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Military Career: Aircraft Mechanics

 

Overview

Military aircraft are used to fly hundreds of missions each day for transport, patrol, and flight training. They need frequent servicing to remain safe and ready to fly. Aircraft mechanics inspect, service, and repair helicopters and airplanes.

What They Do

Aircraft mechanics in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

  • Service and repair helicopter, jet, and propeller aircraft engines
  • Inspect and repair aircraft wings, fuselages, and tail assemblies
  • Service and repair aircraft landing gear
  • Repair or replace starters, lights, wiring, and other electrical parts

Branches of the Military

Army
Navy
Air Force
Marine Corps
Coast Guard

Helpful Attributes

Helpful school subjects include mathematics and shop mechanics. Helpful attributes include:

  • Ability to use hand and power tools
  • Interest in engine mechanics
  • Interest in work involving aircraft

Training Provided

Job training consists of 3 to 17 weeks of classroom instruction, including inspection and repair of aircraft engines and equipment. Training length varies depending upon the specialty. Further training occurs on the job and through advanced courses. Course content typically includes:

  • Engine disassembly and repair
  • Repair of hydraulic, fuel, and electrical systems
  • Repair of aluminum, steel, and fiberglass airframes and coverings

Physical Demands

Some specialties require moderate to heavy lifting. Normal color vision is required to work with color-coded wiring.

Work Environment

Aircraft mechanics work in aircraft hangars and machine shops located on air bases or aboard aircraft carriers.

Civilian Counterparts

Civilian aircraft mechanics work for aircraft manufacturers, commercial airlines, and government agencies. They perform duties similar to military aircraft mechanics. They may also be called airframe or power plant mechanics.

Below is a list of similar civilian occupations:

Aircraft Mechanics
Airplane Assemblers
Industrial Machinery Mechanics

Opportunities

The services have about 70,000 aircraft mechanics. Each year, they need new mechanics due to changes in personnel and the demands of the field. After job training, mechanics are assigned to an aircraft maintenance unit, where they perform routine maintenance and simple repair jobs. In time, they may perform more difficult repairs and train and supervise new mechanics. Eventually, they may become inspectors, shop supervisors, or maintenance superintendents.


Source: U.S. Department of Defense, Washington D.C.