Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Aircraft Maintenance Technician

🎯 Role Definition

The Aircraft Maintenance Technician (AMT) is responsible for performing scheduled and unscheduled aircraft maintenance, inspections, troubleshooting, and repairs on airframe, powerplant, and avionics systems in accordance with FAA regulations (14 CFR), manufacturer maintenance manuals (MM), service bulletins (SB), and airworthiness directives (AD). The AMT documents maintenance actions in logbooks and maintenance tracking systems, ensures regulatory compliance, supports line and base maintenance operations, and collaborates with maintenance control, engineering, and operations to return aircraft to service safely and on schedule. Typical job titles include Aircraft Maintenance Technician, A&P Mechanic, Line/Heavy Maintenance Technician, Avionics Technician, and MRO Technician.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Certified A&P Mechanic (Federal Aviation Administration Airframe & Powerplant)
Military Aircraft Maintenance Specialist transitioning to civilian maintenance
Avionics technician or aircraft maintenance apprenticeship/technical school graduate

Advancement To:

Lead Aircraft Maintenance Technician / Lead Mechanic
Maintenance Supervisor / Shift Lead (Line or Base)
Certified Inspection Authorization (IA) Mechanic or Quality Assurance Inspector
Maintenance Planner / Production Controller
MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul) Manager or Director of Maintenance

Lateral Moves:

Avionics Technician / Electrical Systems Specialist
Structures (Sheet Metal/Composite) Specialist
Engine/Powerplant Shop Technician
Technical Training Instructor / OEM Field Service Representative

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Perform scheduled line and base maintenance tasks including A-, B-, C-, and D-check level inspections per the manufacturer's inspection program, ensuring all work is documented, signed off, and compliant with applicable FAA regulations and company maintenance control procedures.
Troubleshoot, isolate, and repair malfunctions in aircraft systems (hydraulic, pneumatic, fuel, environmental control, landing gear, flight controls, electrical and avionics) using schematics, wiring diagrams, multimeters, borescope inspections, and diagnostic procedures from the AMM, IPC, and SRM.
Conduct pre-flight, post-flight and daily inspections to identify defects that affect aircraft airworthiness; complete maintenance discrepancy reports, deferred defect processing according to the MEL (Minimum Equipment List), and coordinate with dispatch to minimize operational disruption.
Remove, replace, and install components and assemblies (avionics line-replaceable units, flight control actuators, landing gear components, APU, engines, pumps, valves) using required tooling, precision measuring instruments, and torque procedures; perform operational checks and functional testing after installation.
Execute engine runs, engine preservation/installation procedures, and serviceability checks following OEM and company procedures; monitor engine indicators and log engine performance data; coordinate with engine shop or OEM as required for adaptive troubleshooting.
Inspect and repair structural components including sheet metal repairs, rivet replacement, composite patching, corrosion control, and skin replacement per SRM and structural repair manuals; complete riveting, bonding, and fastening tasks with correct materials and processes.
Perform avionics troubleshooting and maintenance: repair and replace radios, transponders, ADS‑B systems, GPS units, flight management systems (FMS), EFIS/MFD components, and wiring harnesses, ensuring all modifications follow approved data and are logged in maintenance records.
Apply airworthiness directives (ADs), service bulletins (SBs), and engineering orders: verify applicability, perform required modifications, and enter compliance results into maintenance tracking systems and aircraft logbooks.
Use maintenance tracking and planning software (CAMP, AMOS, TRAX, Rusada, Aviation InterTec) to open/close work orders, record time and parts, create non-routine items (NRIs), and update aircraft maintenance status in real time.
Perform non‑destructive testing (NDT) inspections where applicable (dye penetrant, eddy current, magnetic particle) and assist certified NDT technicians, ensuring inspection results meet acceptance criteria and are recorded properly.
Maintain and calibrate hand tools, test equipment, and ground support equipment (GSE) to manufacturer and company calibration schedules; identify and tag out suspect or uncalibrated tools per tool control policy.
Prepare aircraft for ferry flights or special operations by verifying required documentation, conducting functional checks, and coordinating engineering or authority approvals for ferry permits or special flight authorizations.
Execute fuel and oil servicing, hydraulic servicing and troubleshooting, filter changes, and lubrication tasks using proper containment and environmental controls; complete fluid analysis and trend reporting in coordination with reliability programs.
Maintain aircraft and component logbooks, work cards, certification paperwork, and digital maintenance records with accurate, legible entries; issue and sign FAA-approved maintenance releases where applicable under company authority.
Coordinate with supply chain and parts departments to requisition, stage, and return serviceable and unserviceable parts, track life-limited parts (LLPs) and component time/usage, and ensure proper tagging and EASA/FAA part traceability when required.
Participate in root cause analysis and reliability investigations for repeat discrepancies; implement corrective actions and suggest improvements to maintenance processes to reduce turnaround time (TAT) and increase aircraft dispatch reliability.
Mentor and train junior mechanics, apprentices, and contracted technicians; lead by example in following safety, quality, and standard operating procedures; assist in competency assessments and technical evaluations.
Comply with occupational health and safety programs, hazardous materials handling (HAZMAT), and environmental regulations during all maintenance activities; ensure work areas are clean, safe, and tools are stowed per 5S/tool control standards.
Support AOG (Aircraft on Ground) recovery operations, including rapid troubleshooting, parts coordination, vendor liaison, and extended shift work to return aircraft to service while maintaining documentation and safety compliance.
Execute modifications and repairs per approved engineering data, Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs), and repair design approvals (RDAs), coordinating with engineering and certification teams to ensure regulatory compliance and record keeping.
Participate in scheduled line maintenance rotations, overnight shifts, and on-call rosters to provide 24/7 support; adapt to dynamic operational schedules while ensuring high-quality maintenance outcomes.

