The field of aviation maintenance is changing almost as fast as the evolution of airplane and flight maintenance technology. There is a lot to know about the field, and in order to better decide if this might be the field for you – we are providing you with ten things you may not have already known about aviation maintenance.
1) What Are The Areas Included in Aviation Maintenance?
An Aviation Maintenance Technician is a technician who is held responsible for the safety of the crew and passengers as well as the success of each flight. Duties typically include:- Replacing and repairing of aircraft parts
- Diagnosis and repair of mechanical and electrical problems
- Testing and supporting performance standards while also keeping records of all your maintenance and repair work
- Aviation Maintenance Technicians typically work outside, in hangars, in repair stations, on airfields
2) What Factors Effect the Pay Scale for Aviation Maintenance Technicians?
There are actually a lot factors that directly affect what Aviation Maintenance Technicians earn. Some of these factors include:- Education level: this means what kinds of certifications and where you obtained them
- Experience, ie; what kinds of aircraft you have experience with such as helicopters, crop dusters, et al
- Industry: such as military, agriculture, types of aircraft
- Type of work you perform; such as high tech electrical issues, systems troubleshooting, etc
- Specializations such as; engines, electrical systems, systems testing
- Training; are you certified through a known school of aircraft training?
- Certification; how many certifications do you have and for which tasks?
- Registrations; which ones and from which program?
- Geographic location
3) How Much Do Average Aviation Maintenance Technicians Earn?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, options for aircraft mechanics advance more when an A&P certificate is held. Deep knowledge of cutting-edge technology as well as composite materials, computers and digital systems also provide for more opportunities in the future. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics – Occupational and Employment Wages Webpage, Aircraft Mechanics median wage was $55,210.00 in May 2012. Top Aircraft Mechanics earn more than $76,660.00 and the bottom 10 percent earn around $35,190.00.4) Ag Pilots Need Aerial Mechanics in High-Demand
Today’s crop-dusting business is completely different than what most remember. Today they are equipped with million-dollar turbine-engine planes, intricate GPS systems for planning the row flights and triggering the sprayers and well-trained, experienced pilots and mechanics. Today Ag pilots are also called “aerial applicators” and are no longer referred to as “crop dusters.” Thanks to a recent spike in farming, aerial-application is now a hot field. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, hours logged in by crop-dusters rose 29 percent from 2003 to 2007.5) Ag Planes are Equipped with State-of-the-Art Equipment
Recent technological developments such as aerial imaging, GPS swath guidance and prescription mapping with dispersal systems – have revolutionized the aerial-application industry. Planes are equipped with GPS systems that provide guidance accuracy within three feet while guiding the pilot using a light bar and an electronic mapping system.6) The Aircraft Aren’t Just Used for Pesticides
In areas prone to wildfires, aerial-application aircraft also serve double-duty as water bombers. This means aerial mechanics are utilized to keep emergency equipment in top condition.7) Aircraft Mechanics Also Learn To Work on Helicopters
8) Para-Gliders/Ultralight Aircraft need Maintenance/Repair
9) Certifications and Registrations Are Obtained Through Quality Training Programs
10. You Will Need High-Quality Training and Certifications
To speak with an admissions representative and apply for aviation career training, contact the Aviation Institute of Maintenance today. For more information about a career in the aircraft mechanic field, or to speak with an admissions representative and apply for aviation career training, contact the Aviation Institute of Maintenance today by visiting our Aircraft Mechanic School Programs Webpage. You can also learn more about the Aviation Institute of Maintenance at our Consumer Information Disclosure page, Your right to know.