Aircraft Mechanic: Job Description, Education & Career Prospects

Today aircrafts take off and land in innumerable numbers across the world. The increasing number of planes and aircrafts also demands a large number of aircraft mechanics. Expertly trained in aviation engineering, these professionals are responsible for keeping aircrafts in excellent running condition. Their major challenge is to make sure passengers and crew are safe. Those who aspire to become an aircraft mechanic should be well informed about where to start, how to get trained, job description and how to make the most of their careers in the aviation industry.

Job Description
As mentioned above the main responsibility of aircraft mechanics is to ensure the complete safety of passengers and the crew members. To keep the planes in excellent running condition, they conduct routine maintenance work. They perform necessary repair work. In addition, they also complete the Federation Aviation Administration inspection work.

These professionals are specially trained as mechanics responsible for the maintenance and repair work of aircraft. Most of these mechanics focus on key maintenance areas including landing gear, pressurized areas, engine inspection, instruments and air-conditioning among others. They perform inspection work according to specific schedules which is decided by the duration of the air craft's flight, the number of days since the last inspection work was performed and the operation cycle of aircraft. Some of the aircraft mechanics specialize in fixing problems identified by the pilots.

To perform their work efficiently, mechanics need to keep the timeline in mind. They conduct and complete all the maintenance and repair work within the specified time. Depending on their individual preferences, mechanics can also choose to specialize as airframe mechanics, power plant mechanics and avionic technicians among others.

Educational Qualification & Training
Candidates who aspire to become aircraft mechanics complete training programs offered by FAA certified schools. There are several technical schools and colleges that offer 2 years and 4 years degree programs in fields like avionics, aviation maintenance and aviation technology. Programs that are FAA certified offer 1,900 class hours to train students in all the essential techniques required to perform the maintenance work on all aircraft. A solid background in electronics is essential for being successful as an aircraft mechanic. For career advancement, aircraft mechanics can obtain FAA certification to become certified as airframe mechanics or as power plant mechanics.

Career Prospects
The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts an employment growth rate as fast as the average of all occupations, increasing at 10% from the year 2006 through to the year 2016. More job opportunities will arise with the increase in population and passenger traffic. Candidates who complete formal aircraft mechanic or aviation maintenance management training program will have excellent job prospects. Candidates will face tough competition landing aviation jobs with major airlines. Job openings will also be added as a large number of aircraft mechanics take transfers or reach their age of retirement.

Annual Salary
In the year 2009, most of the aircraft mechanics earned an annual salary ranging between $65,484 and $85,079. Those who are formally educated, have the necessary skill sets and carry working experience can work an annual salary as high as $93,628.

People who have a strong passion for maintenance of aircraft function and operation can always consider becoming an aircraft mechanic. The aviation industry has a great demand for these mechanics. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts good job prospects and job openings will increase even more as the population grows and economy expands. To make the most of your career, you should also possess some essential job skills including excellent problem solving skills, ability to work hard, self motivation, enthusiasm and a higher level of mechanical ability.