Aviation service technicians perform scheduled maintenance and repair work on aircraft machinery, ensuring aircraft airframes and engines are maintained within Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards. They usually work in hangars, repair stations, and airfields. Aviation service technicians should be highly detail-oriented, thorough, and organized. They also should have the ability to understand complex engine specifications and equipment and have strong mechanical skills.
Sample job description
Aviation service technicians are critical to providing safe and high-quality repair work on various aircraft machinery. One of the most important roles of an aviation service technician is ensuring aircraft airframes and engines are aligned with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards. They achieve this by paying close attention to detail and understanding complex engine equipment and specifications. Aviation service technicians need to have strong mechanical skills to properly inspect, repair, and install different aircraft pieces. [Your Company Name] is looking to hire experienced aviation service technicians that are passionate about solving problems with the aircraft machinery we receive. If you have experience with aviation systems and different aircraft parts, we would love to have you as part of our company as an aviation service technician.
Typical duties and responsibilities
- Repair and install different aircraft components
- Examine aircraft to identify maintenance and repair issues
- Read and comprehend aircraft manuals to understand aircraft components
- Inspect completed work and ensure it matches standards
- Interpret and analyze data to identify performance issues
- Maintain accurate record of repairs
- Install software, hardware, and other components
Education and experience
This position may require an associate degree or an Airframe and Powerplant License certificate from a program approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Aviation systems and controls have also become more computerized and will require the appropriate background to operate.
Required skills and qualifications
- Physical stamina and strength
- Manual dexterity
- Keen attention to detail
- Knowledge of aviation technology and machinery
- Ability to comprehend complex documents, blueprints, sketches, and manuals
Preferred qualifications
- Experience working in aviation
- Strong mechanical skills
- Ability to work in a team to solve complex problems
- Extreme attention to detail
- Bachelor’s degree
Average salary and compensation
The average salary for an aviation service technician is 59,200 in the United States. Position salary will vary based on experience, education, company size, industry, and market.
| Location | Salary Low | Salary High |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix, Arizona | $58,900 | $79,650 |
| Los Angeles, California | $66,400 | $89,850 |
| Denver, Colorado | $55,350 | $74,900 |
| Washington, DC | $67,450 | $91,250 |
| Miami, Florida | $55,100 | $74,550 |
| Orlando, Florida | $50,800 | $68,750 |
| Tampa, Florida | $51,350 | $69,450 |
| Atlanta, Georgia | $53,850 | $72,850 |
| Chicago, Illinois | $61,900 | $83,750 |
| Boston, Massachusetts | $66,950 | $90,550 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota | $53,350 | $72,150 |
| New York City, New York | $70,450 | $95,300 |
| Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | $57,350 | $77,600 |
| Dallas, Texas | $55,850 | $75,550 |
| Houston, Texas | $55,350 | $74,900 |
| Seattle, Washington | $64,400 | $87,150 |
| National Average | $50,300 | $68,100 |
Typical work environment
Most aviation service technicians are found working in repair stations, hangars, and airfields near an airport. Aviation service technicians are expected to meet strict deadlines while following safety standards, so it isn’t uncommon for them to work overtime during weeknights and weekends. This work involves the individual working mainly independently, however, the environment can get loud with operating aircraft engines and equipment in the area, so it is important that aviation service technicians can stay focused amidst the noise.
Typical hours
Aircraft service technicians typically work during regular business hours, from 9 AM to 5 PM, in repair stations, shops, or airfields, usually near airports. Overtime and weekend work is common.
Available certifications
Most companies are looking for an aviation service technician that has demonstrated some expertise in the area. Check out the following certifications available for anyone interested in learning more about this particular field:
- Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT). This certificate is offered by several universities throughout the country to help prospective aviation service technicians to gain the proper training and skills needed to succeed in their position. This certification usually takes participants up to a year to complete since they are completing several courses, including Airframe Structures, Maintenance Practices, Aircraft Sciences, and Powerplant Fuel Systems. Earning this certificate will show future employers your passion for the business and your willingness to learn about these complex aircraft systems.
- Certified Professional Maintenance Manager (CPMM). The Association for Facilities Engineering offers this program for a variety of people looking to go into maintenance roles. This certification will ultimately help aviation service technicians maintain proper records while safely repairing various aircraft pieces. Participants will learn about maintenance management, documentation, health and safety in the workplace, maintenance planning and scheduling, and preventive maintenance. Earning this certificate will help you become efficient while taking care of different installments and repairs as an aviation service technician.
Career path
This position may require an associate degree or an Airframe and Powerplant License certificate from a program approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Aircraft service technicians may have the opportunity to advance to positions such as lead mechanic, lead inspector, and shop supervisor.
US, Bureau of Labor Statistics’ job outlook
SOC Code: 49-3011
| 2020 Employment | 130,100 |
| Projected Employment in 2030 | 145,400 |
| Projected 2020-2030 Percentage Shift | 12% increase |
| Projected 2020-2030 Numeric Shift | 15,300 increase |
Position trends
Air travel should significantly advance and expand in the coming years resulting in the demand for service technicians to maintain and repair machinery. The Aviation Technician Education Council offers professional knowledge and skill development opportunities such as certifications, programs, and webinars.
Sample interview questions
- What past experience do you have that will help you succeed as an aviation service technician?
- Why do you want to become an aviation service technician?
- What steps do you take to ensure proper documentation of different repairs and installments?
- What skills do you believe every aviation service technician should have?
- How do you go about conducting a test of operation on engines and other systems?
- What equipment and technology have you used in this position before?
- How often should you get fuel and oil samples to check for contamination?
- What do you do to ensure you are following FAA safety standards at all times?
- What experience do you have with replacing or repairing damaged components with hand tools and manual testing equipment?
- Tell me the process of disassembling an engine and inspecting it for corrosion or other potential issues.
- What kind of aviation machinery have you worked on in the past?
- How do you handle strict deadlines?
- What part of maintenance training do you perform the best in?
- Tell me about a time you overlooked a problem while inspecting a machine. How did you handle the situation?
- What methods do you use to check your work to ensure a machine is ready to operate?
- Describe the process you go through to inspect aviation machinery, including electrical, hydraulic, and other systems.
