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

Dec 11, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The maintenance of an aircraft is essential to its safe operation. A skilled and highly trained aircraft maintenance technician ensures that all aircraft systems and components are inspected, maintained, and repaired as necessary to guarantee the safety of the aircraft. This is especially important for aircraft that fly over long distances and in extreme weather conditions.

Failure to properly maintain an aircraft can lead to various issues, such as a malfunctioning engine, a loss of power, or a failure of other essential systems. In extreme cases, this could even lead to an accident. The maintenance technician plays an important role in avoiding such scenarios by ensuring that all components are checked regularly, and any problems are identified and repaired quickly.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or GED. Students interested in becoming a Flight Maintenance Technician should first obtain their high school diploma or GED. This is an important step to entering the field and will open up more opportunities in the future.
Pursue an Associates Degree or Certificate Program. The next step is to pursue an Associates Degree or Certificate Program in aviation technology, aviation maintenance, or aircraft maintenance technology. This will provide the student with the necessary skills and knowledge to become a Flight Maintenance Technician.
Obtain an FAA Certification. After completion of the program, students must obtain an FAA certification to work in the field. This certification is essential to becoming a Flight Maintenance Technician and will demonstrate the students knowledge and proficiency in the field.
Gain Experience. Once a student has obtained their FAA certification, they should begin gaining experience in the field. This can be done by applying for internships, volunteering, or working as a technician for an aviation company.
Maintain Certification. Flight Maintenance Technicians must keep up with their certification and stay up to date with the latest technology and regulations. They should also attend seminars and workshops to stay informed on new developments in the industry.

Staying ahead and capable as a Flight Maintenance Technician requires dedication to continuously learning new technology and staying informed of the newest aircraft systems. The aviation industry is constantly evolving and responding to new regulations, so it is important for Flight Maintenance Technicians to stay up-to-date on the latest advancements. Having a thorough understanding of the aircraft systems, being able to troubleshoot issues quickly and efficiently, and having a well-rounded knowledge of aircraft safety procedures are all essential for staying ahead and capable in the aircraft maintenance field.

regularly attending seminars, networking with other Flight Maintenance Technicians, and participating in trade shows are all great ways to stay informed of the latest industry trends. By staying ahead of the curve and learning the newest technology, Flight Maintenance Technicians can ensure they remain competent and ready to tackle any challenge they may face.

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Job Description

Inspect and repair aircraft components, including engines, landing gear, brakes, and electrical systems.
Perform periodic maintenance on aircraft, such as lubrication, fueling, and cleaning.
Diagnose and troubleshoot aircraft malfunctions.
Replace defective parts, such as seals and gaskets.
Operate specialized aircraft maintenance equipment and tools.
Conduct pre-flight and post-flight inspections of aircraft.
Complete routine paperwork related to aircraft maintenance.
Ensure all maintenance work is performed in accordance with safety regulations and quality standards.
Monitor aircraft performance and record data in maintenance logs and reports.
Liaise with other departments to ensure aircraft maintenance is completed efficiently.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of airframe and powerplant systems
Understanding of safety protocols
Ability to interpret maintenance manuals and schematics
Proficiency with tools and test equipment
Ability to troubleshoot and diagnose malfunctions
Excellent communication and record-keeping skills
Ability to work effectively in a team environment
Knowledge of FAA regulations and certifications
Ability to inspect and repair aircraft components
Knowledge of aircraft maintenance systems and processes

Being a Flight Maintenance Technician is an important and demanding job that requires a variety of skills and knowledge. One of the most important skills to have as a Flight Maintenance Technician is attention to detail. This skill is essential for ensuring aircraft are properly maintained and safe for passengers.

Without this attention to detail, the technician can miss potential safety issues that could put passengers and crew at risk. knowledge of aircraft systems, tools, and regulations is required in order to properly identify and diagnose aircraft problems to ensure they are fixed correctly. Finally, the ability to work well with others is necessary as Flight Maintenance Technicians often work in teams to complete tasks.

This skill helps foster a collaborative working environment and allows for efficient problem solving. By having these skills, Flight Maintenance Technicians can help ensure aircraft are safe and reliable for passengers.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in aviation maintenance?
What have been some of your most significant accomplishments in the field of flight maintenance?
In what ways have you gone above and beyond to ensure safety and operational excellence?
How do you stay current with aviation regulations and standards?
Describe a difficult maintenance problem you encountered, and how did you resolve it?
What techniques do you use to troubleshoot aircraft systems?
Have you ever had to make a difficult decision related to maintenance, and how did you handle it?
What challenges have you faced in your flight maintenance work, and how did you overcome them?
How do you ensure that all maintenance activities are completed correctly and on time?
What steps do you take to develop and maintain a safe work environment?

Common Tools in Industry

Multimeter. A measuring device used to measure voltage, resistance, and current. (Eg: To measure the voltage of an aircraft battery)
Torque Wrench. A tool used to tighten and loosen nuts and bolts with a specific amount of torque. (Eg: To tighten the propeller bolts on an airplane)
Aviation Snips. A tool used to cut and shape sheet metal. (Eg: To trim the edges of a sheet of aluminum for an aircraft fuselage)
Aerospace Drill Bits. A specialized set of drill bits designed to drill through hard metals such as titanium and stainless steel. (Eg: To drill through the frame of an aircraft)
Aviation Safety Wire. Specialized wire used to secure parts in place. (Eg: To secure a fuel line connector to an aircraft engine)
Avionics Test Equipment. Test equipment used to diagnose and troubleshoot aircraft avionics systems. (Eg: To test communication radios on an airplane)

Professional Organizations to Know

Aircraft Maintenance Technicians Association (AMTA)
Professional Aviation Maintenance Association (PAMA)
International Aircraft Technicians Association (IATA)
International Society of Air Safety Investigators (ISASI)
Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA)
National Air Transportation Association (NATA)
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA)
Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA)
National Business Aviation Association (NBAA)
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

We also have Avionics Flight Test Engineer, Aviation Safety Inspector (Aircraft Maintenance), and Flight Technician jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Aircraft Certification. The process of approving an aircraft for flight operations.
Airworthiness. The condition of an aircraft that allows it to be safely flown.
Avionics. Electronic systems used on aircraft, including communications, navigation, and autopilot systems.
Cables and Connectors. Cables used to transmit electrical signals between components of an aircraft.
Electrical Systems. Systems that provide power to various components of an aircraft.
Flight Instruments. Instruments that measure attitude, airspeed, altitude, and other data related to an aircrafts flight performance.
Hydraulic Systems. Systems that use pressurized fluid to power or control aircraft components.
Inspection. A process to ensure an aircraft is safe for flight operations.
Pneumatics. Systems that use pressurized gas to power or control aircraft components.
Troubleshooting. The process of diagnosing and repairing malfunctioning aircraft components.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications are needed to become a Flight Maintenance Technician?

To become a Flight Maintenance Technician, individuals must possess a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent, as well as complete an FAA certified repairman course and have experience in aircraft maintenance.

How long does it take to become a Flight Maintenance Technician?

The amount of time it takes to become a Flight Maintenance Technician varies depending on the individual and the type of training they receive, but typically it takes around one year.