How to Be Aviation Maintenance Technician (Aircraft Cleaner) - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Dec 17, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The Aviation Maintenance Technician is a crucial role in the aviation industry, ensuring the safety and maintenance of aircraft. The Aviation Maintenance Technician is responsible for performing pre-flight inspections, cleaning and servicing the aircraft, and ensuring all safety protocols are followed. The Aviation Maintenance Technician's job is essential in making sure that flights are safe and secure.

A clean aircraft is important in order to ensure that all parts are functioning properly and that there are no unforeseen issues. When an aircraft is not properly cleaned and serviced, it can lead to mechanical issues, potential malfunctions, and can even cause accidents. A clean airplane is important for passenger safety and for the safety of flight crew.

Proper cleaning and maintenance of aircraft is necessary for the continued safe operation of the aircraft and for the safety of all those on board.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Having a high school diploma is the minimum educational requirement to become an aviation maintenance technician.
Obtain a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Aircraft Cleaner Certificate. This requires completing an FAA-approved training program and passing an FAA written and practical examination.
Work as an aircraft cleaner. After obtaining the necessary FAA certification, you can work as an aircraft cleaner for any company that needs your services.
Become familiar with commercial aircraft cleaning techniques. As a cleaner, you must have a good understanding of the various cleaning techniques used for different types of aircraft.
Be aware of safety protocols and regulations. As an aircraft cleaner, you must understand and follow safety protocols and FAA regulations to ensure the safety of passengers, crew, and the aircraft itself.
Have a general knowledge of airplane components. You should have a basic understanding of airplane components and be able to identify different parts of an airplane.

Maintaining a current and qualified Aviation Maintenance Technician (Aircraft Cleaner) status is essential for safety and regulation compliance in the aviation industry. Staying up-to-date on Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and safety requirements is key, as these are constantly changing. Regularly attending safety seminars and refresher courses can help ensure that technicians are working within the parameters of the law.

it is important to stay abreast of new technologies and techniques that may improve efficiency and safety. Keeping records up-to-date and ensuring that all certifications are current is also necessary to ensure compliance. well-informed and regularly trained technicians help to ensure the safety and well-being of passengers and crew, creating a safer flying experience for everyone.

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Job Description

Ensure aircraft are cleaned to the highest standard, inside and out.
Vacuum, wash, polish, and wax aircraft interior and exterior surfaces.
Remove and replace cabin components, carpets, and seat covers as needed.
Clean and organize aircraft storage compartments.
Ensure all windows, mirrors, and glass are free of smudges and streaks.
Perform aircraft interior inspections for signs of damage or contamination.
Utilize cleaning agents and materials approved for aircraft use.
Follow all safety protocols, including wearing proper protective gear.
Maintain a clean and organized work area.
Report any mechanical or structural issues to the proper personnel.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Ability to read, interpret and follow written instructions in English
Ability to maintain a high level of attention to detail and accuracy
Knowledge of aircraft cleaning techniques and materials
Knowledge of the airlines safety and security requirements
Physical fitness and strength to work in confined areas in a timely and safe manner
Ability to stand, bend and reach for extended periods of time
Ability to lift a minimum of 50 pounds
Ability to work safely in a variety of weather conditions
Working knowledge of general aircraft maintenance procedures
Good communication skills to interact with coworkers and supervisors

Having the ability to stay organized is an essential skill for an Aviation Maintenance Technician (Aircraft Cleaner). Without a strong organizational system, it can be difficult to track the progress of aircraft maintenance and repair. Furthermore, it is important to ensure that all materials and tools are in the right place and in good condition.

This allows technicians to easily find the components they need, complete tasks quickly and efficiently, and reduce the risk of accidents. having knowledge of the aviation industry, including regulations and safety procedures, is necessary for an Aviation Maintenance Technician (Aircraft Cleaner) to successfully complete their job. Finally, having strong problem-solving skills helps technicians to quickly identify and resolve any issues that arise during aircraft maintenance and repair.

