Aircraft engine tester

Description

Aircraft engine testers test the performance of all engines used for aircraft in specialised facilities such as laboratories. They position or give directions to workers positioning engines on the test stand. They use hand tools and machinery to position and connect the engine to the test stand. They use computerised equipment to enter, read and record test data such as temperature, speed, fuel consumption, oil and exhaust pressure.

Excludes aircraft engine inspector.

Other titles

The following job titles also refer to aircraft engine tester:

helicopter engine tester
light aircraft engine tester
aeroplane engine inspection engineer
airplane engine tester
rotary aircraft engine tester
military aircraft engine tester
plane engine tester
civilian aircraft engine tester
engine tester
engine inspection engineer
aeroplane engine inspection technician
piston aircraft engine tester
engine inspection technician
jet aircraft engine tester
aeroplane engine tester

Minimum qualifications

A high school diploma or equivalent is generally the minimum required to work as an aircraft engine tester.

ISCO skill level

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 tester is a Skill level 3 occupation.

Aircraft engine tester career path

Similar occupations

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

rolling stock engine tester
vessel engine tester
motor vehicle engine tester
aircraft engine inspector
motor vehicle engine inspector

Long term prospects

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of aircraft engine tester. 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 tester with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

aerodynamics engineer
process engineer
precision engineer
maintenance and repair engineer
automotive designer

Essential knowledge and skills

Essential knowledge

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

  • Operation of different engines: Know the characteristics, maintenance requirements and operating procedures of various kinds of engines such as gas, diesel, electrical, and engines with steam propulsion plants.
  • 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.
  • Aircraft mechanics: Technicalities over mechanics in aircrafts and related topics in order to perform a wide range of repairs in aircrafts.
  • Engineering processes: The systematic approach to the development and maintenance of engineering systems.
  • 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.

Essential skills and competences

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

  • Create solutions to problems: Solve problems which arise in planning, prioritising, organising, directing/facilitating action and evaluating performance. Use systematic processes of collecting, analysing, and synthesising information to evaluate current practice and generate new understandings about practice.
  • Execute analytical mathematical calculations: Apply mathematical methods and make use of calculation technologies in order to perform analyses and devise solutions to specific problems.
  • Record test data: Record data which has been identified specifically during preceding tests in order to verify that outputs of the test produce specific results or to review the reaction of the subject under exceptional or unusual input.
  • 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.
  • Perform test run: Perform tests putting a system, machine, tool or other equipment through a series of actions under actual operating conditions in order to assess its reliability and suitability to realise its tasks, and adjust settings accordingly.
  • 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.
  • Use testing equipment: Use equipment to test performance and operation of machinery.
  • 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.
  • Conduct performance tests: Conduct experimental, environmental and operational tests on models, prototypes or on the systems and equipment itself in order to test their strength and capabilities under normal and extreme conditions.
  • Use technical documentation: Understand and use technical documentation in the overall technical process.
  • Evaluate engine performance: Read and comprehend engineering manuals and publications; test engines in order to evaluate engine performance.

Optional knowledge and skills

Optional knowledge

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of aircraft engine tester. 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.
  • Engineering principles: The engineering elements like functionality, replicability, and costs in relation to the design and how they are applied in the completion of engineering projects.

Optional skills and competences

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

  • Inspect aircraft for airworthiness: Inspect aircraft, aircraft components, and aviation equipment to ensure they conform to design specifications and to airworthiness standards following major repairs or alterations. Approve or deny issuance of airworthiness certificates.
  • Re-assemble engines: Re-assemble transport equipment engines after overhaul, inspection, repair, maintenace or cleaning according to blueprints and technical plans.
  • Supervise staff: Oversee the selection, training, performance and motivation of staff.
  • Maintain test equipment: Maintain equipment used for testing the quality of systems and products.
  • Supervise work: Direct and supervise the day-to-day activities of subordinate personnel.
  • Operate lifting equipment: Transport heavy objects using lifting equipment such as cranes, forklifts etc.
  • Manage maintenance operations: Oversee maintenance activities, making sure that staff is following procedures and ensuring routine and periodic refurbishment and maintenance activities.
  • Liaise with engineers: Collaborate with engineers to ensure common understanding and discuss product design, development and improvement.
  • Send faulty equipment back to assembly line: Send equipment that didn’t pass inspection back to the assembly line for re-assembly.
  • Disassemble engines: Disassemble internal combustion engines, generators, pumps, transmissions and other components of mechanical equipment.
  • Position engine on test stand: Position the engine on a stand or in a cell, ready for testing, by using a hoist or overhead crane.
  • Write records for repairs: Write records of the repairs and maintenance interventions undertaken, of parts and materials used, and other repair facts.
  • Lead inspections: Lead inspections and the protocol involved, such as introducing the inspection team, explaining the purpose of the inspection, performing the inspection, requesting documents, asking appropriate questions, and maintaining a high level of professionalism when investigating subjects.

ISCO group and title

3115 – Mechanical engineering technicians


References
  1. Aircraft engine tester – ESCO
Last updated on March 8, 2023