Aircraft engine specialist

Aircraft engine specialists advise on maintaining procedures to engines of aircrafts and helicopters. They perform operability tests to components and parts of aircrafts to diagnose suitability for usage and possible operations to improve performance. They interpret and provide support to understand the technical specifications given by manufacturers for application at the airport’s premises.

The duties of an aircraft engine specialist include, but are not limited to:

• Installing and repairing engines, propellers, and other aircraft components
• Conducting inspections on aircraft engines and other components to ensure that they are functioning correctly
• Performing maintenance tasks such as oil changes, filters replacements, spark plug replacements, and other routine maintenance procedures
• Inspecting aircraft engine parts for wear and performing minor repairs as needed
• Working with mechanics from other disciplines to install engines in planes, helicopters, or other vehicles
• Inspecting aircraft systems for cracks or leaks and repairing as needed
• Troubleshooting problems with aircraft engines to determine the cause of malfunction or failure
• Installing and removing engines from aircraft as needed for repairs or replacement
• Maintaining and calibrating precision measuring tools such as torque wrenches and micrometers to ensure accuracy.

Aircraft engine specialists work in hangars, repair stations, and on airfields. They work full time, and their workweek may include evenings and weekends, especially when aircraft are scheduled for maintenance during those times. Many mechanics are on call 24 hours a day and may be required to work overtime on short notice. They may be exposed to noise from aircraft engines, tools, and other equipment; to fumes and exhaust from aircraft engines; and to hazardous chemicals used in cleaning and servicing aircraft engines. They may be required to lift heavy objects and to work in awkward positions.

The following job titles also refer to aircraft engine specialist:

engine test specialist
aeroplane engine technician
specialist in aircraft engines
aircraft engine technician
rotary aircraft engine specialist
helicopter mechanic
helicopter maintenance specialist
aeroplane engine specialist
engine inspection specialist
airplane engine specialist
helicopter engine specialist
civilian aircraft engine specialist
piston aircraft engine specialist
areoplane engine mechanic
rotary maintenance specialist
jet aircraft engine specialist
aircraft engine mechanic
light aircraft engine specialist
military aircraft engine specialist
aeroplane engine inspection specialist
plane engine specialist
aeroplane engine inspection engineer

Aircraft engine specialists need a minimum of a high school diploma. Many employers prefer an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in aircraft maintenance technology. These programs are offered at technical colleges and universities. Courses in this program include mathematics, physics, chemistry, aeronautical engineering and aircraft systems.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Aircraft engine specialist is a Skill level 2 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to aircraft engine specialist.

aircraft maintenance technician
aircraft assembly inspector
aircraft de-icer installer
avionics technician
rolling stock assembly inspector

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of aircraft engine specialist. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of aircraft engine specialist with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

aircraft maintenance engineer
avionics inspector
aircraft engine tester
aircraft engine inspector
rolling stock engine tester

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of aircraft engine specialist.

• Electromechanics: The engineering processes that combine electrical and mechanical engineering in the application of electromechanics in devices that need electricity to create mechanical movement or devices that create electricity by mechanical movement.
• Electrical engineering: Understand electrical engineering, a field of engineering that deals with the study and application of electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism.
• Aircraft mechanics: Technicalities over mechanics in aircrafts and related topics in order to perform a wide range of repairs in aircrafts.
• Technical drawings: Drawing software and the various symbols, perspectives, units of measurement, notation systems, visual styles and page layouts used in technical drawings.
• Engineering processes: The systematic approach to the development and maintenance of engineering systems.
• Electronics: The functioning of electronic circuit boards, processors, chips, and computer hardware and software, including programming and applications. Apply this knowledge to ensure electronic equipment runs smoothly.
• Airport safety regulations: Know airport safety regulations and instructions.
• Electricity: Understand the principles of electricity and electrical power circuits, as well as the associated risks.
• Electrical wiring plans: Pictorial representation of an electrical circuit. It shows the components of the circuit as simplified shapes, and the power and signal connections between the devices. It gives information about the relative position and arrangement of devices and terminals on the devices, to help in building or servicing the device. A wiring diagram is often used to troubleshoot problems and to make sure that all the connections have been made and that everything is present.
• Common aviation safety regulations: The body of legislation and regulations that apply to the field of civil aviation at regional, national, European and International levels. Understand that regulations aimed at protecting citizens at all times in civil aviation; ensure that operators, citizens, and organisations comply with these rules.
• Mechanics: Theoretical and practical applications of the science studying the action of displacements and forces on physical bodies to the development of machinery and mechanical devices.
• Engine components: Know the different engine components, and their operation and maintenance. Understand when repairs and replacement should be undertaken.

These skills are necessary for the role of aircraft engine specialist.

• Manage health and safety standards: Oversee all personnel and processes to comply with health, safety and hygiene standards. Communicate and support alignment of these requirements with the company’s health and safety programmes.
• Wear appropriate protective gear: Wear relevant and necessary protective gear, such as protective goggles or other eye protection, hard hats, safety gloves.
• Ensure compliance with airport security measures: Ensure compliance with airport security measures prior to the boarding of planes.
• Diagnose defective engines: Diagnose engine damage or malfunctions by inspecting mechanical equipment; utilise instruments such as chassis charts, pressure gauges, and motor analysers.
• Read standard blueprints: Read and comprehend standard blueprints, machine, and process drawings.
• Read engineering drawings: Read the technical drawings of a product made by the engineer in order to suggest improvements, make models of the product or operate it.
• Apply technical communication skills: Explain technical details to non-technical customers, stakeholders, or any other interested parties in a clear and concise manner.
• Use technical documentation: Understand and use technical documentation in the overall technical process.
• Follow manufacturer guidelines in use of airport equipment: Follow advice provided by manufacturers on the use and maintenance of the different vehicles, equipment, and instruments used in airports. Establish communication processes with manufacturers and understand all the mechanical, electrical, and preventive, actions needed to utilise equipment effectively.

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of aircraft engine specialist. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Quality assurance procedures: The procedures to inspect a product or system to ensure that it is according to specifications and requirements.
• Electrical systems used in transportation: Understand the functioning of electrical systems, their specifications, and application in operations and systems for the transportation of freight and people.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of aircraft engine specialist. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Inspect aircraft manufacturing: Conduct inspections in the aviation industry; inspect plants where aircraft parts are manufactured to ensure safety and quality control. Ensure that aircraft components are manufactured in compliance with safety and design specifications.
• Give instructions to staff: Give instructions to subordinates by employing various communication techniques. Adjust communication style to the target audience in order to convey instructions as intended.
• Assemble electrical components: Assemble switches, electrical controls, circuit boards and other electrical components by using hand and soldering equipment.
• Operate precision measuring equipment: Measure the size of a processed part when checking and marking it to check if it is up to standard by use of two and three dimensional precision measuring equipment such as a caliper, a micrometer, and a measuring gauge.
• Consult with industry professionals: Communicate with engineers, designers, survey technicians and representatives involved in survey projects.
• Use testing equipment: Use equipment to test performance and operation of machinery.
• Use computerised maintenance management systems: Use computerised maintenance management systems (CMMS) in order to facilitate effective follow up of the work undertaken in maintenance facilities.
• Test electronic units: Test electronic units using appropriate equipment. Gather and analyse data. Monitor and evaluate system performance and take action if needed.
• Liaise with engineers: Collaborate with engineers to ensure common understanding and discuss product design, development and improvement.

7232 – Aircraft engine mechanics and repairers

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References

1. Aircraft engine specialist – ESCO
2. Aircraft Engine Mechanic Job Description: Salary, Duties, & More – Climb the Ladder