Aviation Maintenance Technician

Aviation Maintenance Technicians are employed to maintain and restore aircraft and other aviation equipment such as communication systems or engines. These aircraft and pieces of equipment are used by the military, for commercial purposes and by private individuals. Because of the specialized nature of this position and the high level of trust that is given to those who work as Aviation Maintenance Technicians, these professionals usually need to obtain a certification in their field. These technicians are in high demand because of the importance that aircraft play in day-to-day life. Aviation Maintenance Technicians perform routine duties such as visual inspections and equipment tests. They also make needed repairs and can help to restore crashed aircraft. They work in hangars that are located at airports or other aviation facilities.

Certification

Aviation Maintenance Technicians work in accordance with specific standards and regulations. Those who work on aircraft are required to obtain an Aviation Maintenance Technician certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Three knowledge-based exams are required to obtain this certification as well as 18 to 30 months of on-the-job experience. Those who maintain equipment other than aircraft may need to obtain a certification from the FCC, OSHA, or other regulatory body.

Work Environment

The work environment for Aviation Maintenance Technicians is fast-paced and often stressful. Technicians work both inside and outside and must be able to make quick decisions and perform high quality work under demanding time constraints. Aviation Maintenance Technicians often work evenings, weekends and holidays and may be on-call for emergency situations.

Career Growth

Career paths for Aviation Maintenance Technicians include quality control inspector, lead mechanic, and maintenance manager. With additional education and training, these technicians may also become licensed aircraft inspectors. Many companies encourage Aviation Maintenance Technicians to attend training seminars and workshops to stay up-to-date on industry standards and new technology.

Skills and Abilities

Aviation Maintenance Technicians should have a thorough understanding of aircraft and other aviation equipment and understand how these pieces of equipment function. They should also be able to follow and interpret technical manuals as well as service bulletins. These professionals must also possess strong electronic and mechanical skills and be able to use technical data and manuals to diagnose problems quickly and accurately. Aviation Maintenance Technicians should remain informed on advancements in aviation technology and maintain a commitment to ongoing learning and development.

Education

Aviation Maintenance Technicians can enter the field with a high school diploma or equivalent. Many employers and companies prefer to hire those who have some sort of post-secondary education or certification from a reputable trade school. There are a number of certificate programs and associate's degree programs that are available in aviation maintenance technology and aviation maintenance. Many of these programs include classroom instruction and hands-on learning as well as opportunities to work on projects that involve real aircraft.

Online Courses

Taking online courses is a good way to supplement one’s knowledge and skills, and can help to provide a solid foundation in aviation maintenance technology. Online courses are especially helpful for those who want to work towards a certification from the FAA, FCC, or OSHA. Online courses cover a wide range of relevant topics from aviation safety to aircraft systems, jet engine theory to aviation maintenance fundamentals. Coursework is offered at a variety of skill levels, from beginner to advanced, and learners may choose to enroll in just one or two courses or create a full curriculum of study. Online courses offer resources such as lecture videos, projects, assignments, quizzes, exams, discussions, and interactive labs to help students apply the concepts and skills they learn to real life situations.

Conclusion

Taking online courses on aviation maintenance technology is a helpful way to prepare for a future career in this growing field. Online courses and programs provide students with access to a variety of resources that will enhance their understanding of aviation maintenance and provide them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. Students who want to make a career change, advance in their current field, or simply learn more about aviation maintenance technology and related topics can benefit from the convenience and flexibility that online courses offer.