|
An
aviation career offers many opportunities in the field of
aviation for aircraft mechanics, an aviation technician,
avionics, and aerospace professionals. In most cases, the
aviation technician is required to perform scheduled maintenance
for aircraft while following the guidelines required by the
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Aircraft mechanics can
becomes specialized in a particular area including aircraft
inspection, preventative maintenance, power plant mechanics, or
pursue a research role at an aviation firm. Aviation training is
a part of the curriculum of many aviation schools, and can lead
to a valuable aviation career in the long-term.
Job Description and Responsibilities of an Aviation School Graduate, Aircraft
Mechanic, or Aviation Technician
Graduates of aviation schools,
aircraft mechanics, and aviation technicians are expected to:
-
Understand basic mechanical
procedures of aviation vehicles and aircraft
-
Work with teams and
independently
-
Fly to various locations for
specific projects
-
Monitor the aircraft’s basic
operations
-
Understand design and repair
procedures
-
Work with pilots to diagnose
problems with aircraft
-
Learn about the components of
avionics systems
-
Responsibly adhere to safety
standards and principles administered by the FAA
-
Diagnose and troubleshoot
aircraft problems
-
Update their skills and
knowledge with ongoing training
Career Options After
Aviation
School
Students of aviation schools can choose to pursue their aviation
career as an:
-
Aircraft Systems Managers
-
Avionics Equipment Service Technicians
-
Civilian Aircraft Mechanics
-
Airport
Representatives
-
Military Aviation Technicians
-
Air
Traffic Controllers
-
Aircraft Maintenance Engineers
-
Air
Force Officers
-
Airline
Support Services
Aviation Training & Certification
The majority of aviation
mechanics and aviation technicians work on civilian aircraft that has been
certified by the FAA. The FAA designates each type of aviation technician as a
‘powerplant mechanic’ or an ‘airframe mechanic’. Uncertified mechanics are
supervised by certified mechanics, but certification allows the individual to
perform inspections and manage a team.
The FAA sets the standards and
guidelines for both airframe and powerplant certification. Students may pursue a
combined Airframe and Powerplant Certification that requires a minimum of 30
months of experience in the engine and airframes fields. In lieu of this
aviation training, a FAA-certified mechanic school can also provide the relevant
work experience. Aviation training is a priority for all aviation career
candidates. All applicants must pass a written and oral examination. After
holding the A&P certificate for a minimum of 3 years and 24 months of hands-on
experience, an applicant can pursue inspector’s authorization. Most airlines
require a minimum of a high school diploma and an A&P certificate.
The FAA certifies approximately
170 aviation schools around the country, and one-third of these offer a 4-year
degree in aviation technology, aviation, or aviation maintenance management. The
FAA sets the standards and laws for certification of mechanic schools, and each
student must complete a minimum of 1900 class hours.
Common courses of study
include:
-
Tools and equipment training
-
Aviation electronics
-
Composite materials
-
Turbine engine and technology
-
Aircraft construction
-
General courses in
mathematics, chemistry, computer science, electronics, and physics
The FAA also requires ongoing
study and work experience to maintain the A&P certification. This requires that
all applicants have at least 1,000 hours of work experience over 24 months.
Training and updates are important as aircraft design and technology evolves.
Some mechanics choose to take the FAA examination in order to obtain licenses
and flying experience to become a pilot.
Accreditation of Aviation Schools
The Accrediting Commission of
Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCST) is the accrediting body for
aviation schools and mechanic programs. The Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA) is responsible for maintaining standards and compliance of all aviation
school programs.
Aviation School Graduates Earning Potential and
Employment Prospects
Aviation school graduates have many options to grow a lifelong
aviation career in the industry. Although the economy has been weaker from
reduced passenger traffic in 2001, the need for aviation maintenance technicians
and research positions is steadily growing. Many mechanics are expected to
retire over the next ten years which can open up more options for mechanics and
specialized technicians. The market is favorable for aviation careers, and job
opportunities with airlines are expected to be better than previous years. An
aviation technician who is cross-trained will have more options and
opportunities in the long term, and licensing can help them specialize in
particular aircraft and fields. Median hourly earnings for aircraft mechanics
and aviation technicians were $21.77, while median hourly earnings for avionics
technicians were about $21.30 in 2004. Mechanics and aviation positions that
work with airlines also qualify for reduced fares and other benefits of
employment. Related occupations include:
|
