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Career Details : Airframe-and-Power-Plant Mechanics

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Description

Inspect, test, repair, maintain, and service aircraft.

Experience

A minimum of two to four years of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.

Education

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Training

Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

Tasks

  • Assembles and installs electrical, plumbing, mechanical, hydraulic, and structural components and accessories, using hand tools and power tools.
  • Reads and interprets aircraft maintenance manuals and specifications to determine feasibility and method of repairing or replacing malfunctioning or damaged components.
  • Tests engine and system operations, using testing equipment, and listens to engine sounds to detect and diagnose malfunctions.
  • Adjusts, aligns, and calibrates aircraft systems, using hand tools, gauges, and test equipment.
  • Services and maintains aircraft systems by performing tasks, such as flushing crankcase, cleaning screens, greasing moving parts, and checking brakes.
  • Disassembles and inspects parts for wear, warping, or other defects.
  • Removes engine from aircraft or installs engine, using hoist or forklift truck.
  • Modifies aircraft structures, space vehicles, systems, or components, following drawings, engineering orders, and technical publications.
  • Examines and inspects engines or other components for cracks, breaks, or leaks.
  • Repairs, replaces, and rebuilds aircraft structures, functional components, and parts, such as wings and fuselage, rigging, and hydraulic units.

    Related Careers

    Important Abilities

    General Work Activities

    Important Skills

    Frequent Work Context

    • Consequence of Error
    • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
    • Importance of Being Sure All Is Done
    • Hazardous Equipment
    • Using Hands on Objects, Tools, Controls

    Related Majors

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    Aircraft Maintenanceadd Aircraft Maintenance to MyFSA
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