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Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians

Installation, Maintenance, and Repair (49-3011)

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul aircraft engines and assemblies, such as hydraulic and pneumatic systems.

At a Glance

Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians earns a median of $78,680/yr with +4.0% projected growth. Typical entry: Postsecondary nondegree award. Top skills: Repairing, Equipment Maintenance, Mechanical.

Median Annual Wage

$78,680/yr

Projected Growth (2024-34)

+4.0%

Annual Openings

11

Typical Education

Postsecondary nondegree award

Skills & Requirements

Skills (16)

Repairing

Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

4.9
Equipment Maintenance

Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

4.9
Troubleshooting

Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

4.5
Operations Monitoring

Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

4.3
Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

4.1
Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

4.0
Complex Problem Solving

Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

3.9
Quality Control Analysis

Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

3.8
Operation and Control

Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

3.8
Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

3.6
Judgment and Decision Making

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

3.5
Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

3.5
Equipment Selection

Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.

3.4
Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

3.3
Systems Evaluation

Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.

3.3
Systems Analysis

Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.

3.3

Knowledge (6)

Mechanical

Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

4.7
Public Safety and Security

Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

3.8
Engineering and Technology

Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

3.8
Transportation

Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.

3.7
English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

3.7
Education and Training

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

3.3

Abilities (23)

Problem Sensitivity

The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

4.5
Written Comprehension

The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

4.1
Near Vision

The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

4.1
Manual Dexterity

The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

4.0
Finger Dexterity

The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.

4.0
Control Precision

The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.

4.0
Information Ordering

The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

4.0
Multilimb Coordination

The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.

3.9
Inductive Reasoning

The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

3.9
Deductive Reasoning

The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

3.9
Arm-Hand Steadiness

The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

3.8
Flexibility of Closure

The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.

3.8
Oral Expression

The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

3.8
Oral Comprehension

The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

3.6
Hearing Sensitivity

The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.

3.6
Visualization

The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.

3.5
Visual Color Discrimination

The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.

3.4
Far Vision

The ability to see details at a distance.

3.4
Perceptual Speed

The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.

3.4
Trunk Strength

The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.

3.3
Selective Attention

The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.

3.3
Category Flexibility

The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.

3.3
Written Expression

The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

3.3

Technology (7)

Microsoft PowerPoint

Category: Presentation software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Word

Category: Word processing software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Windows

Category: Operating system software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Outlook

Category: Electronic mail software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Office software

Category: Office suite software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Excel

Category: Spreadsheet software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
SAP software

Category: Enterprise resource planning ERP software | Hot Technology

4.5

Work Activities (29)

Documenting/Recording Information

Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

4.6
Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

4.6
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials

Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

4.6
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards

Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

4.6
Getting Information

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

4.6
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

4.4
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

4.3
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment

Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

4.3
Handling and Moving Objects

Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

4.2
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

4.2
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment

Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.

4.2
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People

Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

4.0
Processing Information

Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

4.0
Performing General Physical Activities

Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.

4.0
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

4.0
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment

Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.

3.9
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work

Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

3.8
Analyzing Data or Information

Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

3.7
Thinking Creatively

Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

3.5
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information

Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

3.5
Scheduling Work and Activities

Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

3.5
Controlling Machines and Processes

Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

3.5
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others

Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

3.5
Training and Teaching Others

Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

3.5
Developing Objectives and Strategies

Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

3.4
Working with Computers

Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

3.4
Coaching and Developing Others

Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

3.3
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships

Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

3.3
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others

Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

3.3

Careers with Overlapping Skills

These occupations share the most skills. A career transition between them means many of your skills transfer directly.

Explore Key Skills

Frequently Asked Questions

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