Aircraft mechanics

Description

Technicalities over mechanics in aircrafts and related topics in order to perform a wide range of repais in aircrafts.

Alternative labels

airplane mechanics
aeroplane mechanics
mechanics of aircrafts
helicopter mechanics

Skill type

knowledge

Skill reusability level

cross-sector

Relationships with occupations

Essential knowledge

Aircraft mechanics is an essential knowledge of the following occupations:

Aircraft engine assembler: Aircraft engine assemblers build and install prefabricated parts to form aircraft engines such as lightweight piston engines and gas turbines. They review specifications and technical drawings to determine materials and assembly instructions. They inspect and test the engines and reject malfunctioning components.
Aerospace engineering technician: Aerospace engineering technicians work with aerospace engineers to operate, maintain and test equipment used on aircraft and spacecraft. They review blueprints and instructions to determine test specifications and procedures. They use software to make sure that parts of a spacecraft or aircraft are functioning properly. They record test procedures and results, and make recommendations for changes.
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.
Aerospace engineering drafter: Aerospace engineering drafters convert the aerospace engineers’ designs into technical drawings usually using computer-aided design programs. Their drawings detail dimensions, fastening and assembling methods and other specifications used in the manufacture of aircrafts and spacecrafts.
Aircraft gas turbine engine overhaul technician: Aircraft gas turbine engine overhaul technicians perform overhaul, maintenance and repair work on gas turbine engines. They disassemble, inspect, clean, repair and reassemble the engines using engine-specific tooling.
Aircraft maintenance engineer: Aircraft maintenance engineers make preflight and postflight inspections, adjustments, and minor repairs to ensure safe and sound performance of aircrafts. They inspect aircraft prior to takeoff to detect malfunctions such as oil leaks, electrical or hydraulic problems. They verify passenger and cargo distribution and amount of fuel to ensure that weight and balance specifications are met.
Aircraft maintenance technician: Aircraft maintenance technicians perform preventive maintenance to aircrafts, aircrafts components, engines and assemblies, such as airframes and hydraulic and pneumatic systems. They perform inspections following strict protocols and aviation laws.
Aircraft assembly supervisor: Aircraft assembly supervisors coordinate the employees involved in aircraft manufacturing and schedule their activities. They prepare production reports and recommend measures to reduce the cost and improve productivity such as hiring, ordering new equipment and implementing new production methods. They train employees in company policies, job duties and safety measures. They oversee the supplies and communicate with other departments to avoid unnecessary interruptions of the production process.
Aircraft de-icer installer: Aircraft de-icer installers assemble, install, test, maintain and repair mechanical de-icing and anti-icing systems that prevent ice accumulation or formation on aircrafts and spacecrafts.
Aircraft assembler: Aircraft assemblers use hand tools, power tools and other equipment such as CNC machines or robots to construct, fit and install prefabricated parts to manufacture fixed or rotary wing aircrafts and aircraft subassemblies such as flight controls, aircraft skins, rigging and other mechanical systems etc. They read and interpret blueprints. They operate control systems to determine functional performance of the assemblies and adjust accordingly.
Aircraft assembly inspector: Aircraft assembly inspectors use measuring and testing equipment to inspect and monitor aircraft assemblies to ensure conformity to engineering specifications and to safety standards and regulations. They examine the assemblies to detect malfunction or damage and check repair work. They also provide detailed inspection documentation and recommend action where problems were discovered.
Aircraft engine tester: 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.
Avionics inspector: Avionics inspectors inspect instruments, electrical, mechanical and electronic systems of aircrafts to ensure their compliance with the performance and safety standards. They also examine maintenance, repair and overhaul work and review any modification to check its conformity to standards and procedures. They provide detailed inspection, certification and repair records.
Aerospace engineer: Aerospace engineers develop, test and oversee the manufacture of flight vehicles such as aircrafts, missiles, and spacecrafts. The field of engineering they are active in, can be divided into two branches: aeronautical engineering and astronautical engineering.
Aircraft engine inspector: Aircraft engine inspectors inspect all types of engines used for aircrafts in factories to ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations. They conduct routine, post-overhaul, pre-availability and post-casualty inspections. They provide documentation for repair activities and technical support to maintenance and repair centres. They review administrative records, analyse the operating performance of engines and report their findings.

Optional knowledge

Aircraft mechanics is optional for these occupations. This means knowing this knowledge may be an asset for career advancement if you are in one of these occupations.

Air traffic safety technician: Air traffic safety technicians provide technical support regarding the safety of air traffic control and navigation systems. They design, maintain, install and operate these systems both in the airport and on board the aeroplane according to regulations.
Diesel engine mechanic: Diesel engine mechanics repair and maintain all types of diesel engines. They use hand tools, precision measuring instruments, and machine tools to diagnose trouble, disassemble engines, and to examine and exchange parts of defect and excessive wear.
Industrial engineer: Industrial engineers design a vast array of production systems aiming to present efficient and effective solutions. They integrate a varied number of variables such as workers, technology, ergonomics, production flows, and product specifications for the design and implementation of production systems. They can specify and design for microsystems as well.
Mechanical engineer: Mechanical engineers research, plan and design mechanical products and systems and supervise the fabrication, operation, application, installation and repair of systems and products. They research and analyse data.
Welder:
Welders operate welding equipment in order to join metal workpieces together. They can use fusion welding processes based on different techniques and materials. They also perform simple visual inspection of welds.
Transport technology vocational teacher: Transport technology vocational teachers instruct students in their specialised field of study, transport technology, which is predominantly practical in nature. They provide theoretical instruction in service of the practical skills and techniques the students must subsequently master for a transport technology-related profession, such as automotive brake technician. Transport technology vocational teachers monitor the students’ progress, assist individually when necessary, and evaluate their knowledge and performance on the subject of transport technology through assignments, tests and examinations.
Aerodynamics engineer: Aerodynamics engineers perform aerodynamics analysis to make sure the designs of transport equipment meet aerodynamics and performance requirements. They contribute to designing engine and engine components, and issue technical reports for the engineering staff and customers. They coordinate with other engineering departments to check that designs perform as specified. Aerodynamics engineers conduct research to assess adaptability of equipment and materials. They also analyse proposals to evaluate production time and feasibility.
Drafter: Drafters prepare and create technical drawings using a special software or manual techniques, to show how something is built or works.
Aircraft maintenance coordinator: Aircraft maintenance coordinators plan, schedule, and manage the preparation and maintenance works in the hangars and workshops. They communicate with higher level managers in order to prepare the necessary resources for smooth and efficient operations in airports.
Material stress analyst: Material stress analysts plan and use software to perform structural analyses including static, stability and fatigue analyses on a variety of machines. They develop analysis of primary and secondary structures. They prepare technical reports to document their analysis results, participate in design reviews and recommend process improvements. They also assist in the development of structural test plans.
Aircraft interior technician: Aircraft interior technicians manufacture, assemble and repair interior components for aircrafts such as seats, carpeting, door panels, ceiling, lighting etc. They also replace entertainment equipment such as video systems. They inspect incoming materials and prepare the vehicle interior for new components.
Astronaut: Astronauts are crew members commanding spacecrafts for operations beyond low Earth orbit or higher than the regular altitude reached by commercial flights. They orbit the Earth in order to perform operations such as scientific research and experiments, launching or release of satellites, and building of space stations.

 


 

References

  1. Aircraft mechanics – ESCO

 

Last updated on September 20, 2022