Choosing a professional career for you to indulge in is obviously a matter of your talent and choice. Most of the time, you make choices depending on your passions. So, you would mainly have to identify what you like the most. All the same, if you have a passion, air travel, and mechanics, it is indeed best to choose to be an aircraft mechanic. But that, of course, is not enough. You must know how to be an aircraft mechanic in the right manner. The objective of our article is just that. We hope to enlighten you on how to be an aircraft mechanic.
Standard Aircraft Handbook for Mechanics and Technicians, Eighth Edition 8th Edition
For a long time, this handbook by Ron Sterkenburg and Peng Hao Wang has been a valuable guide for plenty of aircraft mechanics. This illustrated guidebook lays out all of the necessary aircraft maintenance and repair activities in easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions. This book reflects the most recent advancements in the industry and includes sections on wood components, aircraft weight and balance, welding, and FAA regulations, as well as essential information on composite materials, cutting-edge nondestructive testing, corrosion detection equipment and procedures, and essential information on composite materials, and so on. Obviously, this book carries a lot of information that is valuable for you. So, it would be ideal for you to take a read of this book.
What is Aircraft Mechanics about?
Aircraft mechanics are essential to the safest mode of transportation available today: flying. Certified aircraft mechanics are not only important to the aviation industry, but they are also in high demand. However, this is not a job for everyone. But if you are fit for that, you can know how to be an aircraft mechanic in the right way through this article.
People who have an interest in aviation and love performing complex, technical tasks might choose a career as an aircraft mechanic. Aircraft mechanics are essential in ensuring that aircraft and other flying devices run smoothly and safely. They provide routine maintenance to all types of aircraft. Aircraft mechanics doubtlessly have a lot of responsibilities. This is mainly when it comes to maintaining and inspecting aircraft. So, they need to be professional and meticulous. Obtaining the necessary skills, credentials, and experience to work as an aviation mechanic requires dedication, but it may lead to a secure career.
Specific training, an eye for detail, and a fundamental grasp of how things operate are necessary for aircraft mechanics. Having such skills are also mandatory to enter into the field. Some of them, you can surely develop, if you do not have them. But there are some that you must have and cannot develop on your own. Through this article on how to be an aircraft mechanic, you will understand.
Standard Aircraft Handbook for Mechanics and Technicians 6th Edition
This is a book by Larry Reithmaier who is a retired mechanical engineer. And this book includes step-by-step procedures, methods, and strategies that you would have to use for aircraft mechanics. In general, there are methods in this book for fundamental operations such as drilling and riveting. Also, this has demonstrations of how to install electrical and plumbing wiring. Further, there is knowledge of nondestructive testing, corrosion prevention, and control, and other critical activities in this book. Obviously, this is indeed a superb demonstration. You should probably have to read this and get an idea.
How much do Aircraft Mechanics earn?
This obviously is an interesting question. For this, let us refer to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. In May 2020, the average yearly pay for aircraft mechanics and service technicians was $66,440. In May 2020, the median annual pay for avionics technicians was $67,840. The lowest 10% of aircraft mechanics and service technicians made less than $38,970. Meanwhile, the highest 10% made more than $103,880. The bottom 10% of avionics technicians made less than $41,660. And the top 10% earned more than $100,680. We hope that you could get a rough idea about the salary through these statistics.
What are the fields available for Aircraft Mechanics?
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are a few main fields in which aircraft mechanics are dominant. In the main, it is for support activities for air transportation. And next, it is for scheduled air transportation. Also, there is the aerospace product and parts manufacturing sector. Apart from that, there are aircraft mechanics in the federal government’s exclusive postal service. Finally, they are employed in the sector of nonscheduled air transportation as well.
Aviation Mechanic Handbook: The Aviation Standard Spiral-bound – September 5, 2017
The author of this book is Dale Crane. And the editor is Terry Michmerhuizen. This actually, is a must-read for any aircraft mechanic. This book consists of aircraft nomenclature, controls, and system specs, material/tool identifications, hardware sizes/equivalents, metal fabrication and fabric covering techniques, composite materials, aircraft batteries, inspections, corrosion detection/control, aircraft tire, and spark plug information, and many more. “Every aircraft mechanic or aircraft homebuilder should have one of these in their toolbox.”, says a reader of this book on Amazon.
