either by a certified mechanic with the appropriate ratings or authorizations or under the supervision of such a mechanic. The FAA offers separate certifications for bodywork and engine work, but employers may prefer to hire mechanics who have both Airframe and Powerplant (A and P) ratings. The A and P ratings generally certify that aviation mechanics meet basic knowledge and ability standards.
Avionics Certification
Avionics technicians typically are certified through a repair station for the specific work they perform on aircraft, or they hold the Airframe rating to work on an aircraft's electronic and flight instrument systems. An Aircraft Electronics Technician (AET) certification is available through the National Center for Aerospace Transportation Technologies (NCATT). It certifies that aviation mechanics have a basic level of knowledge in the subject area, but it is not required by the FAA for any specific tasks. Avionics technicians who work on communications equipment may need to have the proper radiotelephone operator certification issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
Some avionics technicians begin their careers as aircraft mechanics and service technicians. As aircraft mechanics and service technicians gain experience, they may attend classes or otherwise choose to pursue additional certifications that grant privileges to work on specialized flight instruments. Eventually, they may become avionics technicians who work exclusively on flight instruments.
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Ask yourself if you can see yourself as an aviation professional, working with sophisticated aircraft, and complex equipment. While classes and internships will prepare you well, certain innate qualities that you bring to bear will help you succeed.