How to Be Aerospace Maintenance Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Aug 3, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Aerospace maintenance technicians play a vital role in the aerospace industry, as their work ensures the safe and efficient operation of aircraft. Without their expertise, these aircraft would be unable to safely transport passengers and cargo. The maintenance technician is responsible for inspecting, repairing, and maintaining aircraft components, such as engines, landing gear, airframes, and electrical systems.

They must have a thorough understanding of all components and systems, as well as the ability to troubleshoot and repair any malfunctions or damages. In addition to technical skills, they must also have knowledge of safety protocols, regulations, and procedures related to aircraft. By performing their duties, aerospace maintenance technicians help ensure the safety of both passengers and crew members as they travel in the skies.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a High School Diploma or GED. The first step to becoming an Aerospace Maintenance Technician is to obtain a high school diploma or GED. Depending on the state you live in, certain certifications may be necessary to become an Aerospace Maintenance Technician.
Pursue Postsecondary Education. While not necessary to become an Aerospace Maintenance Technician, postsecondary education can be beneficial for those interested in the field. Associates degree or certificate programs in aeronautical technology or related fields can provide students with the technical knowledge and experience needed to pursue a career in aerospace maintenance.
Obtain Certification. Obtaining certification is one of the most important steps for aspiring Aerospace Maintenance Technicians. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) offers certification for those interested in specializing in aircraft maintenance. There are also other organizations that offer certifications, such as the National Center for Aerospace and Transportation Technologies (NCATT).
Get On-the-Job Training. On-the-job training is necessary for those looking to become an Aerospace Maintenance Technician. OJT can be obtained through internships, apprenticeships, or through direct employment with an aerospace company.
Get Licensed. Depending on the state you live in, you may need to obtain a license in order to work as an Aerospace Maintenance Technician. Licensing requirements vary from state to state, so it is important to research the licensing requirements in your state.

Staying ahead and capable as an Aerospace Maintenance Technician requires dedication and hard work. To stay ahead, it is important to stay up to date on the latest advancements in the industry, including new technologies, materials, and processes. Keeping abreast of these developments will help you to better understand and troubleshoot problems quickly.

it is important to continually update your skill set and knowledge base, which can be done through attending seminars, taking classes, and studying technical manuals. Finally, having an attitude of being open to learning new things and being willing to take on challenging tasks will help to ensure that you remain a valuable asset to your employer. When all of these elements come together, an Aerospace Maintenance Technician will remain capable and competitive in their field.

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Job Description

Conduct and document inspections, preventive maintenance, and repair of aircraft components and systems.
Troubleshoot aircraft systems, identify and replace faulty components, and perform repairs to ensure airworthiness.
Inspect completed maintenance tasks to ensure accuracy and conformity to specifications.
Provide technical guidance and instruction to other technicians.
Monitor and maintain all logbooks, records, and documentation associated with aircraft maintenance activities.
Attend technical training courses and seminars to ensure up-to-date knowledge of relevant maintenance practices.
Perform unscheduled maintenance on aircraft components according to established procedures and standards.
Test and diagnose aircraft systems using specialized test equipment.
Perform quality assurance checks to ensure maintenance activities are performed to industry quality standards.
Maintain a clean and organized work environment including tools, parts, and aircraft components.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Ability to troubleshoot and diagnose complex technical problems.
Knowledge of aircraft systems and components.
Strong mechanical and electrical aptitude.
Proficiency in the use of precision measuring tools and test equipment.
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical manuals.
Knowledge of airworthiness regulations and safety standards.
Familiarity with quality control and inspection procedures.
Ability to work independently and in teams.
Good communication and organizational skills.
Proficiency in computer software applications related to maintenance and repair tasks.

The most important skill for an Aerospace Maintenance Technician is the ability to troubleshoot and diagnose complex issues. This skill requires a comprehensive understanding of mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems, as well as a thorough knowledge of aerospace industry standards. Without this knowledge, technicians would be unable to accurately identify the root cause of an issue, leading to costly delays and incorrect repairs.

