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Job Description: An apprenticeship is a formal method of training in a skilled occupation or trade. An apprenticeship is a formal method of training in a skilled occupation or trade. For general information about apprenticeships, training, and partnerships with business, visit the United States Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship Training, Employer and Labor Services (OATELS). OATELS is the Federal program that administers the National Registered Apprenticeship System (NRAS).
To keep aircraft in peak operating condition, mechanics and service technicians perform scheduled maintenance and complete inspections required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Apprentice airframe and powerplant mechanics are paid trainees who work under the supervision of skilled, experienced airframe and powerplant mechanics. They learn how to service and make necessary repairs to aircraft and aircraft engines. In most cases, mechanics must buy their own hand tools. Mechanics may work on one or many types of aircraft such as jets, propeller-driven airplanes, and helicopters. Others may specialize in one section of a particular type of aircraft such as the engine, hydraulic, or electrical system. Once they complete the apprenticeship program, they are commonly referred to as A and P mechanics, aircraft mechanics, or aviation maintenance technicians.
Military aircraft fly hundreds of missions each day for transport, patrol, and flight training. They need frequent servicing to remain safe and ready to fly. Aircraft mechanics inspect, service, and repair military helicopters and airplanes.
Duties: Airframe and powerplant mechanic apprentices are authorized to work on engines and to do limited work on propellers. Airframe mechanic apprentices are authorized to work on any part of the aircraft except the instruments, power plants, and propellers. Some airframe and powerplant mechanic apprentices, usually those employed by small repair shops, do all the duties of a mechanic. Mechanics with large airlines and other large employers have specialized work assignments. Mechanics do the following work on airplanes:
- Adjust, align, and calibrate aircraft systems
- Examine and inspect engines and other components to ensure peak performance
- Disassemble and inspect parts for wear, warping, or other defects
- Replace parts such as wing assemblies, landing gear, brakes, and control cables
- Read and interpret aircraft maintenance manuals and specifications
Military aircraft mechanics perform some of the following duties:
- Service and repair helicopter, jet, and propeller aircraft engines
- Inspect and repair aircraft wings, fuselages (bodies), and tail assemblies
- Service and repair aircraft landing gear
- Repair or replace starters, lights, batteries, wiring, and other electrical parts on aircraft
Working Conditions: Mechanic apprentices usually work in hangars or indoor repair shops in a climate-controlled environment. Work areas tend to be well-lighted and air conditioned. Sometimes apprentices must work outdoors in unpleasant weather when hangars are unavailable, or when repairs must be made quickly. Mechanics must often work in precarious positions on scaffolds or ladders. Noise and vibration are common when testing engines. Apprentices usually work 40 hours a week on 8 hour shifts. Overtime work is frequently required.
Educational Requirements: To become an apprentice in this field individuals must be between the ages of 20 and 30. They must also be a member of a union that will sponsor a candidate as an apprentice in the trade. Apprentices must have completed a high school education or the equivalent (G.E.D.) and must pass an aptitude test to qualify for the apprenticeship training. For related information and recommended courses to prepare for this occupation, Tennessee high school students may visit the Trade and Industrial Education Standards, Competency Profiles, and Resource Links online.
New FAA regulations require current experience to maintain valid certification. Applicants must have at least 1,000 hours work experience in the previous 24 month period or take a refresher course. As new and more complex aircraft are designed, more employers are requiring mechanics to take ongoing training to update their skills. After serving the apprenticeship and becoming an aircraft mechanic, one may advance to crew chief, inspector, lead inspector, or shop supervisor.
Outlook: The estimated number of aircraft mechanics and service technicians in Tennessee is 2,550. It is projected there will be an increase of 11 percent in this occupation through the year 2012 with 90 job openings annually. For additional information on this occupation, visit the nationally recognized Occupational Outlook Handbook online.
The military services have about 70,000 aircraft mechanics. On average, they need about 1,500 new aircraft mechanics each year. For more information visit Today's Military online.
Military service: Aircraft mechanics are enlistees in the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard.
| 10% | 25% | Median- 50% | 75% | 90% | |
| TN Annual | $33,280 | $41,410 | $55,520 | $73,730 | $81,080 |
| US Annual | $31,080 | $39,440 | $47,740 | $58,480 | $71,780 |
*Some salaries are listed at an hourly rate. Those that include a single dollar amount are considered hourly wage.
Wage and salary data provided by:
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, Tennessee Department of Labor website
- TN Department of Labor & Workforce Development website
- Bureau of Economic Analysis website
For an explanation of salary data please visit acinet.org
Last updated on: January 23, 2008