Considering becoming an aircraft mechanic? A fascination with aircraft and love of intricate problem-solving could put you on the path toward becoming a certified aircraft mechanic. Since the first airplane was invented in 1903, people have been amazed by the incredible feat of machinery and engineering. In the last century, planes have become some of the most complex and powerful forms of transportation available.
There are many careers in aviation beyond piloting, and an aircraft mechanic is one that is perfect for the mechanically-minded. Also known as aircraft maintenance technicians or aviation mechanics, an aircraft mechanic knows all the inner workings of various types of aircraft. Their career is dedicated to ensuring engines and other components are working properly for safe air travel.
Why Does Someone Become an Aircraft Mechanic?
A passion for airplanes and air travel inspires some to begin exploring how to fix aircraft as a career. This passion can be realized by taking an aviation maintenance technician program. During this program, you\’ll learn not only how to repair and maintain large planes but helicopters and light aircraft as well. Rather than sitting in the cockpit, you can work hands-on with an aircraft’s technology, systems, and individual parts. Learning how they all work together and how to repair aircraft is a lofty ambition, but it provides a fun and rewarding challenge if you love solving problems.
If you\’ve always considered yourself a bit of a handy person who loves DIY projects and fixing things, then becoming an aircraft mechanic could be the perfect way to merge your love of all things aircraft with a fulfilling career.
Is Aircraft Mechanic a Good Job?
Becoming an aircraft mechanic or aviation maintenance technician offers plenty of advantages that make it a rewarding job. For starters, you will stay active all day long. Also, most of the work takes place in the field, so you won\’t be stuck behind a desk or typing on a keyboard for 40 hours a week.
Instead, you\’ll be working on-the-job with like-minded individuals who share your passion, that help you grow professionally. You\’ll find support from your coworkers as well as gain valuable knowledge from the supervisors and head mechanics who have been working on aircraft for decades.
You\’ll always continue to learn something new everyday thanks to the continual evolution and improvement of aviation technology. In addition to new parts and models, you\’ll also first to see new innovations and work with them directly. Your job tasks will range from conducting pre- and post-flight inspections to making repairs and performing routine maintenance on a variety of aircraft. You will work every day knowing that your skills, knowledge, and presence are fundamental to hundreds of people\’s safety.
What Hard Skills Are Important for an Aircraft Mechanic to Learn?
Like any job, aircraft mechanics and aviation maintenance technicians need both hard and soft skills to succeed in their careers. Hard skills are considered the bulk of the career\’s requirements; they are based on technical knowledge and techniques required to get the job done each day.
For starters, the most important education will center around flight dynamics such as lift, thrust, drag, and weight. These principals will deepen your understanding of how different parts of an aircraft operate and how physics affect their functionality. They learn about airframe and aircraft mechanics including assembly and maintenance, rigging, fuel systems, landing gear systems, hydraulics, pneumatics, and navigation instruments
You\’ll also learn about the inner workings of various fuel systems, cabin atmosphere, oxygen systems, de-icing systems, and electrical systems positioning. Everyday a combined knowledge and related skill set from these areas will help you perform your job. Whether you work exclusively with private planes and helicopters or work on jumbo jets at an airport, these hard skills will be essential to performing your daily tasks safely and efficiently.
Further, you\’ll need skills including general aviation mechanical troubleshooting and sheet metal fabrication. In addition to repairs, you\’ll also be responsible for the maintenance and inspection of flights. Knowing how everything should operate always grants you the ability to identify potential problems and correct them before they cause trouble.
Soft Skills for an Aircraft Mechanic
Mechanical work isn\’t solely about technical skill; there are numerous soft skills and characteristics you\’ll also have to develop to succeed. For starters, you\’ll will develop strong organization skills. Detail is everything to a mechanic; you must know where every single rivet belongs and easily identify when a single wire is out of place.
You will also have to be a good communicator, which involves knowing how to express your thoughts, ideas, and findings clearly and accurately. This includes not only verbal communication but written reports as well. There is some paperwork involved in the job, and you\’ll be responsible for maintaining documentation and writing reports about your work.
A keen eye for detail and ability to concentrate for long periods is also required. Aviation repairs must be precise down to every rivet; sharpening your focus and working on improving your attention span through various brain-training activities can prepare you for the job.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know becoming an aircraft mechanic is a good job, it is time to learn more about the aviation maintenance technician program at MIAT. This program will prepare you for the FAA certification, making you a certified aircraft mechanic. With this knowledge and these skills, you can work on a variety of aircraft and keep those flying safe in the process. Take the time to learn about aviation maintenance and start a rewarding career as an aircraft mechanic.
Ready to learn more about getting a degree to become an aircraft mechanic? The Aviation Maintenance Technician Program from MIAT College of Technology provides the hands-on training, practical experience and industry support it takes to pursue a rewarding technical career. At MIAT College of Technology, our aviation maintenance training focuses on teaching you the advanced precision skills necessary to become FAA Certificated Airframe and Powerplant Technicians. With the strong foundations that we provide, you will be prepared to start your exciting career immediately after graduation.
To learn more about the Aviation Maintenance Technician Program and to explore if MIAT is right for you, fill out the form on this page. Contact us if you are interested in becoming an aircraft mechanic today.