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Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
Also called : Aircraft Maintenance Technician (Aircraft Maintenance Tech), Aircraft Mechanic, Aircraft Restorer, Aircraft Technician, Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic (A and P Mechanic), Aviation Maintenance Techn
What they do
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul aircraft engines and assemblies, such as hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
On the job, one would
- Examine and inspect aircraft components, including landing gear, hydraulic systems, and deicers to locate cracks, breaks, leaks, or other problems.
- Conduct routine and special inspections as required by regulations.
- Inspect completed work to certify that maintenance meets standards and that aircraft are ready for operation.
- Read and interpret maintenance manuals, service bulletins, and other specifications to determine the feasibility and method of repairing or replacing malfunctioning or damaged components.
- Maintain repair logs, documenting all preventive and corrective aircraft maintenance.
KNOWLEDGE
- Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
- English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
- Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
- Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
SKILLS
- Equipment Maintenance
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
- Repairing
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
- Operations Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
- Troubleshooting
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
- Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
ABILITIES
- Control Precision
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
- Finger Dexterity
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
- Information Ordering
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
- Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
- Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
PERSONALITY
People interested in this work, will do well at jobs that need;
- Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
- Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
- Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
- Persistence
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
- Self-Control
Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
- Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
- Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
- Achievement/Effort
Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
- Independence
Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
- Stress Tolerance
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
TECHNOLOGY
- Accounting software
- Analytical or scientific software
- Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software
- Facilities management software
- Information retrieval or search software
- Internet browser software
- Inventory management software
- Office suite software
- Operating system software
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
- Preparation
Medium Preparation Needed
- Education
Training in vocational schools or an Associate deg
- Experience
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.
- Jobtraining
Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers.