What Skills Do You Need to be an Aircraft Mechanic?

Are you considering with you want to take an aircraft mechanic program? Want to know if you have the skill set to become an aircraft mechanic? The good news is that you can learn a lot of skills you need during an aircraft mechanic program at a trade school. Skills like communication, attention to detail, stamina, dexterity, teamwork, and problem solving can be learned during an aircraft mechanic program. The qualities that you can’t learn are a good work ethic, an interest in fixing things, and a passion for aircraft. If you have the passion, then becoming an aircraft mechanic may be the right career path for you. So, what skills will you need to be an aircraft mechanic?

What Skills Do You Need to be an Aircraft Mechanic?

There are many different skills that come in handy as an aircraft mechanic. Some of the more valuable skills that you will learn during an aircraft mechanic program include communication, teamwork, attention to detail, and problem solving. You will also build up your stamina and dexterity while you work on real world aircraft.

Skill #1: Communication

One of the most important skills that you can learn is communication. As an aircraft mechanic, you will spend a lot of your time talking with supervisors, teammates, and clients when you are and are not actually fixing an aircraft. It is important to be clear and concise with your communication because someone’s life may depend on it. As you fix aircraft, there will be passengers, and it is important to not only communicate but work as a team and have a strong attention to detail to keep those passengers safe.

Written communication is also important for an aircraft mechanic. After completing a fix or going through a checklist, you will need to make notes of anything that needs fixing or may need maintenance. The ability to communicate both verbally and in writing is an important skill for any aircraft mechanic.

Skill #2: Teamwork

Part of good teamwork is communication, but it is also about moving toward a shared goal and building trust with co-workers. More than one person will fix an aircraft at any one time. There are many different jobs to perform and checklists to complete. If everyone is working together, the aircraft will come together faster, be safer, and get completed on time.

Skill #3: Attention to Detail

Attention to detail is an important skill for anyone but very important for an aircraft mechanic. Each aircraft is made up of little pieces and precise mechanics. Even the smallest malfunction can be catastrophic. During an aircraft mechanic program, you will learn to be meticulous and identify even the smallest of issues so the aircraft is safe.

Skill #4: Stamina & Dexterity

A lot of what you will do as an aircraft mechanic is stand, reach into tight spaces, and crouch to reach a part of the aircraft. Not only will you need to withstand a lot of physical effort to stand and crouch, but you will need mental stamina as well. It can be a long day of fixing aircraft for an aircraft mechanic, and it is important that you build up your stamina so you can finish any project that you start.

Finger dexterity is also important as an aircraft mechanic. You will be working with little parts, nuts, and bolts in tight spaces and with different types of tools. The ability to hold, squeeze, and turn these tools throughout the day takes dexterity in the fingers and hands.

If you don’t have the stamina and dexterity yet to be an aircraft mechanic, don’t worry. You will get a lot of practice during an aircraft mechanic program. You will work on a variety of aircraft types and build up your stamina and dexterity while you put your practical knowledge and theory to work in the hangar fixing an aircraft.

Skill #5: Problem Solving

There are always problems to solve, so it is just important to think logically, have a step-by-step process, and come up with the best solution to the problem. There may be multiple ways to fix an aircraft that is malfunctioning, but it is important to work through a checklist, make sure everything is reviewed, and find a proper solution to the problem.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know more about the skills that it takes to be a successful aircraft mechanic, do you think you are ready to join the industry? Even if you don’t have all the knowledge and skills yet to be an aircraft mechanic, a lot of what you need to know will be taught during an aircraft mechanic program. Everything else will be learned on the job as long as you are committed to continuously learn. Your passion for the aircraft industry, and your strong work ethic is all you need to become a successful aircraft mechanic. The rest will be learned throughout the journey.

Ready to learn more about becoming an aircraft mechanic? The Airframe and Powerplant 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 Airframe and Powerplant 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.