Information Provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook
Aircraft Mechanics
Most workers learn their job in 1 of about 170 schools certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Job opportunities should be excellent for persons who have completed an aircraft mechanic training program, but keen competition is likely for the best paying airline jobs. Job opportunities are likely to be the best at small commuter and regional airlines, at FAA repair stations, and in general aviation.
On average, Aircraft Mechanics earn $ 22.95 per hour.
Job Opportunities for Skilled Trade Careers are
expected to:
Increase as fast as the average.
Agricultural Mechanics and Equipment/Machine Technology
Aircraft Maintenance
Aircraft Powerplant Technology/Technician
Commercial and Industrial Equipment Repairers
To keep aircraft in peak operating condition, aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and service technicians perform scheduled maintenance, make repairs, and complete inspections required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Many aircraft mechanics, also called airframe mechanics, power plant mechanics, and avionics technicians, specialize in preventive maintenance. They inspect aircraft engines, landing gear, instruments, pressurized sections, accessoriesbrakes, valves, pumps, and air-conditioning systems, for exampleand other parts of the aircraft, and do the necessary maintenance and replacement of parts.
Most mechanics who work on civilian aircraft are certified by the FAA as an airframe mechanic or a powerplant mechanic. Mechanics who also have an inspectors authorization can certify work completed by other mechanics and perform required inspections. Uncertified mechanics are supervised by those with certificates.
Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and service technicians held about 142,000 jobs in 2004; about 5 in 6 of these workers was an aircraft mechanic and service technician. More than half of aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and service technicians worked for air transportation companies. About 18 percent worked for the Federal Government, and about 14 percent worked for aerospace products and parts manufacturing firms.
