Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technicians

Working Schedule
 

• Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technicians work full-time, typically 8 hours a day, with overtime or weekend shifts very possible. 

Typical Duties
 

• Aircraft mechanics:
  • Perform diagnostic checks on various systems 
  • Inspect and test for signs of damage or defects
  • Conduct applicable repairs on parts and components
  • Remove and replace nonfunctional parts
  • Follow step-by-step written maintenance and repair manual technical procedures
  • Test new or repaired parts to ensure proper installation and functioning within parameters
• Avionics technicians:
  • Using electronic instruments to conduct tests
  • Review flight test data; diagnose problems based on interpretation of data
  • Use hand and power tools to assemble components and install instrument panels and software
  • Perform routine maintenance according to FAA schedule and as needed
  • Repair/replace parts that aren’t working properly 
  • Test systems and parts to ensure proper installation and functioning 
• Additional Responsibilities
  • Maintain detailed work logs
  • Review technical manuals for changes and updates
  • Conduct tool and equipment inventory
  • Ensure tools are calibrated as applicable
  • Practice all safety protocols to mitigate workplace mishaps

Soft Skills

• Analytical 
• Attention to detail
• Calm under pressure
• Coordination
• Evaluation and problem-solving skills
• Integrity
• Hand and finger dexterity
• Observant
• Persistent
• Realistic
• Sound judgement
• Strength and stamina
• Strong reading skills
• Team player
• Time management 

Technical Skills

• Analytical/scientific software 
• Computer aided manufacturing 
• Database query programs 
• Enterprise resource planning 
• Equipment maintenance and repair
• Inventory management software
• Spreadsheets 
• Technical manual databases

• Aerospace manufacturing    
• Governmental agencies/Military 
• Defense contractors
• Scheduled & Non-scheduled air transportation and support activities    

Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technicians work outdoors on airfields or inside hangars. Work can be arduous both physically and mentally, but attention-to-detail cannot ever lag. These workers are responsible for ensuring the safety and flight-worthiness of aircraft each day. The lives of not only the pilots, crew, and passengers are at stake, but also the lives and property of everyone on the ground below that craft’s flightpath. Work must be up to specs at all times, even when the pressure is on to meet deadlines. 
 
Duty locations may require travel to airports or military installations, so drive commutes might be long depending on where you live. Many workplace hazards exist, from loud noises to exposure to chemicals, heights, and vibrations. Protective equipment must be worn to mitigate injury, and safety protocols will be strictly adhered to to avoid mishaps. Workers also need to be mindful of lifting procedures, when carrying heavy objects. 

Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanic and Technician jobs aren’t expected to outpace the national average of all career fields, and various factors can impact the air traffic sector. Nevertheless, there will always be openings for highly-qualified workers who can replace employees that retire or move on to other work. 
 
In fact, there is some disagreement as to how many skilled workers are going to be needed in the next decade, with Blue Sky News publishing an article, Aviation Industry Trying to Fix Mechanic Shortage, that points out forecasts by Boeing suggesting the industry won’t have enough trained workers entering the field in the coming years. 

Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technicians love to tinker and fix things. They likely were always into projects that consumed hours of their time as they hunkered down and kept at their assigned task until whatever it was worked exactly the way they wanted it to! “Good enough” is rarely in their vocabulary; they are perfectionists who probably received training early on about how to follow technical procedures to the letter, maybe even to the point of being a bit obsessive about it. 
 
Despite being very hands-on, they almost certainly loved reading books and magazines, either fiction or nonfiction. They can readily work on teams but are also comfortable to be on their own for extended periods, troubleshooting, investigating, maintaining, and repairing equipment either for work or as a hobby. Solitude is no problem for them, because their minds are engaged in the work at-hand.