How much work do mechanics do on airplanes?

• Airframes, engines, and electronics are among the many aircraft components that aircraft mechanics repair and maintain.
• In a strictly supervised and regulated industry, mechanics must complete substantial training and gain qualifications.
• Due to their education, responsibilities, and the high demand in this field, aircraft mechanics are paid higher than average salaries.

To maintain, service and build aircraft, aircraft mechanics are essential. They operate on a wide variety of aircraft, performing long-term inspections and repairs in addition to sporadic maintenance. The position pays above average and requires training and skills.

A lot of work is done by aircraft mechanics to guarantee the operation and safety of the aircraft. Their responsibilities include routine inspection, maintenance and repair of aircraft engines, avionics, landing gear and additional critical systems. They use specialized tools and diagnostic equipment to find and fix problems carefully according to checklists and standards. Mechanics follow strict regulatory requirements and timelines when performing preventive maintenance to minimize potential problems. This micro-manufacturing ensures the safe and efficient operation of aircraft by reducing the likelihood of in-flight problems and extending the operational life of the aircraft.

The aircraft mechanics

Aircraft mechanics are well-trained technicians who carry out repairs, maintenance, and inspections on aircraft. Mechanics typically specialize in a particular area:

• In addition to engines and avionics, airframe mechanics work on the hull or airframe of an aircraft.
• Aircraft engines are serviced by powerplant mechanics.
• A&P mechanics hold certifications to work on powerplants and airframes.
• Radio systems and cockpit panels are among the gadgets and systems that avionics specialists work on.
• Function and work are standardized and subject to strict supervision, as one would expect.

Every task is closely observed, monitored and painstakingly recorded and documented. It is closely supervised and regulated (by the FAA in the US). Mechanics take more responsibility in their profession because they are responsible for the work or inspection they perform.

The profession requires extensive training and qualifications to perform specific types of maintenance. New entrants to the sector will either complete a long-term apprenticeship or on-the-job training, or they will enroll in an official program lasting at least 18 months.

Mechanic salaries in the UK

In the UK, the salary of an aircraft mechanic is also above average. Based on figures from the UK Office for National Statistics for 2021, HR firm Randstad reported that the average annual salary is £35,100. Salary quotes for entry-level positions start at £29,250 and after specialisation, the salary should reach £55,000.

Job search website talent.com, which said that by early 2024 the average salary for posted opportunities for aircraft mechanics was £35,333, while the highest compensation for experienced workers was £48,750, supports these salary levels.

£1 is equivalent to $1.29.

Salaries for pilots in the US can exceed $400,000 – read our guide here

Mechanic salaries in the US

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that in May 2022, the median annual income for aviation mechanics and technicians was $70,010. This is in contrast to an average of $46,310 for all occupations.

• Examining this Bureau of Labor Statistics data in more detail:
• The 10% lowest paid mechanics for aircraft earned less than $41,020.
• Over $108,200 was earned by the top 10%.
• Within the industry, avionics technicians earned the most money, with an average annual salary of $75,450.
• The highest paid mechanic was employed by scheduled airlines, with an average salary of $100,260.

Higher average wages are expected in fields that require greater responsibility and intensive training. This concept is similar to that of a pilot’s salary, where a significantly higher salary than normal is indicative of the individual’s extraordinary responsibility, training and investment. However, due to the ongoing pilot shortage in the US and intense union pressure, earnings here are largely flat.

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