Aircraft Mechanic
| Job information | |
|---|---|
| Form of training | Dual system |
| Duration of training | 3.5 years |
| Places of work |
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| Job title | Aircraft Mechanic |
| Subjects |
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Employees subject to social insurance |
14,330 (year 2007) |
| Proportion of women | 2.4% |
| Unemployment rate | 319 people (2.2%) (year 2007) |
| further education |
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| swell |
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Aircraft mechanics work in the manufacture , maintenance and repair of aircraft as well as in the supply industry for aviation companies such as engine or component manufacturers. In addition, many aircraft mechanics come from the military , such as the air force , the army or the navy, as well as from the public service such as. B. Police and Federal Police , all of which operate and maintain aircraft.
The aircraft mechanic apprenticeship is divided into three different disciplines:
- Aircraft mechanic specializing in maintenance technology ,
- Aircraft mechanic specializing in engine technology ,
- Aircraft mechanic specializing in manufacturing technology .
The training lasts 3.5 years, as a rule, this is a Chamber of Commerce - Facharbeiterbrief completed. Many types of further training can take place after the training , such as:
- Type training (type ratings) on single or multiple aircraft ,
- Training for self-checking or re- checking according to EASA PART 66 ,
- Authorization for component maintenance or special processing and testing methods such as welding, X-ray testing, ultrasonic testing, non-destructive testing methods,
- State-certified technician in aviation technology ,
- Studies for Diploma - Engineering " aerospace engineering ".
Since work is usually carried out with very high-quality and complex systems, the profession can be classified in the group of “hi-tech” or “high-tech” professions.
The term aircraft mechanic
In the course of the reorganization of the technical aviation professions, the former training professions aircraft mechanic or aircraft mechanic, aircraft builder and engine mechanic were combined in one training profession with three specializations. The correct job title does not mean aircraft e mechanic, but aircraft mechanics. This term describes a mechanic who maintains, repairs or manufactures an aircraft or maintains and manufactures its engines. The old job titles only referred to aircraft . However, an aircraft mechanic also works on helicopters , airships or even on missiles such as drones or rockets . Since these are all aircraft, the term describes the job well. The aircraft electronics technician takes care of the electrical components in the aircraft .
The job at a glance
Due to the increasing importance of the aircraft in the 1950s and 1960s, specialty aviation professions developed based on conventional metal professions. This is also the case with the aircraft mechanic created in 1961, which complemented the metal aircraft construction profession that had existed since 1936 . In 1983, the aircraft mechanic was the aircraft mechanic and metal aircraft manufacturer by the aircraft builder replaced. In the course of the reorganization of the technical aviation professions, the aircraft manufacturer was finally replaced in 1997 by the current profession of aircraft mechanic specializing in manufacturing technology. The other two fields of maintenance technology and engine technology were designed in such a way that it is easy to switch to the individual fields. Despite the increasing number of fully automated work processes and the small number of training companies, the profession of aircraft mechanic is currently in great demand and the chances on the job market are good despite the global aviation crisis.
Specializing in maintenance technology
Aircraft mechanics specializing in maintenance technology ensure the functionality of aircraft and assemble and repair assemblies. They mainly do this work in maintenance, servicing and overhaul operations in the aviation industry. The manufacturing plant is also a work area. There specializing in maintenance technology of aircraft mechanic works mainly in the "Final Assembly Line" ( final assembly line ) or the flight line ( test flight ). The main tasks are:
- Assembly or disassembly of system components,
- Adjustment work on aircraft systems,
- Visual checks and technical flight releases (release to service),
- Troubleshooting and troubleshooting,
- Execution of plannable and non-plannable maintenance work in connection with the technical documentation and manuals of the manufacturer,
- Pre-flight, intermediate and post-flight checks, idle time checks (daily, pre-flight, nightstop check, etc.).
Manufacturing technology specialization
Aircraft mechanics specializing in manufacturing technology are mainly employed in the manufacture of aircraft and in maintenance. There they join and assemble, for example, individual parts of the structure to form complete aircraft fuselages. The mechanic often has to do this with the help of very complex construction documents and with great care. In addition, the equipment and facilities are part of the area of responsibility. System components or cabin equipment are scaffolded and adjusted in the aircraft. The individual tasks can be described as follows:
- Structural assembly : Here, frames , stringers , outer skin and other components are joined together by riveting , drilling , countersinking , screwing or gluing and welding to form complete components such as aircraft fuselages and wings .
- Equipment assembly: This is where all system components such as hydraulic and fuel systems are assembled into complete and fully functional systems. The first system tests are also carried out there, such as leakage checks and passage checks on electrical and electronic systems.
- Equipment assembly: This is where cabin equipment is assembled and adjusted. For example, airplane seats, cladding, carpets or emergency slides and toilets are installed there. Great care and cleanliness are required there, as these are the areas where the customer will later sit.
- Final assembly: This is where the components from structural assembly are assembled into the final aircraft. Computers are set up and the final system tests are carried out. In addition, large assemblies such as landing gears and engines are assembled.
- Maintenance and repair: This is where mainly repairs and conversions of structural components are carried out.
Specializing in engine technology
The aircraft mechanic specializing in engine technology works predominantly for engine manufacturers and their maintenance companies. He assembles engine components into complete engines, maintains and repairs engines. He also tests and checks engines in special engine test stands .
tasks and activities
As an aircraft mechanic, you will find your job at aircraft manufacturers , airlines and service or maintenance companies, as well as suppliers to the aerospace industry. Rarely, even with space companies . You have to assemble individual parts up to entire assemblies based on technical drawings and work with the highest precision and often under great time pressure. They install the interior fittings and equipment components, fix errors and test systems. The maintenance of the aircraft is just as much a part of the job as the repair of defective parts. Before work you have to plan the exact process technically and organizationally, after work you have to document errors, completed tasks, measurement data and upcoming activities in writing in logbooks or working papers or on a computer.
