Aircraft Mechanic Profession
What does an aircraft mechanic do?
Our aircraft mechanic students are learning from the best engineers in the field, ensuring they receive high-quality training. Here, every nut and bolt counts, and every day is a new challenge to overcome. Some of the tasks that an Aircraft Maintenance Technician performs:
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Execution and supervision of maintenance work
to ensure the safety and airworthiness of aircraft, with the necessary quality standards.
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Issuance of certificates attesting to the airworthiness of the aircraft
after maintenance of the structure and mechanical and electrical systems.
- Execution of complex tasks.
What are the necessary steps to become an AMT?
With IFA, you will receive all the support you need to identify where you are in these stages and recommendations on the best and quickest way to complete this process. Any questions you may have, our team will enlighten you!
Learn all about your future professional career
What it's like to be an Aircraft Mechanic
The profession of an aircraft mechanic is challenging and essential for aviation safety. These professionals are responsible for maintaining and repairing aircraft, ensuring that they are in safe operating condition.
Important aspects of the profession:
Preventative Maintenance: Regular inspection of aircraft to identify and correct problems before they become critical.
Repairs: Assess, remove, repair and replace defective or worn parts.
Tests: Perform performance tests on aircraft systems.
Records: Keep detailed records of all inspections, maintenance and repairs performed.
Safety: Ensure that all aviation safety standards and regulations are strictly followed.
Technical Knowledge: In-depth understanding of aircraft mechanical, electrical and electronic systems.
Problem Diagnosis: Ability to identify and solve complex problems.
Leitura de Manuais Técnicos: Capacidade de interpretar diagramas técnicos, manuais de manutenção e procedimentos operacionais.
Education: Technical courses or training programs in aircraft maintenance offered by aviation schools or technical institutes.
EASA Certification: Certification is regulated by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). In Portugal, it is necessary to obtain the Aircraft Maintenance Technician License (LMA) Part 66, which is divided into several categories (A, B1, B2, C, etc.).
Category A: Line maintenance (routine maintenance activities)
Category B1: Mechanic (mechanical maintenance).
Category B2: Avionics (electrical and electronic systems).
Category C: Basic maintenance (maintenance planning and management).
Constant Update: Aviation is a constantly evolving field, requiring mechanics to stay up to date with new methods and technologies.
Hangars and Workshops: Most work is performed in maintenance hangars or workshops.
Flexible schedules: Mechanics often work shifts, including nights, weekends and holidays, due to the non-stop nature of aviation.
Challenges: Working under pressure to meet deadlines, especially in commercial airlines where aircraft downtime must be minimized. Responsibility for flight safety is also a stressful factor.
Rewards: The satisfaction of ensuring the safety of passengers and crew, plus good career opportunities and competitive salaries for those with experience and certifications.
Career Advancement: With experience, aircraft mechanics can advance to supervisory positions, maintenance management, or specialization in specific areas.
Recruitment: The demand for aircraft mechanics is high and constant in the global job market, given the growing aviation industry, the introduction of new aircraft technologies, and the continuous need for maintenance.
In short, being an aircraft mechanic requires a strong commitment to safety, accuracy and responsibility, as well as a solid foundation of technical knowledge and practical skills. It is a profession that offers both challenges and significant financial rewards.
An aircraft mechanic with EASA certification can work in all European countries, and also in other continents via a conversion of his license to the local regulatory body.