Furthermore, an understanding of the principles of aviation safety is essential for the technician to ensure that any repairs are performed in accordance with safety regulations. Finally, strong communication and problem solving skills are critical for effectively communicating with other personnel and identifying solutions. By having all these skills, an Aerospace Maintenance Technician can ensure a safe and efficient maintenance process.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with aircraft maintenance?
Describe a situation where you had to troubleshoot an aircraft malfunction.
What qualifications do you have that make you the right candidate for this Aerospace Maintenance Technician role?
How do you stay current on changes and updates in the aerospace industry?
How do you ensure quality control when completing maintenance tasks?
What safety standards do you adhere to when servicing aircraft?
What are your thoughts on using computers to manage maintenance tasks?
Tell me about a time when you had to work on a tight deadline.
What strategies do you use to stay organized and efficient?
How would you handle a difficult situation with a customer or colleague?

Common Tools in Industry

Screwdriver. A tool used for turning screws and other fasteners, such as nails. (eg: Phillips head screwdriver)
Wrenches. Tools used for gripping and turning nuts, bolts, and other fasteners. (eg: adjustable wrench)
Pliers. A tool used to grip and hold objects firmly. (eg: needle nose pliers)
Socket Sets. A set of tools that are used to tighten or loosen nuts and bolts. (eg: ratcheting socket set)
Torque Wrenches. A tool used to apply a specific amount of torque to a fastener. (eg: dial torque wrench)
Hammers. A tool used to drive nails, break apart materials, and shape metal. (eg: ball peen hammer)
Scrapers. A tool used to scrape away excess material or paint. (eg: utility knife)
Drills. A tool used to make holes in materials. (eg: cordless drill)
Grinders. A tool used to shape or sharpen metal and other materials. (eg: angle grinder)
Impact Drivers. A tool used to drive screws into materials with a hammering action. (eg: cordless impact driver)

Professional Organizations to Know

Aircraft Electronics Association
Aircraft Maintenance Technicians Association
Airline Mechanics Fraternal Association
American Association of Airport Executives
American Association of State Aviation Officials
Aviation Technician Education Council
Experimental Aircraft Association
International Air Transport Association
National Air Transportation Association
Society of Automotive Engineers International

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Common Important Terms

Aircraft Maintenance. The inspection, repair, and servicing of aircraft or aircraft components in order to ensure airworthiness and safety.
Avionics Maintenance. The maintenance, repair, and installation of avionics systems on aircraft.
Structural Maintenance. The inspection, repair, and alteration of an aircraft's structure, such as its fuselage, wings, tail, and landing gear.
Powerplant Maintenance. The inspection, repair, and servicing of aircraft engines and propellers.
Systems Maintenance. The maintenance of an aircraft's systems, such as its electrical, hydraulic, fuel, and other systems.
Maintenance Records. Documentation of all maintenance work performed on an aircraft.
FARs (Federal Aviation Regulations). Regulations issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that outline maintenance requirements for aircraft.
Maintenance Manuals. Documents that provide detailed instructions on how to maintain specific aircraft components or systems.
Troubleshooting. The process of diagnosing and resolving issues with an aircraft's components or systems.
Logbooks. Documentation of all maintenance work performed on an aircraft, as well as its flight history.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the job of an Aerospace Maintenance Technician?

An Aerospace Maintenance Technician is responsible for performing inspections, repairs, and preventive maintenance on aircraft and related components.

What qualifications are necessary to become an Aerospace Maintenance Technician?

To become an Aerospace Maintenance Technician, individuals typically need to have an FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification as well as a high school diploma or equivalent.

What kind of tasks does an Aerospace Maintenance Technician perform?

Aerospace Maintenance Technicians typically perform tasks such as inspecting, repairing, and replacing aircraft components, performing preventive maintenance checks and services, and troubleshooting aircraft systems.

What tools are used by Aerospace Maintenance Technicians?

Aerospace Maintenance Technicians commonly use tools such as wrenches, screwdrivers, and other specialized tools to complete their job.

Are there any safety protocols that Aerospace Maintenance Technicians must follow?

Yes, Aerospace Maintenance Technicians must adhere to safety protocols such as using proper personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses, protective gloves, and helmets, and following standard safety procedures when working with aircraft components.