Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
On the Job
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians work on systems in airplanes. They diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul aircraft engines. They may also work on hydraulic and pneumatic systems. They do not work on electronics or communication systems (see Avionics Technicians).
Typical Work Tasks
People who work in this career often:
- Interpret blueprints, specifications, or diagrams to inform installation, development or operation activities.
- Read technical information needed to perform maintenance or repairs.
- Read work orders or descriptions of problems to determine repairs or modifications needed.
- Maintain repair or maintenance records.
- Inspect completed work to ensure proper functioning.
- Inspect mechanical components of vehicles to identify problems.
- Inspect mechanical equipment to locate damage, defects, or wear.
- Inspect structural components of vehicles to identify problems.
- Test fluids to identify contamination or other problems.
- Test mechanical equipment to ensure proper functioning.
Typical Working Conditions
- Exposure to sounds or noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable.
- Wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats, or life jackets.
- Frequent decision-making.
- The importance of being accurate or exact.
- Having face-to-face discussions.
- Meeting strict deadlines.
- Working indoors in non-environmentally controlled conditions.
- Using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
- Exposure to hazardous equipment.
This page includes information from the O*NET 24.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Source: You can learn about our data sources in the About Us section.
