Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Jet Technician Helper

🎯 Role Definition

The Jet Technician Helper provides hands-on support to licensed aircraft mechanics and engineers performing scheduled and unscheduled maintenance on business and commercial jets. Responsibilities include preparing aircraft for inspection and repair, assisting with removal and installation of components, operating ground support equipment, performing routine servicing (fluids, tire, brake changes), and maintaining accurate maintenance records under supervision. This role is designed to develop technical skills on the job and prepare the candidate for advancement to A&P or licensed technician roles.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Line Service Technician / Ramp Agent
Aviation Maintenance Apprentice or Trade School Graduate
Military aviation support roles (Airframe/Powerplant trainee)

Advancement To:

Certified A&P Jet Technician (Airframe & Powerplant)
Lead Jet Technician or Line Maintenance Lead
Component/Shop Technician (avionics, structures, engines)
Maintenance Planner or Quality Control Inspector

Lateral Moves:

Avionics Technician Trainee
Structures / Sheetmetal Technician
Ground Support Equipment Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Assist licensed jet technicians with pre-inspection preparations, including gathering tools, parts, maintenance manuals, and required safety equipment to ensure efficient turnaround of aircraft.
Perform exterior and interior visual inspections under supervision, identifying obvious discrepancies such as leaks, corrosion, loose fasteners, and condition of panels and access doors.
Remove and install non-critical panels, access covers, fairings and cowls to enable detailed inspections or repairs performed by senior technicians.
Support engine change and removal operations by positioning lifting equipment, securing engine mounts, and following step-by-step procedures in conjunction with lead technicians.
Conduct fluid servicing tasks including fueling/defueling (with appropriate certification), oil level checks and top-offs, hydraulic fluid servicing and potable water servicing under strict adherence to fuel handling and safety protocols.
Change and torque aircraft wheels and brakes under technician supervision, including jacking aircraft to specified heights, supporting landing gear components, and ensuring proper fastener torque and safety wire practices.
Operate and maintain ground support equipment (GSE) such as tugs, tow bars, GPU (ground power units), hydraulic carts, and air start units safely and according to manufacturer guidelines.
Prepare and move aircraft on the ramp and in hangars using approved hand signals, wing walkers, tugs and tow procedures; maintain situational awareness and radio communication with the flight crew and line personnel.
Assist with engine run-ups, taxi checks and system function checks by monitoring indications, recording values and communicating abnormalities to the lead technician.
Support scheduled maintenance tasks such as A-checks and limited B-check activities by performing consumable replacement, filter changes, small component swaps and basic rigging adjustments as directed.
Perform basic troubleshooting tasks under direction—trace fluid leaks, check electrical connectors for proper seating, verify hose and duct routing and report findings with photos and notes.
Prepare and submit accurate maintenance logbook entries, work orders and parts requisitions; update maintenance tracking systems with support details and supervisor approvals.
Handle parts, consumables and expendables: receive, verify and stage parts; manage tool control procedures; label and store removed components for overhaul or disposal.
Assist with corrosion control activities including cleaning, light sanding, application of corrosion preventative compounds, and staging aircraft for deeper structural inspections.
Support structural and sheetmetal repairs by deburring edges, removing rivets, holding and aligning replacement panels and performing surface preparation tasks under supervision.
Follow all regulatory and company procedures including FAA, EASA or applicable authority airworthiness directives, MEL/CDL limits, and work-hour safety policies while escalating compliance questions to senior staff.
Maintain hangar and shop housekeeping to FAA repair station standards—dispose of hazardous materials, manage spill kits, keep walkways clear and ensure fire exits and safety equipment are unobstructed.
Participate in safety briefings, toolbox talks and on-the-job training sessions; complete assigned recurrent safety and compliance training modules.
Assist in the functional testing of aircraft systems (hydraulics, pneumatics, environmental control systems) by setting up test equipment, monitoring system parameters and documenting results for the certifying technician.
Support paint touch-up, sealant application and access panel gasket replacement to prevent water ingress and maintain aerodynamic surfaces as directed.
Help with the disassembly/reassembly of line replaceable units (LRUs) for swap-out and bench checkout; label removed LRUs and track return-to-service paperwork.
Use maintenance manuals, wiring diagrams, structural drawings and technical orders to follow procedural steps and ensure tasks are executed in the correct sequence.
Maintain accurate personal and team tool inventory and participate in tool calibration and inspection programs to ensure reliability during maintenance operations.