How are the Working Conditions for an Aircraft Mechanic?
Aircraft mechanics operate in hangars, repair shops, or airports. They must adhere to stringent timelines while maintaining safety. Near major airports, the majority of aircraft technicians work. They may work in climate-controlled shops and hangars or on the airfield.
When it comes to working schedules, aircraft mechanics often work full-time on alternating 8-hour shifts. Overtime and weekend work are both typical occurrences.
There are, however, certain risks in the field as well. Aircraft mechanics frequently move big things. And they handle hazardous chemicals and operate huge power tools. Noise and vibrations are prevalent, especially when they check engines. And they may operate on scaffolds or ladders. So, if you are reading this article on how to be an aircraft mechanic, choosing to be one, you must understand all these consequences.
Aircraft Inspection, Repair & Alterations: Acceptable Methods, Techniques & Practices (FAA AC 43.13-1B and 43.13-2B) (ASA FAA Handbook Series) Paperback – March 1, 2008
This is a book by the Federal Aviation Administration. (FAA) And this book specifies the appropriate procedures, techniques, and practices for aircraft inspection, maintenance, and modification. The book has illustrations and includes a dictionary as well as a list of helpful acronyms and abbreviations. “Very thorough and detailed, accurate, great price point. Exactly what I wanted.”, says a reader of this book on Amazon. In general, this book has received good ratings and reviews. So, we recommend this to you.
Steps to be an Aircraft Technician
Alright. This is what you were eager to read about, the steps to be an aircraft mechanic. Let us move to the steps right away.
- Get a high school diploma
- Attend an aviation maintenance technical school approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
- Get certifications
- Excel in the trade
Simply, these are the steps that you would have to follow. These might look simple. But as a matter of fact, they are not. There are lots of things you have to do. You can get to know all that if you keep reading.
1. Get a high school diploma
To start with, you need to have a high school diploma in the main. Basically, having a high school diploma means that you have the fundamental knowledge of most of the aspects. If you possess a high school diploma, that means that you have a basic idea of subject matters of mathematics, science, reading, and writing.
It does not necessarily have to be a high school diploma. It is fine even with a GED or a General Education Development test.
The most important of all the abilities necessary to work as an aircraft mechanic is the knowledge of mechanics. You will virtually always need to utilize your mechanical skills to complete numerous tasks. It might be about recognizing and resolving a mechanical problem. If you have the right knowledge, you should be able to sort things out without too much difficulty or confusion.
That is why mechanical skills are so important. Having a basic grasp of the subject, however, is adequate. A beginner in the field may not need to know all the things in this regard. If you choose this field, you can gradually learn the job. Of course, the training programs also teach you what you need to know.
Whatever the case is, do not miss your high school diploma. Even if your ambition is not to become an aircraft mechanic, all the other fields also require you to have a high school diploma or an equivalent. Obviously, it is very important.
2. Attend an aviation maintenance technical school approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
You need to attend a maintenance technical school that is approved by the Federal Aviation Administration. The FAA accepts these institutions’ certificates of completion to the experience requirements in rules. Holders of the certificates are also eligible to take the applicable FAA examinations. These schools generally provide the entire package. That includes certification in the airframe and powerplant as well as avionics instruction.
Of course, there are some alternative methods to pursue your dream too. If formal schooling is not your way, consider an on-the-job training program. There, you complete at least 18 months of training under the supervision of a certified mechanic for either the Airframe or Powerplant Certificate. You would need to complete 30 months of training for this.
Military personnel makes up a large percentage of aircraft technicians as well. In the civilian sphere, military expertise is highly valuable. Many people feel that working for a living while serving their nation is a rewarding experience. The FAA offers military members credit for time spent in certain aviation-related occupational specialties.
So, you may understand that there are several ways you can proceed if you want to be an aircraft mechanic. All these ways work. But it is obviously a matter of choice. So, whatever the way that suits you the most, you can surely go ahead with it.
3. Get certifications
How can you proceed further to be an aircraft mechanic? Of course, you need to earn certain certifications. You would have to face the certification exam, which includes written exams, oral interviews, and field assessments, once you’ve received the appropriate training, either via college or job experience. FAA certification requires passing a 60-question general knowledge written test. You may also take the engine exam, the airframe test, or both, depending on your expertise.
