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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Aircraft Technician

💰 $ - $

🎯 Role Definition

An Aircraft Technician (also known as A&P Technician, AMT, Aircraft Maintenance Technician) performs scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, inspections, troubleshooting and repairs on civil or military aircraft to ensure airworthiness and regulatory compliance. This role routinely works with airframe and powerplant systems, avionics, hydraulics, pneumatics and structural components, documents work in maintenance tracking systems, and signs maintenance releases in accordance with FAA/EASA regulations. Strong technical aptitude, methodical troubleshooting, and meticulous record-keeping are essential.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) school graduate or certificate program
  • Military aircraft maintenance technician transitioning to civil maintenance
  • Avionics or mechanical apprenticeship within an MRO or airline

Advancement To:

  • Lead Aircraft Technician / Lead Mechanic
  • Maintenance Supervisor / Shift Lead
  • Quality Assurance Inspector / Certifying Technician (AME)
  • Maintenance Planner / Reliability Engineer
  • Base Maintenance Manager or Maintenance Program Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Avionics Technician or Electrical Systems Specialist
  • Structures / Composite Repair Specialist
  • Technical Records / Release-to-Service Coordinator
  • Nondestructive Testing (NDT) Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Perform scheduled (A, B, C, D checks) and unscheduled maintenance, inspections and repairs to airframe and powerplant systems following manufacturer AMM/IPC/SRM procedures and FAA/EASA regulatory requirements, ensuring all work meets the appropriate maintenance standards and service bulletins.
  • Diagnose and troubleshoot mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic and electrical system anomalies using schematics, wiring diagrams, avionics test equipment, multimeters, borescopes and fault isolating techniques to rapidly restore aircraft to service.
  • Complete pre-flight, transit, daily and post-flight inspections; confirm that defects are documented in the aircraft logbook and maintenance tracking system and rectify items per MEL/CDL or deferred defect procedures when appropriate.
  • Remove and install engines, auxiliary power units (APU), propellers and associated systems; perform borescope inspections, engine runs, leak checks and functional tests in accordance with engine manufacturer and OEM procedures.
  • Perform structural and composite repairs, corrosion control, rivet and patch repairs to fuselage, wings and control surfaces using approved SRM/IPC methods and qualified tooling.
  • Conduct landing gear servicing including shock absorber maintenance, brake and wheel replacement, brake wear assessment, tire replacement and re-torque processes to manufacturer torque values and safety-wire requirements.
  • Troubleshoot and repair avionics and electrical systems (radios, transponders, ADS-B, GPS, TCAS, EFIS) including bench testing, line replacement units (LRUs) swaps and software/firmware updates following avionics installation manuals and regulatory guidance.
  • Perform fuel system maintenance: inspect and repair fuel tanks, sumps, pumps, filters, and lines; conduct fuel leak detection, system pressure tests and fuel quantity system troubleshooting.
  • Perform hydraulic and pneumatic system maintenance: replace hoses, seals, reservoirs; perform system pressure checks, bleed and purge procedures and functional checks on actuators, flight controls and landing gear components.
  • Conduct nondestructive testing (NDT) and inspections such as dye penetrant, eddy current, ultrasonic and visual inspections per inspection program requirements and report findings to quality assurance.
  • Use calibrated maintenance tools and test equipment (torque wrenches, safety wire pliers, rigging tools, borescope, multimeter, oscilloscope) and follow tool control procedures to safeguard aircraft integrity and safety.
  • Create, update and close work orders, technical logbook entries and certification documentation in maintenance tracking systems (e.g., AMOS, TRAX, CAMP, Ramco) with precise, legible and regulation-compliant entries.
  • Issue maintenance release / sign off work under FAA Form 8130-3, EASA Form 1 or equivalent authority-approved certification when authorized, and liaise with certifying staff for final release-to-service.
  • Implement and comply with Safety Management System (SMS), hazardous materials handling procedures, and shop safety protocols, including lock-out/tag-out, PPE usage and safe handling of fuels and chemicals.
  • Coordinate with flight operations, dispatch and pilots to prioritize aircraft serviceability, perform AOG troubleshooting and expedite repairs to minimize downtime.
  • Support heavy maintenance and hanger visits, including teardown, major structural inspections, component exchange and coordination with engineering for modifications and SB/AD incorporation.
  • Perform component removal/installation and bench-level troubleshooting for LRUs, perform removals for shop repair or return-to-service, and prepare components for vendor repair or overhaul.
  • Maintain and manage tooling, test equipment calibration records and consumable inventories, initiating procurement requests and ensuring availability of spares for scheduled checks.
  • Mentor and train junior technicians and apprentices, provide on-the-job instruction, demonstrate safe practices and reinforce company maintenance standards and procedures.
  • Participate in maintenance planning meetings, review technical records for upcoming checks, and contribute to work scope estimation, manpower allocation and parts provisioning.
  • Assist with pre-purchase inspections, aircraft acceptance checks and ferry flight preparation, ensuring the aircraft meets regulatory and contractual conditions prior to handover.
  • Investigate maintenance and reliability trends, provide feedback for corrective actions, and collaborate with reliability engineers to reduce reworks and improve maintenance turn-times.
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives such as Lean maintenance processes, 5S shop organization and standard work documentation to enhance safety, quality and productivity.
  • Be available for on-call AOG responses, unscheduled overnight work and variable shift patterns (nights, weekends) as required by maintenance schedules and operational needs.

