— Rob
Response: Aircraft mechanics may be licensed or unlicensed. Licensed mechanics may work on any part of the aircraft's engines and airframe systems. Unlicensed mechanics and apprentices work under the supervision of licensed mechanics on various parts of the plane.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issues a certificate with an airframe rating, a powerplant rating or both, expressed as A&P. Each certifies a mechanic to work only on that specific area of the aircraft.
The FAA also issues a repairman's certificate, allowing work on parts of the aircraft such as radio, radar, instruments or propellers. If the repair person works on transmitting equipment aboard the aircraft, a license from the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) is also required. General radio telephone operator licenses are issued by the FCC to applicants who successfully complete the written test.
FAA mechanic certificates are issued upon successful completion of oral, written, and practical examinations.
Aircraft mechanics work for commercial airlines involved as passenger, freight or charter carriers, for air taxi and helicopter services, independent repair shops, private aviation training schools and other companies involved in general aviation.
Aircraft manufacturing plants employ a large number, as do all departments of the military and government agencies, and other state police, and drug enforcement.
Aircraft mechanics employed by the airlines perform routine maintenance and servicing or emergency repairs at airline terminals or major repairs and periodic inspections at an airline's overhaul base. Those employed in general aviation do maintenance and repair work similar to airline mechanics. However, the equipment they service is generally smaller in size but may be just as complex.
Employment Outlook
Much faster than average growth is projected for Aircraft Mechanics and Aircraft Engine Specialists through 2008. Some airlines are beginning to experience shortages of qualified workers while others are laying off workers.
Competition for airline jobs is keen. Opportunities are best in metropolitan areas such as Los Angeles, where bases for major airlines are located. Continued growth in corporate aviation, and in domestic and commuter travel may increase job opportunities. Increasing emphasis on safe travel may affect the number of job openings in the long run.
Salary
Pay in California varies and depends on level of experience, size and type of employer, and geographic location. Airlines usually pay the highest salaries. Those working on corporate aircraft can earn higher salaries.
In general aviation, mechanic's salaries are determined largely by the size of the aircraft serviced. Unlicensed mechanics earn less and usually have more difficulty finding work.
It is anticipated that wages for general aviation mechanics will increase over the next few years, but will remain lower than the salaries paid by the large airlines.
Aircraft mechanics generally work 40 hours a week on eight-hour shifts around the clock, and overtime work is common.
| AIRCRAFT ENGINE MECHANIC projected 2002 annual salaries in the Los Angeles area: |
|||
| YEARS EXPERIENCE | 10th PERCENTILE | TIME SERIES MEDIAN | 90th PERCENTILE |
| 10 | $ 42,120 | $ 50,142 | $ 62,979 |
| 5 | $ 35,588 | $ 42,367 | $ 53,213 |
| 1 | $ 29,408 | $ 35,010 | $ 43,972 |
| AIRCRAFT MECHANIC FOR JET projected 2002 annual salaries in the Los Angeles area: |
|||
| YEARS EXPERIENCE | 10th PERCENTILE | TIME SERIES MEDIAN | 90th PERCENTILE |
| 10 | $ 49,271 | $ 58,656 | $ 73,672 |
| 5 | $ 40,741 | $ 48,501 | $ 60,917 |
| 1 | $ 33,392 | $ 39,752 | $ 49,929 |
| AIRCRAFT MECHANIC projected 2002 annual salaries in the Los Angeles area: |
|||
| YEARS EXPERIENCE | 10th PERCENTILE | TIME SERIES MEDIAN | 90th PERCENTILE |
| 10 | $ 47,932 | $ 57,062 | $ 71,670 |
| 5 | $ 40,881 | $ 48,668 | $ 61,127 |
| 1 | $ 34,326 | $ 40,864 | $ 51,325 |
Job Resources
As of March 8, 2002, we counted approximately 86 airlines with Los Angeles area offices one could contact directly for job opportunities.
- Aviation Employment.com
- www.iluv2fly.com
- Aviation Employee Placement Service (AEPS)
- www.aeps.com
While a high school diploma is not required to become an apprentice aircraft mechanic, employers give preference to applicants who are high school or vocational school graduates. Also, a high school diploma is normally recommended as a prerequisite for attending a technical school or a college offering A&P training. The aircraft mechanic is expected to continue his or her education, even after being hired, in order to keep abreast of the continuing technical changes and improvements in aircraft systems.
- West Los Angeles College
- 9000 Overland Blvd.
- Culver City, CA 90230-3500
- 310-287-4200
- fax 310-841-0396
- www.wlac.cc.ca.us
- Culver City, CA 90230-3500
Licensing
The licensed aircraft mechanic holds either an airframe and power plant (A & P) mechanic's certificate or a repairer's certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The test fee is approximately $70, depending on the testing location. To be eligible, the applicant must be at least eighteen years old, be proficient in the English language, and must pass all the required oral, written, practical and physical examinations. Mechanics commonly work on specific parts of the aircraft for which they are rated, qualified, and equipped to do. Unlicensed or apprentice Mechanics work under the supervision of licensed Mechanics who must sign approval of their work.
Mechanics with the necessary pilot licenses and flying experience may take FAA examinations for the position of flight engineer, with opportunities to become pilots.
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
- Office of Aviation Policy
- 800 Independence Ave SW
- Washington, DC 20591
- Employee Locator: 202-366-4000
- www.faa.gov
- 800 Independence Ave SW
International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, the Teamsters Union, or the Transport Workers Union of America.
- Air Transport Association of America
- 1301 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Suite 1100
- Washington, DC 20004-1707
- (202) 626-4000
- Washington, DC 20004-1707
- The Aviation Maintenance Foundation
- P O Box 2826
- Redmond, WA 98073
- (206) 828-3917
- Redmond, WA 98073
- Aeronautical Repair Station Association
- 121 North Henry St.
- Alexandria, Virginia 22314
- (703) 739-9543
- (703) 739-9488 fax
- www.arsa.org
- Alexandria, Virginia 22314
The Association's yearly Repair Symposium provides the aviation maintenance industry an opportunity to gather knowledge on the regulations and policies impacting business decisions, and training for information. Membership dues: $250 for a regular individual membership, $100 for an associate membership annually.
- Aircraft Electronics Association
- 4217 S. Hocker
- Independence, MO 64055
- (816) 373-6565
- (816) 478-3100 Fax
- www.aea.net
- Independence, MO 64055
You may e-mail questions to swmcareer@aol.com.
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