Although the FAA offers distinct certificates for bodywork (Airframe mechanics, or “A”) and engine repair (Powerplant mechanics, or “P”), companies may prefer to hire technicians who have both. The Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) ratings confirm that aircraft mechanics have a baseline level of knowledge and skill.
To qualify for either the A or the P rating, mechanics must be at least 18 years old, proficient in English, and have 30 months of experience (the A&P rating). Completion of a curriculum at an FAA-approved Part 147 aircraft maintenance technician school can replace the experience requirement and reduce the time it takes to become qualified to take the FAA examinations.
This is pretty much about earning the certifications. Always remember, for a profession like this, it is really vital to have the right certifications.
Aviation Mechanic Practical Test Standards for Airframe, Powerplant, and General: FAA-S-8081-26A, 27A, and 28A Paperback – March 4, 2016
This book would be an ideal read for anyone willing to join the field of aircraft mechanics as the most recent version of all three FAA mechanic practical test standards are in this book. Of course, this book has more value than a book by any other publisher as the publisher of this book is the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in order to establish the standards for the Aviation Mechanic General, Airframe, and Powerplant Practical Test. You should definitely pass this practical test must to acquire the Aviation Mechanic certificate with Airframe and/or Powerplant ratings. So, we recommend you to read this book and gather knowledge.
4. Excel in the trade
After everything happens this way, everything else is solely up to you. Of course, it is you who decide how you are going to proceed forth in your professional career. Once you have secured all that you would need, then you can apply for a good job and start working.
As you gain experience as an aircraft mechanic, you can move to positions like a lead mechanic, lead inspector, or shop supervisor. Those who have an Inspection Authorization may have the best chance of progressing. Mechanics who have held their A&P ratings for at least 3 years and satisfy additional conditions are eligible for the Inspection Authorization (IA). Also, mechanics with extensive maintenance and repair knowledge may work with the FAA as inspectors or examiners. Also, you can enroll in seminars or pursue other qualifications that allow you to operate on specific flight instruments. Further, you can work as avionics technicians, focusing solely on flight instruments, eventually.
As you may understand, there are big things that you can do once you become an aircraft mechanic. So, first of all, understand how to be an aircraft mechanic in detail. Afterward, you can advance to higher positions.
How to Be Successful as an Aircraft Mechanic: Tips, Mindsets, Habits, and Techniques to Reduce Your Chances of Making Mistakes, Getting Laid Off or Being Fired: Audible Audiobook – Unabridged
This informative audiobook would be very invaluable to you to gradually grow in your profession as an aircraft mechanic. Obviously, getting into a position is hard. And sometimes, maintaining that position is harder. Advancement to higher positions is the hardest of all on particular occasions. Therefore, this book by Marc Summers (who is both the writer and narrator of this book) is surely a book that you must refer to. If you refer to this, you would be able to succeed in your profession and correct the mistakes you make. This guide would definitely help you get the very best out of yourself.
Important Qualities that an Aircraft Mechanic needs to have
Alright. Now, we are going to consider the important qualities that an aircraft mechanic needs to have according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Basically, it is not merely the professional competence that an aircraft mechanic needs to have. There is no doubt that you need to be professionally sound. But it is with all these qualities that you can become a genuine professional in the field.
- Detail-oriented
- Dexterity
- Observational skills
- Strength
Perhaps, you would like to read more about these skills and how to enhance them. Go ahead reading!
1. Detail-oriented
You must pay great attention to even the tiniest details if you want to succeed as an aircraft mechanic. The simple things are the most important. It is possible that if you do not pay attention, you would have a bad influence on the entire procedure.
Sometimes, there is no way to fix a mistake once you go wrong. Because of that, doing the correct thing initially is important. That means you would need to pay great attention to detail right from the start while working as an aircraft mechanic. You cannot omit any section of the work or neglect the tiniest detail.
Keep in mind that one tiny mistake can cost many a life. Hence, always be vigilant. And make it a point to be detail-oriented to be attentive even to the slightest fact.
Improve Attention To Detail: A straightforward system to develop attention to detail in yourself, employees, and across an organization. Paperback – April 17, 2019
As we previously mentioned, it is critical for an aircraft mechanic to pay attention to even the smallest details. If you are not there yet, we suggest you read this Chris Denny’s book to learn how to increase your attention to even the smallest details. This book is written in a clear manner and moves along quickly. This 125-page book is devoid of filler. The author, Chris Denny, keeps things moving along and continues to stay on the main content throughout the book. Therefore, you can surely read this book if you think that you should improve your attention to detail.
