How to Be Aircraft Paint Prep Technician/Painter - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jan 9, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The aircraft paint prep technician/painter is a skilled position that has a very important role in the aerospace industry. The aircraft paint prep technician is responsible for prepping the aircraft surface to ensure proper paint application, which is necessary for the preservation of the aircraft and the safety of the passengers. This requires the technician to sand, grind, and buff the aircraft surface to remove any imperfections, such as rust, dirt, and corrosion.

After the surface is properly prepped, the technician then applies the primer and paint onto the aircraft. The aircraft painter must also be knowledgeable in choosing the right type of paint and primer for each individual aircraft, which is necessary to ensure that the aircraft has proper protection from the elements. By having an aircraft paint prep technician/painter in place, it ensures that any aircraft receiving a new paint job will be safe and look great.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a High School diploma or GED equivalent. Many employers prefer applicants who have completed post-secondary education in a related field, such as aviation mechanics.
Enroll in an accredited Aircraft Painting Prep Technician/Painter program. These programs typically last one year and cover topics such as aircraft surface preparation and painting, aircraft materials, and safety practices.
Obtain on-the-job experience. Many employers prefer to hire experienced technicians. Aspiring Aircraft Paint Prep Technicians/Painters can gain experience through internships, apprenticeships, or simply volunteering to help paint aircrafts.
Pursue certification through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA offers certification for Aircraft Paint Prep Technicians/Painters that meets the requirements set by the Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA).
Maintain your certification. Certification must be renewed every two years. To do so, you must demonstrate a minimum of 32 hours of on-the-job experience during the previous two years.

Staying ahead and competent as an Aircraft Paint Prep Technician/Painter requires dedication and a commitment to lifelong learning. It is important to stay up to date with the latest trends and technologies in the industry, such as using the best quality materials and equipment, as well as proper safety procedures. taking advantage of available training and educational opportunities is crucial in order to stay ahead and maintain a high level of competency.

Developing strong communication skills and staying connected with other professionals in the field can also be beneficial in gaining the knowledge and experience needed to remain ahead in the industry. By continually striving to improve one's skills, an Aircraft Paint Prep Technician/Painter can ensure they are staying ahead and able to perform their job to the highest standard.

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Job Description

Clean and prepare aircraft surfaces for painting.
Use appropriate chemical solvents, polishes, and cleaners to remove dirt and contaminants from the aircraft surface.
Mask, tape, and/or cover areas not to be painted prior to painting.
Apply primers, base coats, and clear coats to the aircraft surface using appropriate spray equipment and techniques.
Mix and blend paints to the desired color and consistency.
Inspect painted surfaces for defects and make necessary corrections.
Maintain a clean and safe work area.
Perform routine maintenance on painting equipment.
Follow all safety rules and regulations.
Monitor and maintain an adequate supply of necessary materials for painting.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of aircraft painting techniques, materials and safety procedures.
Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and specifications.
Ability to use painting tools and equipment such as blasters, sanders, strippers, and paint guns.
Ability to measure, mix and apply primer and paint to aircraft surfaces.
Knowledge of airbrush techniques for detailing aircraft surfaces.
Ability to prepare surfaces for painting, including sanding, cleaning, masking and pre-treating.
Skill in using masking materials to protect areas that should not be painted.
Ability to accurately mix and match colors for painting aircraft surfaces.
Knowledge of aircraft decals, stencils and markings.
Ability to perform quality control checks on finished paint jobs.

Aircraft Paint Prep Technician/Painters must possess a wide range of skills and abilities to be successful in this field. Attention to detail and a high level of technical knowledge are essential, as any errors could cause significant damage to the aircraft. An understanding of regulations and safety protocols is also critical, as these help ensure the paint job is done correctly and safely.

