Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Aviation Technician

🎯 Role Definition

An Aviation Technician (Aircraft Maintenance Technician) is responsible for performing scheduled and unscheduled inspections, troubleshooting, repair, overhaul, modification, and preventative maintenance on aircraft systems and airframes in compliance with applicable regulatory requirements (FAA, EASA or local civil aviation authority). This role ensures airworthiness, safety, and operational readiness by using approved maintenance data, technical publications (IPC, SRM, AMM), maintenance tracking systems (CAMP, TRAX, AMOS, Ramco) and by maintaining accurate technical records and logbooks.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Aircraft Maintenance Apprentice / Trainee
Aviation Maintenance Technician I / Line Mechanic
Military Aviation Technician (transition to civilian A&P / Part-66)

Advancement To:

Senior Aviation Technician / Lead Technician
Maintenance Supervisor / Shift Lead
Base Maintenance Manager or Line Maintenance Manager
Avionics Lead or Structural Repair Specialist
CAMO / Continuing Airworthiness Engineer (with additional qualifications)

Lateral Moves:

Avionics Technician (B2 / Electrical)
Structures / Composite Repair Specialist
Engine / Propulsion Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Perform scheduled and unscheduled inspections, maintenance, troubleshooting and repairs on airframe, powerplant, avionics and aircraft systems (hydraulic, pneumatic, fuel, environmental, electrical) in accordance with FAA/EASA regulations, company procedures and approved maintenance data.
Diagnose complex mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic and electrical faults using multi-meter testing, borescope inspection, data acquisition tools and manufacturer troubleshooting guides to return aircraft to service quickly and safely.
Execute structural repairs and modifications to airframe and composite components using approved structural repair manuals (SRM), bonding and rivet techniques, and ensure compliance with damage tolerance and corrosion prevention standards.
Conduct engine changeovers, hot section inspections, borescope inspections and basic engine troubleshooting; liaise with engine shop or vendor for major engine repairs and engine trend monitoring.
Install, test, calibrate and repair avionics equipment (radios, transponders, flight management systems, ELTs, TCAS, GPS), including software updates and avionics line replaceable unit (LRU) swaps, following manufacturers’ service bulletins and wiring diagrams.
Perform line maintenance tasks including daily checks, quick turn maintenance, defect rectification, AOG support and transit checks to minimize aircraft on ground time and maximize on-time performance.
Apply and document compliance with Airworthiness Directives (ADs), Service Bulletins (SBs), Minimum Equipment List (MEL) procedures and other regulatory requirements, ensuring traceability in aircraft logbooks and maintenance tracking systems.
Maintain meticulous technical records and logbook entries, prepare release-to-service documentation, sign off maintenance tasks in accordance with certification privileges (e.g., FAA A&P or EASA Part-66) and participate in audits.
Use maintenance planning, reliability and trend data to recommend preventative maintenance actions, parts changes and reliability improvements to reduce repeat defects and unscheduled removals.
Perform rigging, control surface checks and flight control system inspections, set torque values to OEM specifications and verify correct operation of landing gear systems, brakes and steering.
Troubleshoot and repair aircraft electrical power systems, battery systems, generators, bus architecture and wiring harnesses; ensure bonding, shielding and EMI mitigation as required.
Replace consumable components (filters, fluids, seals, hoses, wheels/brakes) and perform functional checks post-replacement to confirm serviceability and airworthiness.
Support structural inspections for corrosion, fatigue cracking and foreign object damage (FOD), and perform corrosion treatment, protective coatings and preventative sealing according to maintenance procedures.
Conduct ground testing, engine run-ups and taxi checks, coordinate with flight crews for functional checks and return aircraft to service after maintenance or modification activities.
Install and remove interior components, cabin systems and safety equipment (oxygen, slides, seats) and verify that modifications meet regulatory and ergonomic standards.
Coordinate parts ordering, inspect incoming parts and components for conformity, manage kit builds and liaise with supply chain to prioritize AOG and critical spares.
Participate in aircraft modification and minor retrofit projects, following engineering instructions, STCs and ensuring all changes are documented and reflected in aircraft records.
Assist quality assurance and airworthiness teams during inspections, internal audits and regulatory audits; implement corrective actions and maintenance process improvements.
Perform non-destructive testing (NDT) checks (visual, dye penetrant, eddy current, ultrasonic where qualified) and escalate findings to structural engineers and inspectors when beyond acceptable limits.
Maintain shop tools and calibration records, ensure proper gaging and torque tools are in calibration and report any tooling anomalies immediately to supervision.
Provide on-call support for AOG events, rapidly troubleshoot faults on the ramp or in remote locations, and coordinate with vendors for expedited repairs or part deliveries.
Mentor and train junior technicians and apprentices on company procedures, safety practices, maintenance techniques and proper documentation standards.
Implement and maintain workplace safety practices, including PPE usage, lockout-tagout procedures, hazardous materials handling and compliance with OSHA or local safety regulations.
Review technical publications and revisions, update task cards and sign out work packages for compliance with the latest manufacturer and regulatory guidance.
Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to optimize maintenance turnaround times, reduce waste, and improve reliability metrics across the fleet.
Liaise with flight operations, engineering and quality assurance to troubleshoot in-service issues and develop sustainable corrective actions.

Secondary Functions

Provide feedback to procurement and planning on spares consumption trends and obsolete parts to improve inventory forecasting and reduce AOG risk.
Support continuous improvement and lean maintenance projects to streamline workflows in hangar and line maintenance environments.
Assist engineering and modifications teams during installation of STCs and minor field modifications, ensuring maintenance records are updated accordingly.
Participate in safety committees, hazard identification and risk assessments for shop processes and ramp operations.
Conduct basic training sessions and toolbox talks on new procedures, safety updates and regulatory changes for the maintenance team.
Maintain and organize the maintenance workspace and hangar areas to ensure efficient and safe operations.
Provide customer-facing updates during AOG events, explaining defect status and estimated return-to-service timelines in clear, professional language.
Cross-train in related maintenance disciplines (avionics, structures, engines) to increase team flexibility and reduce reliance on specialized external vendors.
Support environmental and hazardous waste compliance by following proper disposal, handling and documentation procedures.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certificate or EASA Part-66 Category B1/B2 (or equivalent national ATO/CAA certification).
Proven experience performing airframe and powerplant maintenance on commercial and/or regional fixed-wing or rotary-wing aircraft.
Deep knowledge of interpreting and applying IPC, AMM, SRM, CMM, TSM and other manufacturer maintenance documentation.
Practical experience with maintenance tracking and planning software (CAMP, TRAX, AMOS, Ramco, RamcoS, Mxi).
Avionics troubleshooting and LRUs: radios, transponders, FMS, EFIS, TCAS, ADS-B, GPS and ELT systems.
Proficiency in dimensional checks, control surface rigging, torque settings and use of precision measurement tools.
Experience performing adherence to ADs, SBs, MEL operations and release-to-service sign-off procedures.
Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) skills or certification (visual, dye-penetrant, eddy-current, ultrasonic) or ability to follow NDT instructions.
Engine maintenance fundamentals: borescope inspections, engine runs, basic troubleshooting and coordination with overhaul facilities.
Structural and composite repair techniques, rivet work, bonding and corrosion control best practices.
Aircraft hydraulic and pneumatic system maintenance and leak detection.
Electrical wiring, harness repair, soldering, crimping and aircraft power supply troubleshooting.
Familiarity with tools and calibration procedures, torque wrench use and tool accountability systems.
Ability to read wiring diagrams, schematics, wiring lists and circuit drawings.
Experience performing quality checks, defect analysis and corrective action documentation.

Soft Skills

Strong attention to detail and a disciplined approach to safety and regulatory compliance.
Clear written and verbal communication for precise logbook entries, reports and cross-functional coordination.
Problem-solving mindset with the ability to troubleshoot complex systems under time pressure.
Team player who collaborates effectively with flight crew, engineers, supply chain and QA teams.
Time management and prioritization skills to manage multiple maintenance tasks and AOG events.
Customer service orientation — able to provide clear updates to operations and external customers about maintenance status.
Adaptability to shift work, irregular hours and travel for AOG or field support.
Mentoring and coaching skills to support junior technicians and apprentices.
Good manual dexterity and physical fitness required for aircraft access, confined spaces and tool handling.
Continuous learning mindset to stay current with new aircraft types, systems and regulations.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or equivalent with a focus on technical subjects (math, physics, electronics) or successful completion of an accredited aviation maintenance program.

Preferred Education:

Diploma or associate degree in Aircraft Maintenance Technology, Aeronautical Engineering Technology, Avionics, or related field.
Completion of an accredited AMT school or military technical training program.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Aircraft Maintenance Technology
Avionics and Aeronautical Electronics
Mechanical or Aerospace Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

2 to 7+ years of progressive experience in aircraft maintenance (line and base), depending on aircraft complexity and employer needs.

Preferred:

3+ years experience on commercial regional or narrow-body fleets (e.g., Airbus A320 family, Boeing 737 series, ATR, CRJ, Embraer) or relevant rotorcraft models.
Demonstrated history of AOG troubleshooting and rapid return-to-service on at least one fleet type.
Prior experience in Part 145 or Part 121/135 environments, or airline/ MRO shop operations.

If you are sourcing candidates or crafting an ATS-friendly job posting for an Aviation Technician, include clear requirements around certifications (FAA A&P or Part-66), key aircraft types, maintenance-tracking systems, and highlight AOG/line maintenance experience to attract the most qualified technicians.