The Craft of Aircraft Mechanics

Aircraft mechanics are employed throughout the aviation industry in a wide range of facilities designed to maintain light, rotary and large commercial aircraft. Aircraft mechanics inspect, maintain and repair airframe structures, engines, electronic and avionic systems.

The work is diverse, disciplined and highly regulated, both nationally and internationally. The aviation industry uses advanced technology and new aircraft, which with their increasing reliance on computerised flight control and aircraft management systems, means that the use of electronic and computer equipment is an important aspect of an aircraft mechanic’s skills.

Opportunities arise from time-to-time for promotion to supervisory level. Many people use an apprenticeship as a first step in proceeding to such occupations as instructors, teachers, training advisers, managers and owners of businesses.