Did you know that helicopter maintenance technicians are in demand? The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects demand to increase 5 percent for aviation mechanics through 2033. This means job stability and many opportunities for graduates of Aviation Institute of Maintenance (Aviation Institute of Maintenance ) to become helicopter maintenance technicians.
So, what does a helicopter maintenance technician do, how do you become one, what skills do you acquire during the Helicopter Maintenance program at Aviation Institute of Maintenance, and what is the future of the industry? We will help you understand if becoming a helicopter maintenance technician is the right career path for you with the help of this article.
What Does a Helicopter Maintenance Technician Do?
A helicopter maintenance technician ensures the safety, performance, and reliability of helicopters with routine maintenance, inspections, and repairs. Their role is critical to keeping helicopters safe and operational by following aviation safety standards and regulations. Here are the day-to-day duties of a helicopter maintenance technician:
Routine Inspections
Helicopter maintenance technicians inspect helicopters before flights to ensure everything is in working order. They perform periodic inspections and preventive maintenance. For example, this can include checking for wear and tear, oil levels, or component condition.
Repairs and Troubleshooting
Helicopter maintenance technicians identify mechanical, electrical, and avionics problems in helicopter systems. They fix or replace defective or damaged components, which could include engines, rotors, gearboxes, or hydraulic systems. They also use diagnostic tools and manuals to pinpoint the exact cause of malfunctions.
Recordkeeping
Helicopter maintenance technicians maintain accurate records of inspections, repairs, and any modifications to the helicopter. This ensures that all maintenance activities comply with aviation authorities’ regulations and industry standards.
Safety Checks
Helicopter maintenance technicians perform functional checks on helicopter systems to verify proper operation. They also ensure that the helicopter is airworthy and meets safety standards before it is cleared for flight.
Upgrades and Modifications
Helicopter maintenance technicians may install new or upgraded avionics, flight control systems, or other modifications to improve helicopter performance. This includes modifying helicopters to comply with updated aviation regulations.
How Do You Become a Helicopter Maintenance Technician?
A great way to become a helicopter maintenance technician is to complete the Helicopter Maintenance program at Aviation Institute of Maintenance . AIM is the right technical college for you because we offer a comprehensive curriculum, industry experienced faculty, job placement assistance after graduation, and the proper accreditation. The school’s mission is to help you succeed by becoming a helicopter maintenance technician after graduation.
What Skills are Acquired in the Helicopter Maintenance Program?
Some skills are critical for all helicopter maintenance technicians to master. While not all students will come into the program with these skills, the instructors at AIM will guide you through the curriculum and help you build these important skills.
- Skill #1: Safety: an important skill that you will build while attending AIM. With the proper safety training, you will be able to handle emergency situations and maintain a safe work environment. Plus, safety training is one of the many topics that you will be tested on when completing the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification exam.
- Skill #2: Mechanical Skills: it is important to understand helicopter systems, including mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems. These mechanical skills will allow you to keep helicopters safe and operational.
- Skill #3: Electrical Skills: helicopters rely heavily on electrical systems for many critical functions, including avionics, lighting, power distribution, and flight control systems. You will gain a solid understanding of electrical systems to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair helicopter components.
- Skill #4: Troubleshooting: By the end of the Helicopter Maintenance program, you will be able to diagnose and repair complex issues quickly and accurately. You will build your confidence by completing hundreds of hours of hands-on training under the strict supervision of AIM instructors.
- Skill #5: Attention to detail: With great attention to detail, you will be able to ensure thorough inspections and maintenance to prevent safety issues. Something you will also hone during hands-on training with industry standard equipment and real helicopter components.
Do I Need an FAA Certification to Become a Helicopter Maintenance Technician?
Yes, in most cases, an FAA certification is required to become a helicopter maintenance technician. Specifically, you will typically need an Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification, which allows you to work on both the airframe (the body of the helicopter) and the powerplant (the engine and related systems). Certification can help improve job prospects and earning potential because many employers look for certified job candidates that have the knowledge and skillset to be a helicopter maintenance technician.
- Written exams: The FAA requires you to pass a series of written tests that cover areas like airframe maintenance, powerplant maintenance, and general aircraft systems.
- Oral and practical exams: After passing the written exams, you will also need to pass an oral and practical exam. This is where you demonstrate your skills by performing specific tasks on an aircraft, under the supervision of an FAA examiner.
Once you have completed the required training, gained experience, and passed the exams, you will receive your A&P certification, which allows you to legally work as a helicopter maintenance technician.
The Future of The Helicopter Maintenance Industry
The future of helicopter maintenance is shaped by several evolving trends and advancements in technology. As the aviation industry continues to innovate, helicopter maintenance will undergo significant changes, focusing on improving efficiency, safety, and reducing costs. Here are some technological innovations that will influence the future of helicopter maintenance:
Predictive Maintenance Technologies
One of the biggest shifts in helicopter maintenance will be the use of predictive maintenance technologies. Using sensors and data analytics, helicopters will be able to continuously monitor their systems and detect issues before they become critical. This reduces the need for scheduled maintenance and allows for more efficient repairs.
Drones and Robotics
The use of drones and robotics for inspections and even minor repairs could become more common. Drones equipped with cameras and sensors can inspect hard-to-reach areas of helicopters, reducing the time and cost of manual inspections.
Sustainability and Environmental Impact
The growing focus on sustainability in aviation will help reduce the environmental impact of helicopter maintenance. This could include using more environmentally friendly lubricants, cleaning products, and processes, as well as reducing the carbon footprint of maintenance operations.
As more helicopters adopt alternative fuels or hybrid propulsion systems, maintenance will need to adapt to ensure these new fuel systems are functioning optimally and meeting environmental standards.
Electric and Hybrid Aircraft
As the industry moves toward more sustainable aviation technologies, electric and hybrid helicopters are becoming more common. These aircraft may have different maintenance requirements compared to traditional helicopters, particularly in terms of battery management, electric motors, and power systems. Helicopter maintenance technicians will need to be trained to handle high-voltage electric systems, battery management systems, and other new technologies, requiring ongoing updates to training and certification. This is something Aviation Institute of Maintenance will consider when updating the curriculum of the Helicopter Maintenance program.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know what a helicopter maintenance technician does, how you become one, and the future of the industry, it is time to learn more about the skills you will acquire during a Helicopter Maintenance program at Aviation Institute of Maintenance (Aviation Institute of Maintenance ). Contact us today to learn more.
