What Does an Aviation Service Technician Do?
An aviation service technician performs routine inspections, servicing, and light maintenance on aircraft to ensure safety and airworthiness. Unlike aviation mechanics who handle in-depth repairs, service technicians focus on preventive care such as checking fluid levels, inspecting systems, replacing minor components, and preparing aircraft for flight.
These professionals work in hangars, on the flight line, or at maintenance stations. Their responsibilities help prevent equipment failures, reduce aircraft downtime, and ensure compliance with aviation safety regulations. Aviation service technicians play a vital role in keeping aircraft operational, particularly in fast-paced environments like commercial airlines, private fleets, and fixed-base operators (FBOs).
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Aviation Service Technician Core Responsibilities
- Perform pre-flight and post-flight inspections to ensure aircraft readiness
- Check and service fluid levels, including oil, hydraulic fluid, and oxygen
- Inspect and replace aircraft components such as tires, lights, and brake pads
- Conduct routine system tests for hydraulics, avionics, and electrical components
- Identify and report maintenance issues or potential safety concerns
- Complete maintenance documentation in accordance with FAA regulations
- Ensure ground support equipment is used safely and properly maintained
- Collaborate with mechanics, pilots, and maintenance supervisors
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Familiarity with aircraft systems, including hydraulics, electrical, and landing gear
- Basic diagnostic and troubleshooting capabilities
- Ability to read maintenance manuals and interpret technical schematics
- Proficiency with hand tools and testing equipment
Soft skills
- Strong attention to detail and safety procedures
- Clear communication and teamwork on the tarmac and in hangars
- Time management and ability to prioritize tasks under pressure
- Dependability and readiness to work varying shifts
Educational requirements
- High school diploma or GED required
- Technical training in aviation maintenance or equivalent military experience preferred
Certifications
- FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification preferred, but not always required
- OSHA safety or ground handling certifications are beneficial
Preferred Qualifications
- 1–3 years of experience in aviation maintenance or ground support
- Familiarity with commercial or private aviation environments
- Experience with aircraft maintenance tracking systems (e.g., CAMP, Trax)
- Military aviation service background or technical school graduate
- Valid driver’s license and ramp/tarmac operation training
National Average Salary
Aviation service technician salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for an Aviation Service Technician is:
$74,365
Sample Job Description Templates for Aviation Service Technicians
Entry-Level Aviation Service Technician
Position Overview
An entry-level aviation service technician supports aircraft readiness by performing basic inspections and routine servicing. This hands-on role is designed for individuals starting their aviation maintenance careers, often while receiving on-the-job training or pursuing certification.
Entry-Level Aviation Service Technician Responsibilities
- Assist with pre- and post-flight inspections under supervision
- Check and replenish fluid levels (oil, hydraulic fluid, oxygen)
- Replace simple components such as light bulbs and filters
- Clean aircraft exteriors, interiors, and ground service areas
- Learn aircraft systems, servicing protocols, and safety procedures
- Document tasks and report findings to certified technicians
Requirements
Hard skills
- Basic understanding of aircraft systems and maintenance procedures
- Familiarity with hand tools and standard aviation ground support equipment
Soft skills
- Strong work ethic and willingness to learn
- Dependable and safety-conscious
- Ability to follow detailed instructions
Educational requirements
- High school diploma or GED
Certifications
- None required, though enrollment in aviation maintenance school is a plus
Preferred Qualifications
- Internship or experience at an FBO, hangar, or ramp operation
- Exposure to flight line safety and aircraft servicing basics
- Military or vocational training in aviation
Certified Aviation Service Technician
Position Overview
A certified aviation service technician performs independent inspections and servicing on aircraft in compliance with FAA and company standards. This technician is capable of handling a wide range of preventative maintenance duties with minimal supervision.
Certified Aviation Service Technician Responsibilities
- Perform scheduled pre- and post-flight inspections and servicing
- Replace worn components and ensure aircraft fluid levels are within spec
- Use diagnostic tools to assess avionics and basic mechanical systems
- Complete required FAA-compliant maintenance logs and reports
- Ensure ground equipment is operated safely and effectively
- Communicate with pilots, mechanics, and dispatch teams on aircraft readiness
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency with aircraft systems servicing and basic troubleshooting
- Skilled in using testing devices, meters, and service carts
Soft skills
- Clear communicator and team collaborator
- High attention to safety protocols and compliance
- Self-directed and able to meet service timelines
Educational requirements
- High school diploma or GED
Certifications
- FAA Airframe and/or Powerplant certification strongly preferred
- OSHA or ramp safety certification is beneficial
Preferred Qualifications
- 2+ years of aircraft servicing or aviation maintenance experience
- Familiarity with aircraft maintenance tracking systems (e.g., CAMP)
- Experience servicing turbine or piston aircraft
Lead/Shift Aviation Service Technician
Position Overview
A lead or shift aviation service technician manages the daily workflow of service staff, ensuring high safety standards and aircraft readiness across a defined shift. They provide technical guidance, task delegation, and oversight of inspection quality.
Lead/Shift Aviation Service Technician Responsibilities
- Assign and monitor tasks for junior service technicians
- Conduct or oversee pre/post-flight servicing and fluid checks
- Provide guidance on safety compliance and servicing procedures
- Troubleshoot servicing or turnaround issues on the ramp
- Review and verify completed service documentation
- Liaise with maintenance supervisors and flight operations staff
Requirements
Hard skills
- Expertise in aircraft servicing and turnaround processes
- Knowledge of FAA maintenance documentation and standards
- Familiarity with fueling operations and ramp logistics
Soft skills
- Strong leadership and mentorship ability
- Effective time management and shift coordination
- Calm decision-making in time-sensitive scenarios
Educational requirements
- High school diploma or GED
Certifications
- FAA A&P certification preferred
- Team lead or shift supervisor training is a plus
Preferred Qualifications
- 3–5 years of aviation service technician experience
- Experience managing service teams or shift scheduling
- Familiarity with both fixed-wing and rotary aircraft service requirements
Contract Aviation Service Technician
Position Overview
A contract aviation service technician provides aircraft servicing on a temporary or project basis. This flexible role supports short-term operational needs, often in fast-paced environments such as seasonal operations, charters, or maintenance catch-up projects.
Contract Aviation Service Technician Responsibilities
- Complete scheduled aircraft servicing and inspections as assigned
- Adapt quickly to new protocols and aircraft models
- Document work in accordance with client or FAA standards
- Operate ground support equipment and maintain ramp safety
- Communicate progress and issues with on-site supervisors
Requirements
Hard skills
- Versatility in servicing a range of aircraft systems
- Familiarity with ramp equipment and basic avionics or fluid servicing
Soft skills
- Adaptability to new teams and systems
- Self-motivated and deadline-oriented
- Strong communication in varied work environments
Educational requirements
- High school diploma or GED
Certifications
- FAA A&P license preferred, but not always required
- Ramp or airport safety training preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 2+ years of experience in general, commercial, or charter aviation servicing
- Previous contract or project-based aviation work
- Willingness to travel or work irregular shifts