Secondary Functions

Support parts and inventory control by documenting used consumables, initiating purchase requests, and staging parts for overnight deliveries to meet AOG (aircraft on ground) timelines.
Assist quality assurance and inspectors during audits by providing working area organization, documentation support, and facilitating access to maintenance records.
Provide ramp assistance during aircraft arrivals and departures including marshalling, chocking, and coordinating with inbound/outbound ground crews.
Participate in cross-training opportunities across avionic, structural and engine shops to broaden foundational maintenance skill sets.
Aid supervisors with maintenance planning logistics—prepare work packages, gather required tooling, and verify parts availability before scheduled maintenance windows.
Act as a safety ambassador by performing routine pre-shift safety checks, reporting near-miss events and ensuring compliance with PPE usage.
Support environmental and hazardous materials handling procedures by segregating waste, labeling containers and coordinating disposal through authorized vendors.
Assist with documentation digitization—scanning and indexing maintenance records to electronic maintenance tracking systems for regulatory compliance.
Shadow certifying mechanics to understand airworthiness decision-making and to prepare for future A&P certification responsibilities.
Provide ad-hoc operational support such as equipment rental coordination, hangar move logistics and temporary barricading for maintenance operations.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Familiarity with basic aircraft maintenance hand and power tools (drills, rivet guns, torque wrenches, safety wire pliers) and strict tool control discipline.
Basic understanding of jet aircraft systems: engines, landing gear, hydraulics, pneumatics, environmental control and fuel systems.
Experience operating ground support equipment (tugs, GPUs, hydraulic carts, air starts) and following safe towing/ramp procedures.
Competence in performing fluid servicing (fuel, oil, hydraulic, potable water) and knowledge of contamination prevention techniques.
Ability to read and follow aircraft maintenance manuals (AMM), Illustrated Parts Catalogs (IPC) and wiring diagrams.
Basic fastener and rivet removal/installation skills, including knowledge of blind rivets, solid rivets and torque specifications.
Familiarity with maintenance documentation and recordkeeping procedures, including logbook entries and electronic maintenance tracking systems (e.g., AMOS, Ramco, Trax).
Knowledge of FAA/EASA/CAA airworthiness basics, MEL/CDL concepts, and repair station safety requirements.
Hands-on experience with corrosion control techniques and surface preparation for paint and sealant application.
Basic electrical and avionics awareness: connector seating, battery handling, and simple continuity checks with a multimeter.
Safe handling of hazardous materials and understanding of OSHA HAZMAT procedures and MSDS interpretation.
Basic non-destructive inspection (NDI) awareness (visual inspection, dye-penetrant awareness) and escalating findings appropriately.

Soft Skills

Strong attention to detail and a disciplined approach to following written procedures and checklists.
Excellent communication skills—clear verbal handoffs, precise written records and effective coordination with crew and supervisors.
Team-player mindset with an eagerness to learn, accept feedback, and shadow experienced technicians to build competence.
Proven problem-solving attitude and initiative to escalate issues when beyond scope or safety-critical.
High degree of reliability and punctuality—ability to work shift schedules and be available for AOG or irregular operations when required.
Safety-first mentality with active participation in safety programs and toolbox talks.
Time management skills to prioritize tasks during fast turnarounds and maintain quality under time pressure.
Adaptability to changing tasking in a dynamic hangar or line maintenance environment.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or GED required with emphasis on math, physics or technical shop courses.

Preferred Education:

FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certification in progress or completed OR
Associate degree or certificate in Aviation Maintenance Technology from an accredited technical school.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Aviation Maintenance Technology
Aeronautical Engineering Technology
Aircraft Structures and Systems
Mechanical or Electrical Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

0 to 3 years in aviation, line maintenance, or related mechanical trades; recent graduates of aviation maintenance programs welcome.

Preferred:

1+ year of hands-on experience supporting aircraft maintenance in a commercial, corporate, or military environment; prior ramp, line service or shop helper experience strongly preferred.
Demonstrated familiarity with basic tooling, GSE operation and safety procedures; experience with an airline or repair station environment is a plus.