Career Profile: Aircraft Mechanic	Home	Español
		Informal perspective of what an occupation might be like.

What I Do: A pilot usually gets all the credit for a safe flight. But if it weren’t for mechanics like me, flying wouldn’t be safe for anyone! By law, every part of an airplane must be inspected regularly. My team specializes in engine maintenance (other teams of mechanics check the breaks, landing gear, electrical systems, and so forth). We remove the engine from the aircraft and take it apart. Using special instruments, we identify parts that are worn or cracked. We make necessary repairs, then test the engine once again before we certify that it’s good to go.

Best and Hardest Parts of My Job: As a mechanic for a major airline, I never forget that hundreds of lives are at stake every time I inspect an engine. Even the tiniest crack in the smallest part can cause a disaster. And, with so many planes to inspect, the stress can be intense. Unlike other jobs, though, I know that mine really matters. I take great pride in the work I do and the part I play in keeping passengers safe.

How I Got Started: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has strict requirements for aircraft mechanics. I went to an FAA-accredited trade school for two years and earned a degree in aviation maintenance management. I had to pass a test to demonstrate my competency before I could receive my FAA certification and be hired by an airline. In order to keep my certification, I have to attend sixteen hours of training every two years. I don’t mind, though, because ongoing training makes me a better mechanic.