AIRCRAFT MECHANICS California Occupational Guide Number 339 Interest Area 5-D 1995
THE JOB
AIRCRAFT MECHANICS service, repair, overhaul, and test aircraft. The common term in the aerospace industry for Aircraft Mechanic is "A & P" (Airframe and Powerplant) Mechanic. These mechanics change oil, make minor adjustments, and replace worn or defective parts. During inspection or repair of the aircraft, testing implements such as ignition analyzers, compression checkers, and multimeters are used along with various hand and power tools. To overhaul an aircraft engine, mechanics use the aircraft manufacturer's specifications pertaining to the engine or any of its component parts.
Mechanics perform tasks such as replacing bearings, boring cylinders, grinding valves, and installing piston rings and pistons. They also make a complete inspection of the engine crankcase for cracks. Mechanics reassemble the engine on a test stand or on the aircraft itself to check its performance and make necessary adjustments.
Aircraft Mechanics employed by airline companies perform routine maintenance work or emergency repairs at airline terminals, or major repairs and periodic inspections at an airline's overhaul base. They may accompany aircraft on flights and make necessary in-flight adjustments and corrections. Aircraft Mechanics who work on private planes or for nonscheduled airlines usually perform a variety of duties and have more responsibility than mechanics employed by scheduled airlines. The latter most often have specialized work assignments which tend to be more routine. Mechanics who have become inspectors are included in the occupation. They inspect aircraft and systems repairs, making sure that work is done according to standard. They also certify craft airworthiness.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Some flight line mechanics work outdoors even in disagreeably hot or cold weather in order to make emergency repairs. Otherwise, work inside hangars and in repair shops is in more controlled environments, with working areas well-lighted and with air conditioning provided in some shops. The major discomfort of the job is caused by the noise from power tools and from aircraft in the process of testing, taking off, and landing. Minor scratches and skinned knuckles from tool slippage are the most frequent injuries in this work. Burns from welding equipment and hot engine surfaces and falls from ladders or scaffolds are less common.
Flight line jobs at airports can be physically demanding, with some work performed on ladders, on scaffolds, or in tight spaces. Work must often be performed under time pressure to maintain airline flight schedules. At the same time, Aircraft Mechanics cannot sacrifice high work standards to speed up the job.
Some Aircraft Mechanics who work for scheduled airlines and aerospace firms are represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, the Transport Workers Union of America, or a Teamsters' Local. The majority of Aircraft Mechanics in general aviation are nonunion. Aircraft Mechanics are required to have their own hand tools. The tools can be quite expensive, but schools may loan them to students, and employers often have payment plans for beginning mechanics to purchase tools. Employers provide power and specialized tools which are required. Some shops supply uniforms; in other shops, mechanics will incur some costs associated with their uniforms.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
Estimated number of workers in 1990 19,160 Estimated number of workers 2005 19,480 Projected Growth Percentage 2% Estimated new jobs 1990 - 2005 320 Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 6,970
(These figures do not include self-employment nor openings due to turnover.)
According to the above estimates, the 6,970 openings due to separations created as workers retire or leave the occupation is far greater than the number of estimated new jobs. Actual growth in Aircraft Mechanic positions will be slow overall, with only new 320 jobs between 1900 - 2005. Sharp declines in aircraft and space vehicle manufacturing and cuts in federal employment, especially in defense, are reducing the number of mechanics in these industries. Private air transportation will grow slowly, adding only five percent more Aircraft Mechanic positions during the 15 year period. Turnover is generally low with an adequate supply of applicants in many areas. However, along with the increasing number of retirees, there will be a need for workers with advanced skill levels to match technological improvements.
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
Wages vary depending on experience, licenses held, size and type of the company, geographic area, and shift worked. Generally, Aircraft Mechanics earn between $12.70 and $23.40 per hour. Average wages are about $11.50 an hour for Mechanics with less than two years of experience, $13.40 with two to four years experience, and $16.00 for those with over four years. Lead mechanics and inspectors can earn $16.50 to $16.75 or more an hour. Aircraft Mechanics working in the manufacturing sector earn about 15 percent more than those employed in air transportation. Corporate and regional airlines pay about two-thirds as much as the major airlines.
Federal government mechanics work at a variety of rates, based on prevailing wages in the particular location. Mechanics begin at wage grade level 8, which starts at $14.03 per hour. Level 12 wages can be as high as $19.43 per hour, depending on the area. Federal aviation safety inspection positions require aviation mechanic experience. Inspectors pay ranges from the GS-9 level which starts at $29,405, and the GS-12 which starts at $42,641 per year. The normal workweek for Aircraft Mechanics is 40 hours, with occasional overtime for scheduled airlines during the peak summer season. Paid holidays and paid vacations, health and life insurance plans, sick leave, profit-sharing, and retirement pensions are offered in varying degrees by both the airlines and independent aircraft repair companies. Airlines also extend flight benefits in the form of free or reduced air transportation to employees and their families.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
Most airlines and general aviation firms require an A&P certificate from the FAA. Aircraft Mechanics who are not yet certified work under the supervision of a certified mechanic who must sign approval of the work before the aircraft or its equipment is considered airworthy.
Applicants for the A&P certificate must meet knowledge, skill and experience requirements for repairing, servicing and inspecting specific parts of the aircraft. Aircraft Mechanics usually learn the work by attending a school certified by the FAA for 14 to 24 months. A student should possess a mechanical aptitude with a thorough knowledge of basic math. To be eligible for the FAA certificate examinations, a candidate must have 18 months experience in either airframe or power plant work, or a combination of 30 months in both. Related military service may be used to meet certification requirements. A list of certified aviation maintenance technicians schools (Advisory Circular 147-2T) may be obtained from: Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, Distribution Unit, M-443.2, 400 7th Street SW, Washington, DC 20590.
ADVANCEMENT
As Aircraft Mechanics gain experience, they can advance to lead mechanic, crew chief, or shop supervisor. In the airlines, mechanics can become inspectors and advance further to head inspector. Some transfer to larger airlines. With additional business training, others may establish their own repair shops.
FINDING THE JOB
Aircraft Mechanics usually contact employers directly either in person or by resume. Firms which hire in this occupation include commercial airlines, aircraft and parts manufacturers, aircraft service and maintenance companies, and large businesses with their own fleets of planes. Some Aircraft Mechanics work for the Federal government as civilian employees at large military bases. School placement offices, newspaper classified ads, and professional publications are sources for job openings. The field offices of the California Employment Development Department Job Service list openings and provide information on local employment conditions. Private employment agencies may also place Aircraft Mechanics.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
For scholarship and general information about Aircraft Mechanics, write to:
Professional Aviation Maintenance Assn. 500 NW Plaza, Suite 1016 St. Ann, MO 63074.
Airframe & Power Plant Mechanics Certification Guide, Stock No. 050-00700331-5 is available for $5.00 from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402.
National Air Transportation Association 4226 King Street Alexandria, VA 22302 (703) 845-9000
Future Aviation Professionals of America 4959 Massachusetts Blvd. Atlanta, GA 30337 (404) 997-8097
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Automobile Mechanics No. 24 Bus/Truck Mechanics Diesel Engine Specialist No. 251
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th Ed., Rev. 1) Airframe and Power-Plant Mechanic 621.281-014
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Aircraft Mechanics 853230
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
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