Paint Prep Technicians/Painters must have excellent communication skills, as they will be required to interact with clients and other personnel on a regular basis. Finally, strong organizational skills are necessary, as an Aircraft Paint Prep Technician/Painter must be able to manage their time efficiently and work within tight deadlines. All of these skills are essential to the success of an Aircraft Paint Prep Technician/Painter, and without them, they would not be able to properly perform their job.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in aircraft paint preparation and painting?
Describe your knowledge and experience with aircraft coating systems.
How familiar are you with the safety requirements for aircraft painting?
How do you ensure that the surface you are preparing is ready for paint?
What techniques do you use to ensure an even and consistent finish on aircraft surfaces?
Describe a time when you had to troubleshoot an aircraft paint preparation issue.
What tools and equipment are you comfortable working with in aircraft paint prep and painting?
How do you stay up to date on the latest trends in aircraft painting technology?
Describe your experience with creating detailed written reports about aircraft paint preparation and painting jobs.
What strategies do you use to ensure a high-quality finish on aircraft surfaces?

Common Tools in Industry

Sander. A tool used to sand surfaces prior to painting, (eg: orbital sander).
Masking Tape. Used to mask off areas that should not be painted, (eg: low-tack tape).
Primer. A coating applied to the surface before painting, (eg: epoxy primer).
Paint Spray Gun. A tool used to apply paint to the aircraft, (eg: HVLP spray gun).
Paint Mixer. A tool used to mix paints and thinners together, (eg: electric mixer).
Heat Gun. Used to warm the surface prior to painting, (eg: infrared heat gun).
Putty Knife. Used to fill in cracks and gaps before painting, (eg: flexible putty knife).
Safety Gear. Necessary for protection when using any of the tools, (eg: goggles and respirator).

Professional Organizations to Know

National Association of Aircraft Painters and Finishers (NAAPF)
International Aerospace Coatings Association (IACA)
Aircraft Paint Suppliers Association (APSA)
Aerospace Industries Association (AIA)
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME)
National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET)
Society of Protective Coatings (SSPC)

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Common Important Terms

Abrasive Blasting. A process in which a stream of abrasive material is projected against a surface with a pressurized air gun or similar device to clean, prepare, or roughen the surface.
Masking. The process of covering areas that should not be painted or sprayed with a protective material such as tape or paper.
Primer. A material applied to a surface in order to provide a good base for the subsequent application of paint.
Sanding. The process of smoothing a surface by rubbing it with abrasive material such as sandpaper.
Solvent Cleaning. The process of using a solvent to remove dirt, grease, and other foreign substances from aircraft surfaces prior to painting.
Surface Preparation. The process of cleaning and preparing aircraft surfaces prior to painting.
Top Coat. The final coat of paint applied to an aircraft's exterior surface.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications must a person have to become an Aircraft Paint Prep Technician/Painter?

A person must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent and experience in the painting trade to become an Aircraft Paint Prep Technician/Painter. They must also be able to pass a background check and drug test, as well as demonstrate excellent craftsmanship and attention to detail.

What are the typical duties of an Aircraft Paint Prep Technician/Painter?

Typical duties of an Aircraft Paint Prep Technician/Painter include preparing the aircraft for painting, masking and sanding parts, mixing and matching paint colors, applying primers and sealers, and inspecting finished work. They must also be able to follow strict safety guidelines and use appropriate PPE when working.

What tools are used by an Aircraft Paint Prep Technician/Painter?

An Aircraft Paint Prep Technician/Painter typically uses a variety of tools such as sanders, grinders, paint guns, brushes, and scrapers. They must also have a good understanding of all applicable safety protocols when using these tools.

How long does it take to become a qualified Aircraft Paint Prep Technician/Painter?

It typically takes around 6-12 months of on-the-job training to become a qualified Aircraft Paint Prep Technician/Painter. During this time they will gain knowledge of aircraft paint systems and be trained in the use of tools and materials.

What are the benefits of becoming an Aircraft Paint Prep Technician/Painter?

Becoming an Aircraft Paint Prep Technician/Painter provides job stability and the opportunity to work with a wide variety of aircraft. This job also offers competitive wages and benefits including health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans.