How to Decide on a Career in Aviation Maintenance

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By txron, eHow Member

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Decide on a Career in Aviation Maitenance

Do you have good mechanical ability? Are you fascinated by airplanes? Do you enjoy flying? If so, you may consider a career in the field of aviation maintenance. Becoming an aviation maintenance technician (AMT) can lead to a multitude of opportunities in the exciting and dynamic world of aviation. It can also lead to other fields of work, even outside of aviation. Travel, flexible work schedules and continued training are some of the many benefits enjoyed by AMTs. As with any career field, you are limited only by your ambition and desire to succeed and excel.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Airframe & Powerplant license (A&P)
good work ethic
willingness to relocate
desire to succeed
A good basic set of hand tools to begin

Step 1
QUALIFICATIONS:

You must first obtain an Airframe & Powerplant license from the FAA. A college degree is not needed however it may be required for advancement.

There are many schools across the country that offer A&P training. Some colleges offer it as part of a degree program. Even a few high schools offer this training, usually through a local community college. The costs can vary widely, with the schools that specialize in A&P training being more expensive. The training must follow FAA guidelines so the training material will be similar whether at a specialized school or community college, the difference being the specialized schools may have more experienced instructors and a greater number of teaching aids.

Some subject matter taught in A&P training are:
**Aerodynamics
**FARs (Federal Aviation Regulations)
**Propulsion (piston, turboprop and jet engines)
**Structures (wood, metal tube, aluminum, composite)
**Electrical systems
**Hydraulic/pneumatic/vacuum/anti-ice systems
**Fuel systems
**Instrumentation
**air conditioning/heating systems
**Landing gear
**Repair and maintenance techniques

After completing the required courses with a passing grade, there are 3 FAA tests that must be taken. Written, oral, and practical tests are given by an FAA examiner to determine your knowledge of the subject matter. An A&P license is issued after passing these tests.

Once you earn an A&P license and start working as an AMT, where you received your training will not be as important as your abilities as a technician. While previous mechanical experience is certainly helpful, many A&P students who start with little mechanical background become excellent technicians. You are limited only by your desire to learn and be your best.

It is possible to work as an AMT without an A&P license but it will mean working under the supervision of a licensed technician (one who is willing to supervise you), at a repair station that allows non-licensed technicians or at a manufacturer. This may mean slightly lower pay than if you had an A&P. Obtaining an A&P will certainly open many more doors to you.

Many schools have placement services available for their graduates and at times, repair stations and even airlines may recruit AMTs.
Step 2
THE WORK:

The work that AMTs do can vary widely. Aircraft, from a small single engine trainer to a large jumbo jet, are all carefully engineered and constructed to be strong yet lightweight and require specially trained personnel to maintain them in top flying condition.

AMTs work is governed by the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) which is part of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFRs). All work performed on an aircraft is documented and becomes a part of the aircrafts records. Each aircraft has its own maintenance manual and all work must conform to this manual. In addition, there may be engineering documents, service bulletins and airworthiness directives (issued by the FAA) that are all legal documents which an AMT can use to perform work on an aircraft. It is possible that an AMT could be subject to legal repercussions if the work they do is improper (such as signing for work that was not performed or not following the manual). An AMT must be diligent and do his/her work using accepted practices and according to proper documents.

An AMT may do a quick check (inspection) one day and change an engine the next. Large, complex aircraft can require constant maintenance and AMTs must be trained and ready to troubleshoot and repair a myriad of potential problems at a moments notice. Many facilities have groups of technicians who do specialized work on an aircraft such as avionics, composite repair, sheetmetal or structural repair, interior repair etc.

Physically, the work AMTs do isn't difficult but it can be physically demanding. Climbing work stands or ladders, crawling into tight spaces carrying tools, equipment and parts may not be hard by themselves but combined with bad weather, late night or early morning hours and a looming deadline could result in injury to personnel or damage to an aircraft if care is not taken.
Step 3
THE WORK (cont'd):

Most AMTs work in a hangar environment that can range from a small, one airplane shop to a huge maintenance facility with multiple bays (lines) of large aircraft.

Line maintenance AMTs work outside on the flight line or gate to do maintenance on an as needed basis to keep an aircraft airworthy.

Shop AMTs generally do specialized work inside a shop, which can be a part of hangar maintenance or a separate repair station facility that specializes in component repair.

Aviation is a 24/7/365 industry and usually requires maintenance personnel to work many varied shifts including nights, weekends and holidays. Work must also be carried out at times of inclement weather for line and many hangar technicians.

Many facilities follow a seniority system that allows personnel to bid (or choose) their shift and days off in the order of their date of hire, meaning long time employees can choose a good shift and days off while junior employees have less to choose from, often a less desirable shift. Another downside is if an AMT decides to leave one company for another his seniority doesn't carry to the new company meaning he/she will have to start at the bottom of the seniority list and many times on the bottom of the pay scale even though they have years of experience. Union membership may be required.

Some AMT jobs require travel to perform needed maintenance.

A few AMTs work their entire career at one company but most will have worked for several companies in their career. Being flexible and willing to relocate will greatly improve your ability to remain employed.
Step 4
SOME PLACES TO WORK:

GENERAL AVIATION is a broad term and includes everything from small single engine aircraft to large corporate jets flown in non scheduled service. Work for AMTs in general aviation can range from a small, single plane shop performing scheduled inspections and minor maintenance and repair on light aircraft to a full service repair station servicing a variety of different aircraft at once. General aviation is where many AMTs get their start and its an excellent way to gain experience on a number of aircraft. An experienced AMT can freelance his services directly to aircraft owners or repair facilities.

CORPORATE AVIATION is a part of general aviation that specializes in the maintenance of larger piston, turboprop and jet powered aircraft. These aircraft are usually manufactured, painted and furnished specifically for a corporate owner and are kept in top condition. The interiors can be lavish and the exteriors kept clean and polished so performing maintenance on these aircraft takes an extra level of care to prevent damage to the finish or interior of the plane.

AIRLINES fly scheduled service of either passengers, freight or both. Airlines are generally thought of as the major network carriers but can also be any operation that flies on a schedule. Some airlines outsource most if not all their maintenance while others do the majority of their maintenance in house. Airlines benefit by having a fleet of similar type aircraft so AMTs can become proficient on one or only a few fleet types making maintenance more efficient. Many AMTs seek a position with an airline because the combination of pay, benefits and working conditions are usually (but not always) better than general or corporate aviation.
Step 5
SOME PLACES TO WORK (cont'd):

REPAIR STATIONS are facilities which airlines and other operators outsource the maintenance they are unable to do themselves due to the large amount of tooling, equipment, parts and manpower it requires. Depending on the repair station, an AMT may work under contract with the station and not be a direct employee, meaning if work is slow the station can cut hours or end the contract as the workload dictates.

The military and other government agencies may contract with a repair station to provide maintenance or modification services to its aircraft.

Some repair stations perform only repair of certain parts of an aircraft. These could be engines, landing gear, avionics, instruments, hydraulic components, flight controls, etc.

MANUFACTURERS for aircraft, engines or any part or component of an aircraft have very strict fabrication guidelines so they don't usually require their personnel to have and A&P license. Employment with a manufacturer can be dependent on the economy and how well the aviation industry is doing.

THE FAA hires AMTs to become inspectors to oversee the many different aircraft maintenance operations and to ensure maintenance is being performed properly. Several years of experience are required to become an FAA inspector.
Step 6
PAY:

The pay AMTs receive could range from the low $10's to the upper $30's per hour. An AMT fresh out of school will be on the lower end of the pay scale until job proficiency can be demonstrated. Employers may have a set payscale, especially if they are under a union contract. Overtime is possible (and sometimes required) due to the nature of aircraft maintenance therefore increasing pay. It is possible that an AMT could make over $100,000 per year, with the average being mid $30's for a beginning AMT and $60-70,000 for an experienced AMT.
Step 7
ADVANCEMENT:

The next step many AMTs make is to add an Inspection Authorization to their A&P licenses. This can be done after holding an A&P for 3 years and working as an AMT for 2 of those 3 years and applying to the FAA. This Authorization must be renewed every year. This allows an AMT to inspect and approve others work or to return aircraft to service after required inspections or other major maintenance.

While an AMT can make a career of hands-on aircraft maintenance, there are other areas of work or advancement possibilities that can be pursued. Management, engineering, quality control, quality assurance, planning and production control are just a few areas which an experienced A&P can advance with some additional training and/or college study.

Also, an AMT could start his/her own business providing maintenance services and hire additional AMTs as business builds.

For some an A&P leads to a flying career.
Step 8
IN SUMMARY:

Aviation is an industry that requires a large amount of capital investment. Whether buying, flying or maintaining airplanes, it is simply an expensive venture. The recent spike in fuel costs and events like 9/11 add a level of uncertainty to an already high overhead industry which makes staying in business (let alone earning a profit) quite a challenge. However, many aviation companies are doing very well in spite of all the obstacles. Aviation is depended upon 24 hours a day for the transportation of people and cargo to every corner of the globe, and AMTs play a large role in making that happen. Maintenance personnel are an integral part of any successful aircraft operation and experienced AMTs will always be in demand. As with any profession, you are limited only by your desire to succeed! Good Luck!