All of these skills are essential for an Aviation Maintenance Technician (Aircraft Cleaner) to successfully complete their job and ensure that aircraft are safe and in optimal working condition.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in aircraft cleaning?
How familiar are you with aviation safety procedures?
How would you handle a situation where the aircraft needs to be cleaned quickly due to an unexpected delay?
What techniques do you use to ensure that aircraft interiors are cleaned thoroughly?
Describe a time when you had to work with a difficult customer regarding aircraft cleaning.
Have you ever had to troubleshoot a problem related to aircraft cleaning?
What do you consider the most important safety considerations when cleaning an aircraft?
Describe a time when you had to prioritize multiple aircraft cleaning tasks.
What methods do you use to stay organized while cleaning an aircraft?
How do you stay up-to-date with the latest aircraft cleaning techniques and regulations?

Common Tools in Industry

Vacuum Cleaner. A device used to remove dirt and dust from surfaces. (e. g. : Shop-Vac)
Microfiber Towel. A soft, absorbent cloth used for wiping surfaces clean. (e. g. : Norwex Microfiber Towel)
Soap and Water Solution. A combination of soap and water used to clean surfaces. (e. g. : Dawn Dishwashing Liquid)
Mop. A tool used to clean floors with a liquid cleaning solution. (e. g. : Rubbermaid Reveal Mop)
Brush. A tool used to scrub away dirt and grime from surfaces. (e. g. : Stiff Bristled Brush)
Polish. A product used to make surfaces shine. (e. g. : Meguiars Ultimate Polish)
Polishing Cloth. A cloth used to apply polish and buff surfaces to a shine. (e. g. : Microfiber Polishing Cloth)
Scrubber. A tool used to remove tough dirt and grime from surfaces. (e. g. : Scotch-Brite Heavy Duty Scrubber)
Window Cleaner. A product used to clean windows and glass surfaces. (e. g. : Windex Glass Cleaner)
Disinfectant. A cleaning solution used to kill germs and bacteria on surfaces. (e. g. : Lysol Disinfectant Spray)

Professional Organizations to Know

Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA)
Aircraft Maintenance Technicians Association (AMTA)
Aviation Maintenance Council (AMC)
International Aviation Maintenance Association (IAMA)
Professional Aviation Maintenance Association (PAMA)
Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA)
International Federation of Airworthiness (IFALPA)
Air Transport Association (ATA)
International Air Transport Association (IATA)
National Business Aviation Association (NBAA)

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Common Important Terms

Aircraft Cleaning. The process of removing dirt, dust and grime from an aircrafts exterior and interior surfaces.
Decontamination. The process of removing hazardous materials from an aircrafts interior and exterior surfaces.
Aircraft Maintenance. The process of inspecting, repairing, and servicing aircraft components to ensure safety and reliability.
Aircraft Refueling. The process of refueling an aircraft with the proper fuel for flight.
Aviation Safety. The practice of reducing risk in commercial and general aviation operations by following established safety procedures and protocols.
Flight Line Safety. The practice of ensuring that personnel and equipment are following all safety protocols when working on or near an active aircraft.
Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs). Regulations set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to govern the operation of aircraft in US airspace.
Aviation Weather. The study of weather phenomena and its effects on aviation operations.
Aeronautical Chart Reading. The practice of interpreting aeronautical charts to determine altitude, airspeed, and other important information for aircraft operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What experience and qualifications are required to become an Aviation Maintenance Technician? A1: Aviation Maintenance Technicians typically need to have a high school diploma or GED, as well as a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification. Most employers also require at least two years of relevant experience in aircraft maintenance or repair. Q2: What type of aircraft do Aviation Maintenance Technicians typically work on? A2: Aviation Maintenance Technicians typically work on a variety of aircraft types, including piston- or turbine-powered regional and commercial aircraft, helicopters, military aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Q3: What duties does an Aviation Maintenance Technician commonly perform? A3: Common duties of an Aviation Maintenance Technician include inspecting aircraft components and identifying any necessary repairs, servicing and cleaning aircraft systems, performing maintenance on engines, and conducting regular test flights. Q4: How often do Aviation Maintenance Technicians need to renew their FAA A&P licenses? A4: Aviation Maintenance Technicians must renew their FAA A&P licenses every two years by completing continuing education courses that cover federal regulations and safety procedures. Q5: What safety measures should Aviation Maintenance Technicians take when cleaning an aircraft? A5: Aviation Maintenance Technicians should be sure to wear appropriate safety gear, including eye protection, gloves, and a respirator mask, when cleaning an aircraft. They should also make sure to avoid using any harsh chemicals that could damage the aircraft's exterior or interior surfaces.