Secondary Functions

Assist quality assurance/airworthiness departments during internal and external audits by providing evidence of compliance, supporting corrective actions, and implementing audit recommendations in daily maintenance practices.
Support continuous improvement projects such as lean maintenance, reliability-centered maintenance (RCM), and predictive maintenance pilots by providing frontline feedback, collecting failure data, and participating in cross-functional path-to-repair workshops.
Interface with flight operations and dispatch to prioritize workscopes, communicate aircraft status, and update MEL/CDL (Configuration Deviation List) actions to minimize passenger/cargo disruptions.
Maintain proficiency in technical publications and learning management systems (LMS); complete recurrent training, safety briefs, human factors training, and job-specific OEM/aircraft-type courses.
Prepare and hand off aircraft to other base or line teams by performing thorough inspections, documenting completed work, and verifying outstanding discrepancies, parts on order, and any temporary repairs.
Contribute to team safety culture by leading toolbox talks, reporting safety hazards and near-misses, participating in incident investigations, and suggesting preventive measures to reduce future risk.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certification (or equivalent national aviation maintenance license) with demonstrated experience on transport and regional aircraft types.
Deep knowledge of airframe and powerplant systems: hydraulic, pneumatic, flight controls, landing gear, nacelle/engine mounts, auxiliary power units (APU), and environmental systems.
Proven experience with avionics systems maintenance: radios, transponders, GPS/ADS‑B/FMS, EFIS/MFD, auto-pilot and cabin management systems.
Proficiency reading and applying technical publications: AMM (Aircraft Maintenance Manual), IPC (Illustrated Parts Catalog), SRM (Structural Repair Manual), Wiring Diagrams, and service/engineering bulletins.
Experience with maintenance tracking and planning software such as CAMP, AMOS, TRAX, Rusada, Aerodata or equivalent CMMS tools; accurate work order entry and dispositioning.
Competency in non-destructive testing (NDT) methods including dye penetrant, eddy current, ultrasonic and magnetic particle testing, or experience working alongside certified NDT technicians.
Strong mechanical skills: sheet metal repair, riveting, composite patching, torqueing fasteners, bearing replacement, bushing and seal installation, and use of precision measuring tools.
Electrical troubleshooting skills: multi-meter diagnostics, circuit continuity, connector repair, wiring harness replacement, and understanding of aircraft electrical buses and power distribution.
Experience performing engine maintenance and runs (turbofan/turboprop/reciprocating), familiarity with engine accessory systems, fuel control units, and troubleshooting engine performance parameters.
Familiarity with regulatory compliance: FAA/EASA regulations, Airworthiness Directives (ADs), MEL/CDL application, and export/import of aviation parts and documentation requirements.
Practical knowledge of safety and environmental procedures: HAZMAT handling, fuel spill response, lockout/tagout, and PPE use within maintenance environments.
Proficient in using specialized inspection tools: borescope, torque wrenches, pressure gauges, oscilloscopes, and avionics test sets.

Soft Skills

Strong attention to detail and meticulous documentation habits to ensure records are audit-ready and airworthy release criteria are met.
Excellent problem-solving and diagnostic reasoning to quickly isolate faults under operational pressure and propose reliable fixes.
Clear verbal and written communication skills for interacting with maintenance control, flight crews, suppliers, and engineering.
Team player with the ability to lead small teams during turnarounds and mentor apprentices or junior technicians.
Time management and prioritization skills to manage multiple work orders, AOGs, and scheduled inspections concurrently.
Adaptability and resilience to work rotating shifts, on-call schedules, and extended hours during irregular operations.
Customer-service orientation when interacting with flight crews, pilots, and ground operations to explain technical issues and maintenance timelines.
Commitment to safety culture, quality standards, and continuous learning; open to feedback and process improvement initiatives.
Strong organizational skills for parts management, tool control, and handover documentation.
Professional ethics and integrity when signing maintenance releases and adhering to regulatory responsibilities.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or GED with demonstrated aviation maintenance training and FAA A&P certificate (or national equivalent).

Preferred Education:

Associate degree or diploma in Aviation Maintenance Technology, Aeronautical Engineering Technology, or accredited technical school program.
Additional certifications: Avionics certification, NDT certification, or OEM-specific type courses.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Aviation Maintenance Technology
Aeronautical or Aerospace Engineering Technology
Avionics/Electrical Systems Technology
Mechanical Engineering Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1–7+ years of direct aircraft maintenance experience depending on role level (Line Technician to Lead/Heavy Maintenance).

Preferred:

3+ years on the specific aircraft type(s) in the posting (e.g., Airbus A320 family, Boeing 737/777, Bombardier/Embraer regional jets, or specific rotorcraft).
Prior experience in Part 145 repair station environment, airline/aircraft operator, or military aircraft maintenance.
Demonstrated experience with heavy checks, structural repairs, engine removal/installation, or avionics modifications as applicable.