Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Line Service Technician

🎯 Role Definition

The Line Service Technician (LST) is a cornerstone of the Fixed-Base Operator (FBO) and the broader aviation ecosystem. More than just a "refueler," this professional is the primary point of contact for pilots and flight crews on the ground, representing the face of the company with every interaction. This role is a dynamic blend of technical precision, rigorous safety adherence, and five-star customer service. As an LST, you are the backbone of our ramp operations, ensuring that every aircraft, from a small single-engine plane to a large corporate jet, is handled with the utmost care, safety, and efficiency. You are a problem-solver, a team player, and a safety advocate, thriving in a fast-paced environment where no two days are the same.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

High School Graduate or GED Holder with a passion for aviation.
Automotive Service Technician or Mechanic.
Warehouse, Logistics, or Heavy Equipment Operator.

Advancement To:

Line Service Shift Lead or Supervisor.
Line Service Manager or FBO Operations Manager.
Fuel Quality Control Specialist.

Lateral Moves:

Airport Operations Agent.
FBO Customer Service Representative (CSR).
Pursuing an A&P (Airframe and Powerplant) mechanic certification.

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Execute safe and precise aircraft marshaling using standard international hand signals to guide aircraft for parking, towing, and departure.
Perform meticulous towing, moving, and repositioning of a wide range of aircraft, ensuring proper clearance and communication with the flight deck.
Conduct aircraft fueling operations, including both over-wing and single-point refueling procedures, with Jet-A and Avgas (100LL) in accordance with ATA 103 and NATA standards.
Perform daily and periodic fuel quality control tests, meticulously documenting results to ensure the integrity of all fuel products dispensed.
Operate a variety of complex Ground Support Equipment (GSE), such as fuel trucks, aircraft tugs, ground power units (GPUs), and de-icing trucks, with a commitment to operational safety.
Provide comprehensive ground support services including lavatory and potable water servicing, ensuring sanitary and timely execution.
Greet, park, and secure aircraft upon arrival, placing chocks and cones, and connecting ground power as requested by the crew.
Assist pilots and passengers with baggage and cargo handling, ensuring items are moved carefully and loaded/unloaded efficiently.
Conduct thorough pre-and-post-operation inspections of all ground support equipment and fueling vehicles, reporting any discrepancies immediately.
Perform aircraft de-icing and anti-icing operations during inclement weather, adhering to strict fluid application procedures and safety protocols.
Act as a primary concierge on the ramp, proactively anticipating and fulfilling crew and passenger needs, from transportation to catering hand-offs.
Maintain constant, clear, and professional radio communication with the FBO front desk, other line technicians, and flight crews.
Accurately and efficiently process fuel tickets and service orders using company software, ensuring all transactions are correctly documented for billing.
Uphold a culture of safety by consistently adhering to all company policies, FAA regulations, and NATA Safety 1st guidelines.
Maintain the cleanliness and organization of the aircraft parking ramp, hangar spaces, and line service facilities to project a professional image.
Respond promptly and effectively to any fuel or chemical spills, following established emergency procedures to mitigate environmental impact and safety risks.
Provide auxiliary power through Ground Power Units (GPUs) and air starts as required by various aircraft types.
Skillfully "stack" aircraft within hangars, maximizing space while ensuring the safety and accessibility of each aircraft.
Act as a dedicated wing-walker during all aircraft towing and repositioning maneuvers to guarantee clearance from obstacles.
Proactively monitor ramp activity to identify and resolve potential safety hazards or service delays before they escalate.

Secondary Functions

Assist with general facility and ground maintenance tasks as directed, including minor repairs, landscaping, and hangar upkeep.
Actively participate in recurring safety meetings, professional development sessions, and NATA Safety 1st training to maintain proficiency.
Collaborate with Customer Service Representatives to ensure a seamless and exceptional customer experience from arrival to departure.
Conduct periodic inventory checks on essential supplies such as aircraft oil, de-icing fluid, and other line service consumables.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Aircraft Fueling: Proficient in dispensing Jet-A and Avgas, including knowledge of fuel additives and single-point vs. over-wing procedures.
GSE Operation: Skilled in the safe operation of aircraft tugs, fuel trucks, GPUs, lavatory carts, and other specialized ground equipment.
Aircraft Marshalling & Towing: Competency in standard ICAO marshalling signals and safe towing practices for a variety of aircraft.
Fuel Quality Control: Ability to perform and document key quality tests like white bucket, refractometer, and differential pressure gauge checks.
Regulatory Knowledge: Working knowledge of FAA, EPA, and NATA regulations pertaining to ground handling and fuel safety.
Radio Communication: Clear and concise use of two-way radios using proper aviation phraseology.
Basic Computer Proficiency: Ability to operate point-of-sale software and basic computer applications for transaction processing and record-keeping.

Soft Skills

Unwavering Safety Focus: A non-negotiable commitment to safety, with the ability to identify risks and halt operations when necessary.
Exceptional Customer Service: A genuine desire to provide a high-touch, professional, and friendly service experience to discerning clients.
Situational Awareness: The ability to maintain a high level of awareness of the dynamic and often-congested ramp environment.
Teamwork & Collaboration: Works effectively with fellow technicians, CSRs, and management to achieve common goals.
Adaptability: Thrives in a fast-paced, 24/7 operational environment and can adjust to changing weather conditions, flight schedules, and customer requests.
Strong Problem-Solving: The capacity to think critically and resolve operational challenges quickly and effectively under pressure.
Meticulous Attention to Detail: Precision in all tasks, from documenting fuel loads to positioning an aircraft perfectly on its mark.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
Must possess a valid State Driver's License and maintain a clean driving record.

Preferred Education:

Associate's degree or vocational/technical school certification.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Aviation Management
Aerospace Engineering Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0 - 3 years. This role is an excellent entry point into the aviation industry.

Preferred: 1+ years of experience in an FBO, airline ground handling, or a related field (e.g., fuel handling, heavy equipment operation). Prior customer service experience is highly valued.