2. Dexterity
What is dexterity, exactly? Dexterity is the ability to utilize your hands to do a range of activities. Most of the work you do as an aircraft mechanic would need you to use your hands in some way. So, you should be aware that your dexterity is essential. Of course, you cannot have excuses in terms of your physical fitness in your professional life. Of course, to grip, operate, or assemble parts, aircraft mechanics must coordinate the movement of their fingers and hands.
Jump Rope MASTERY DVD – Jump Rope DVD With Routines, Exercises & Techniques To Improve Fitness, Agility, Cardio & To Tone Body
If you think that you should improve your dexterity, this would be a fine DVD. Of course, this is a good guide to improve your overall physical fitness as a whole. The number one thing that you must consider whatever you do in life is your health and fitness. For a profession that demands physical work, you must have the physical fitness to the maximum possible level. So, refer to this book and improve your dexterity as well as your physical fitness.
3. Observational skills
As you would already know, it is indeed necessary to have observational skills up to a very good level in this profession. As an aircraft mechanic, you would have to diagnose technical and mechanical faults. Also, you need to repair wings, brakes, electrical systems, and other aircraft components. Further, examining parts that need replacements and replacing them is also part of your job as you would know by now. And if you do not examine closely, you would not be able to diagnose the faults properly. And you would not be able to figure out if any part needs a replacement or not. So, you need to be pretty observational never to miss anything out.
Vigilance is more important in this sort of profession than in your life. In your actual life, you might be a little careless. You might slur over certain things and would not care much for them. But this method would not work in your profession. You need to be extra-cautious about each of the things that relate to your profession. Do not forget that you are going to do a pretty responsible profession. Your mistakes can cost lives. Hence, you need to act responsibly invariably and observe every single thing that needs proper observation.
Look: A Practical Guide for Improving Your Observational Skills Hardcover – August 23, 2016
To improve your observational skills to be a sound professional, this book by James H. Gilmore would be a perfect read for you. In this book, Jim Gilmore explains a one-of-a-kind and extremely valuable tool to aid our perception abilities. Gilmore adopts the concept of “six looking glasses” in his book. Each looking glass represents a certain talent that you must master. The next step of proper observation of a particular item is its perception. Obviously, aircraft technicians must have that analyzing and perceptive skills. That is why we thought this would be a good choice for you.
4. Strength
Of course, physical strength is one of the most important factors out of all. The capacity to exert force on physical objects is what we call physical strength. Working as an aircraft mechanic doubtlessly demands physical strength. If you lack physical strength, you obviously have a serious problem as an aircraft mechanic. You will be unable to work in this industry efficiently if so. Hence, do not forget to consider physical fitness and strength your priorities.
Aircraft mechanics must be able to handle and move large equipment or aircraft components. And would have to climb on airplanes and balance without falling. Thus. you surely need to increase physical strength. Strength training is the greatest option to enhance your physical strength. You can be physically strong enough for this type of job if you are not if you engage in strength training.
You will be exhausted after a tight work schedule if you are not physically strong enough. As an aircraft mechanic, you are responsible for a large amount of work. Physical strength is, without a doubt, a significant element because of that.
Science and Practice of Strength Training Hardcover – April 9, 2020
The authors of this book are Vladimir M. Zatsiorsky, William J. Kraemer, and Andrew C. Fry. As you would know by now, it is important to have physical strength and fitness for an aircraft mechanic. This does not mean that you need to have the physical fitness to the level of an athlete. What this means is that you need to be physically strong enough to indulge in the profession of aircraft mechanics. So, what we are asking those who are reading this article on how to be an aircraft mechanic is to refer to this book, and try to make you physically fit and strong to an extent that is sufficient for you to work as an aircraft mechanic.
Conclusion
Throughout this article, we told you how to be an aircraft mechanic in the right way. And if you follow those steps, you would surely be able to succeed. If you have further interest, you can read about becoming a plumber, electrician, mason, HVAC technician, ironworker, glazier, solar installer, boilermaker, painter, and so on. Finally, we wish you all the best in your pathway to becoming an aircraft mechanic.
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