Aircraft Engine Specialists
Description OES Code: 85326
Power Plant (A&P) Mechanics work on the "power plant", which stands for the engines and propellers (if used) of the aircraft.

Wages, California
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $13.42
25th Percentile $15.94
50th Percentile $20.24
75th Percentile $24.13

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

Hours & Benefits
Airlines and independent aircraft repair companies offer paid holidays and vacation time, health and life insurance plans, sick leave, profit sharing, and retirement pensions in varying degrees. Airlines also extend flight benefits in the form of free or reduced air transportation to employees and their families.

Employment Trends by California County

Working Conditions
Some Mechanics work out on the field on "flight lines" where aircraft park in order to make emergency repairs. Conditions can be hot or cold, depending on the weather. Others work inside hangars and in repair shops that afford good lighting, heat, and air conditioning. A major discomfort of the job is caused by the noise from power tools and from aircraft in the process of testing, taking off, and landing. Minor scratches and skinned knuckles from tool slippage are the most frequent injuries in this work. Burns from welding equipment and hot engine surfaces, and falls from ladders or scaffolds are less common.

Flight line jobs at airports can be physically demanding. Work often requires climbing on ladders or scaffolds, crawling under wings, or fitting into tight spaces. Lifting parts and materials up to 50 pounds is sometimes required. Work must often be performed under time pressure to maintain airline flight schedules. At the same time, Aircraft Mechanics cannot sacrifice high work standards to speed up the job.

Advancement
As Aircraft Mechanics gain experience, they can advance to lead mechanic, crew chief, inspector, or shop supervisor. In the airlines, where promotion is often determined by examination, supervisors may advance to executive positions. Some transfer to larger airlines.

Getting the Job & Other Information
Aircraft Mechanics usually contact employers directly either in person or by resume. Firms which hire in this occupation include commercial airlines, aircraft and parts manufacturers, aircraft service and maintenance companies, and large businesses with their own fleets of planes. Some Aircraft Mechanics work for the federal government as non-military workers at large military bases. Private firms are listed in the yellow pages under Airlines and Aircraft Servicing and Maintenance.

For a list of current job listing, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Education and Training
Most airlines and general aviation firms require an Airframe and Power Plant (A&P) certificate from the FAA. Aircraft Mechanics who are not certified must work under the supervision of a certified mechanic who can sign approval of the work before the aircraft or its equipment is considered airworthy.

Applicants for various certificates must meet knowledge, skill, and experience requirements for repairing, servicing and inspecting specific parts of the aircraft. Aircraft Mechanics usually learn the work by attending a school certified by the FAA for 14 to 24 months. A Mechanic with an airframe, power plant or airframe and power plant (A&P) rating can work only on the specific parts of the aircraft for which he or she is rated.

To be eligible for the FAA certificate examinations, a candidate must have 18 months experience in either airframe or power plant work, or a combination of 30 months in both. Related military service may be used to meet certification requirements. Courses in math, physics, chemistry, electronics, computer science, and mechanical drawing are helpful for students wanting to enter the field. A list of aviation maintenance technician schools that offer certificate programs and other useful references may be obtained from the U.S. Government Printing Office.

Skills & Other Requirements
Important skills, knowledge, and abilities for Aircraft Mechanics include:

* Installation - Correctly installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs.
* Equipment Selection - Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
* Repairing - Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
* Problem Identification - Identifying the nature of problems.
* Troubleshooting - Determining what is causing an operating error and deciding what to do about it.
* Equipment Maintenance - Performing routine maintenance and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
* Product Inspection - Inspecting and evaluating the quality of products.
* Testing - Conducting tests to decide whether equipment, software, or procedures are working as expected.
* Mathematics - Using math to solve problems.
* Manual Dexterity - The ability to quickly make coordinated movements of one hand, a hand together with its arm, or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
* Arm-Hand Steadiness - The ability to keep the hand and arm steady while making an arm movement or while holding the arm and hand in one position.

References
California Occupational Guide #339

Related Occupations: Automobile Mechanics, Bus & Truck Mechanics

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)