Secondary Functions

  • Maintain and archive accurate technical records, component life-limits and logbook entries; assist the records team during audits and regulatory inspections.
  • Assist in vendor management for outsourced repairs and component overhauls, including packaging, labeling and documentation for shipping to repair stations.
  • Participate in internal audits, safety reviews and corrective action follow-through to support continuous regulatory compliance (FAA/EASA/CAAC or other applicable authorities).
  • Support engineering and modifications teams by providing hands-on feedback during SB/AD implementation, STC installations and minor modifications.
  • Contribute to development and revision of maintenance and standard operating procedures (SOPs), job cards and checklists to reflect best practices and regulatory changes.
  • Coordinate with procurement to identify long-lead items, critical spares and rotating components to reduce AOG exposure.
  • Provide input into training curriculum, recurrent competency assessments and certification maintenance for the technician team.
  • Assist with test flights and ground runs by preparing aircraft systems, monitoring test parameters, and supporting flight crew/engineers with troubleshooting and post-test inspections.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate, EASA Part-66 B1/B2 or equivalent certifying qualification.
  • Deep knowledge of aircraft systems: airframe, powerplant (turbine/piston), hydraulics, pneumatics, landing gear, flight controls and environmental systems.
  • Avionics troubleshooting and repair skills: radios, transponders, ADS-B, EFIS, GPS and LRU exchange procedures.
  • Proficiency with maintenance tracking and technical records systems such as AMOS, TRAX, CAMP, Ramco or company ERP.
  • Ability to read and apply technical publications: Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM), Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC), Structural Repair Manual (SRM), Wiring Diagram Manual, Service Bulletins (SBs) and Airworthiness Directives (ADs).
  • Hands-on experience with NDT methods (dye penetrant, eddy current, ultrasonic, visual inspection) and structural/composite repair techniques.
  • Competence with engine maintenance tasks: borescope inspection, engine removal/installation, run-ups and post-engine-change checks.
  • Skilled in use of calibrated tools and test equipment: torque tools, multimeters, oscilloscopes, borescope cameras and pressure/flow testers.
  • Knowledge of MEL/CDL procedures, deferred defect acceptance and regulatory airworthiness documentation (FAA Form 8130-3/EASA Form 1).
  • Experience with corrosion control, surface treatment processes and authorized repair schemes.
  • Familiarity with safety, hazardous materials handling and environmental regulations related to aircraft maintenance.

Soft Skills

  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality and regulatory compliance.
  • Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills for rapid fault isolation and repair.
  • Clear verbal and written communication for handing over defects, logging repairs and collaborating with flight crews and engineers.
  • Teamwork and mentoring ability to work cross-functionally and train junior staff.
  • Time management and prioritization under tight operational windows and AOG conditions.
  • Adaptability to changing schedules, environments and evolving technical requirements.
  • Professional integrity and accountability when certifying maintenance work and completing regulatory documentation.
  • Continuous learning mindset to maintain currency on new aircraft types, avionics and regulatory changes.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or equivalent with strong coursework in math, physics and technical shop subjects.
  • Completion of an FAA-recognized AMT program, technical certificate or military aircraft maintenance experience.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology, Aeronautical Engineering Technology, Avionics or related technical field.
  • FAA A&P certificate, EASA Part-66 license or equivalent civil aviation certifying credential.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Aviation Maintenance Technology
  • Avionics Technology or Electronics
  • Aeronautical / Aerospace Engineering Technology
  • Mechanical Engineering or Industrial Maintenance

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 2 to 7 years of progressive hands-on aircraft maintenance experience (line and/or base maintenance).

Preferred:

  • 3+ years on the specific aircraft type(s) in the fleet (B737, A320 family, ATR, CRJ, Embraer, Dash/Q400, regional turboprops or business jets), plus documented experience with AMOS/TRAX/CAMP.
  • Prior airline, MRO or military maintenance experience, plus currency on inspections, engine runs and sign-off procedures.

Note: This document is designed to represent consolidated, recruiter-style responsibilities and skills commonly found in Aircraft Technician job postings. For role-specific hiring, tailor requirements to the aircraft types, regulatory authority (FAA/EASA/other), and company maintenance environment.

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