Airplane mechanic technicians perform scheduled maintenance on helicopters and airplanes in addition to repairing them. Before they are allowed to measure parts for wear and tear and examine aircraft frames, airplane mechanic technicians must undergo training.
Training & Education
Airplane mechanic technician training schools should be certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Aspiring technicians can complete their education in one to two years, depending on the school. Technical schools in Michigan prepare students to work not only for the aviation industry, but for automotive systems, general transportation, electronics, and automated manufacturing technology as well. Furthermore, some technical schools in Michigan can have students prepared to enter the workforce in 20 months or less. While enrolled in an airplane mechanic technician training program, students often learn about advancing technology used on new airplanes. In order to know to repair turbine engines, aviation electronics and composite materials, future airplane mechanic technicians must have a background in electronics and composite materials.
Airplane mechanic technicians should also be well-versed in other subjects such as mathematics, chemical engineering and computer science as well as mechanical drawing. Aspiring technicians should know the principals behind operating an airplane. In order to know how to properly repair something, it’s necessary to first know how it works.
Mechanic technicians in Michigan or anywhere else who wish to advance in their career should first consider earning a bachelor’s degree in aviation technology or a closely related field.
Certification
In order to work as an airplane mechanic technician in Michigan or any other state, an individual must first be certified by the FAA. Those who aren’t certified can legally only perform maintenance on an aircraft while being supervised by a certified mechanic. There are different certifications for mechanic technicians who are airframe mechanics and those who are engine mechanics, but a majority of airlines would rather hire a mechanic technician with an Airframe and Powerplant certification. In order to be eligible for certification, applicants must at least be 18-years-old, English-speaking, have sufficient experience and successfully pass an exam.
Applicants who attended a technical school approved by the FAA can substitute their education for experience. Mechanics must undergo continued education every two years in addition to performing either a repair or inspection every three months.
Additional Qualities
In addition to education, there are certain essential attributes that airplane mechanic technicians should posses in order to perform their jobs to the best of their ability. Technicians often work high in the air, climb on airplanes and maintain their balance, so they should be light on their feet and not afraid of heights. A technician’s job calls for specification and exactness, so they should have an eye for detail and be able to follow instructions to the letter. Like all mechanics, technicians have to solve difficult problems and consider all available options, for that reason they should posses troubleshooting skills.
