Obi-Wan
Well-Known Member
DOLdwg, maybe you should read up on what an Aircraft Mechanic is responsible for and the knowledge that has to be obtained, experience is key. High responsibility jobs usually coincide with good pay!
WHAT DOES AN AIRCRAFT MECHANIC DO?
AIRCRAFT MECHANICS have the important responsibility of keeping planes operating safely and efficiently. They service, repair, overhaul, and test aircraft.
Airframe and Power Plant (A&P) Mechanics work on various parts of the aircraft. The airframe includes the wings, fuselage, brakes, tail assembly, and the oil and fuel tanks. The power plant is the engine and propellers (if used) of the aircraft. Some of the important tasks they may perform include the following:
- Adjust, align, and calibrate aircraft systems using hand tools, gauges, and test equipment.
- Examine and inspect engines or other components for cracks, breaks, or leaks.
- Test engine and system operations using test equipment.
- Listen to engines to detect and diagnose malfunctions.
- Use tools such as ignition analyzers, compression checkers, distributor timers, and ammeters.
- Take apart and inspect parts for wear, warping, or other defects.
- Maintain aircraft systems by flushing crankcases, cleaning screens, greasing moving parts, and checking brakes.
- Assemble and install electrical, plumbing, mechanical, hydraulic, structural, parts, and accessories.
- Use hand tools and power tools.
- Remove or install engine using hoist or forklift truck.
- Read, understand, and work from aircraft maintenance manuals and specifications.
- Modify air or spacecraft systems, or components.
- Ride aircraft and make necessary in-flight adjustments and corrections.
- Reinstall repaired or replacement parts using riveting or welding tools, clamps, and wrenches.
- Repair, replace, and rebuild aircraft structures and sections, such as wings, fuselage, rigging, and hydraulic units.
- Repair or fabricate aircraft sections or parts, using metal fabricating machines, saws, brakes, shears, and grinders.
- Trim and shape replacement section to specified size and fit.
- Secure section in place using adhesives, hand tools, and power tools.
- Read work orders, blueprints, and specifications.
- Examine sample or damaged part or structure to determine repair or fabrication procedures and steps of operations.
- Locate and mark dimension and reference lines on defective or replacement part using templates, scribes, compass, and steel rule.
- Remove or cut out defective part or drill holes to gain access to internal defect or damage, using drill and punch.
- Communicate with other workers to fit and align heavy parts or discuss processing of repair parts.
- Clean, strip, prime, and sand structural surfaces and materials prior to bonding.
- Cure bonded structure, using portable or stationary curing equipment.
- Spread plastic film over area to be repaired to prevent damage to surrounding area.