Operating large and special machines and tools is just as much a part of the range of tasks as monitoring various automated processes.
Aircraft mechanics may later specialize in sub-areas such as cell construction, mechanical systems, pneumatic and hydraulic systems, and helicopter technology . Very often test licenses, type courses and other specializations in the profession have to be acquired. The area of responsibility also includes non-destructive testing procedures and visual inspections with the help of borescopes .
Requirements and working conditions
The aircraft mechanic requires good perception and skill as well as absolute precision at work. In addition, the ability to work in a team is essential nowadays, as you usually have to carry out your work in a team. Very good knowledge of English is essential, as this is usually the company language or the language used in the necessary documentation . Spatial thinking skills and technical understanding are also necessary. As in all aeronautical professions, willingness to travel as well as suitability for flight and the tropics is required.
One expects from the worker a systematic, well-planned and independent work behavior as well as the readiness for further professional development. Since shift work and very often work under difficult conditions are required in this occupation, a good to very good state of health is required. This is also checked regularly by company doctors. In addition, suitability for use in the tropics and suitability for air travel are sometimes required, as well as regularly documented by medical reports.
In the workplace, which is often at a great height or in narrow areas, it is usually very noisy, dusty and you have to struggle with irritating smells, harmful substances and an uncomfortable working posture. In the area of aircraft maintenance in particular, a large part of the work takes place on the airport apron, with the staff being exposed to the weather all year round. The worker usually has to complete complex tasks under time pressure and high physical exertion. Mostly, an impeccable reputation as well as a successful verification of the reliability according to Aviation Security Act § 7 (ZÜP) is required.
When it comes to aircraft mechanics, women in Austria, unlike men, are considered to be heavy workers within the meaning of the Heavy Labor Ordinance and the relevant professional list.
Conditions:
- Middle school leaving certificate or qualified secondary school leaving certificate,
- good grades in mathematics, English and physics,
- manual dexterity and spatial imagination,
- no color blindness or fear of heights,
- Sense of responsibility and accuracy,
- Ability to work in a team and good general knowledge.
education
The aircraft mechanic apprenticeship is officially recognized (in Germany) and belongs to professional group 28 “mechanics”. The training usually lasts 4 years of apprenticeship (corresponds to 3 ½ years). However, it can be shortened by any existing knowledge and years of learning. This includes a school year of basic vocational training, attending a vocational school and other vocational or general qualifications. These are credited to the previous education according to the training time. The training is carried out in the dual system . However, there is also the possibility of professional training. This requires a beneficial job such as a car mechatronics technician or industrial mechanic. There is also something special about this job. Until the start of the intermediate examination, all three specializations of the aircraft mechanic go through a uniformly structured training according to the training framework plan. Only after the intermediate examination does the actual specialization in the individual subject areas begin.
At the end a final exam is written. In this, the skilled worker qualification, i.e. the independence in solving technical problems and the practical exercise of various activities, should be demonstrated. The test item must assemble a system component and manufacture or repair an aircraft structure. Furthermore, he has to plan a work process taking into account functional, constructive and manufacturing aspects. In the 5-hour written part, he must prove his knowledge of the subjects of production , maintenance , aircraft technology, economics and social studies.
The exam is passed if sufficient performance has been achieved in the written and practical part and in the written part in the test subjects production and maintenance. The exam is taken at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and can be repeated twice in accordance with the Vocational Training Act if it is not passed.
Alternatively, you can register for the skilled worker examination at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce after having worked on aircraft for 63 months ( Vocational Training Act § 45 ). It is better to prepare for the EASA Part 66 license right away. This can be acquired at an EASA Part 147 school or as a self-study; you only need to work on aircraft for 3 to 5 years (Regulation (EC) 2042/2003 (Part 66)).
Teaching in Austria
In Austria, aircraft technology is a recognized apprenticeship with dual training. The aircraft technology apprenticeship can be completed with one of the following three areas of focus, each with a duration of 3.5 years:
- Aircraft with turbine engines
- Airplanes with piston engines
- helicopter
Financial aspects
The aircraft mechanic profession is generally a well-paid job. Because you have a very high level of responsibility and a very high level of professional competence. However, wages differ greatly. That is why a general statement is very difficult. In general, you can specify a range from 1800 to 3800 € gross . Factors such as acquired certificates and test licenses as well as years of experience in the job and length of service with the company play a role. In addition, there are shift allowances, hazard allowances or bonuses and performance allowances. An EASA Part 66 B1 technician can earn an annual salary of up to 77,000 euros (as of 2011).
Training allowance
The trainee receives a monthly training allowance . This is generally regulated in a collective agreement. In addition, above-tariff payments such as
- Vacation pay and Christmas pay ,
- Travel allowances,
- Vocational training allowance or child benefit
come.
The training remuneration of an aircraft mechanic trainee in 2011 was:
- 1st year of training: 781–805 euros
- 2nd year of training: 832–850 euros
- 3rd year of training: 890–912 euros
- 4th year of training: 935–968 euros
Promotion and further training opportunities
Due to the constant use of new techniques and methods, you will always have to take part in seminars, training courses and courses and take exams based on what you have learned. For example, you can receive further training to become a technician or change your subject (engine technology, maintenance). With enough professional experience, you can also advance to shift supervisor and later to master craftsman or switch to training after a successful trainer aptitude test. The industrial foreman aerospace engineering and state-certified technicians (aerospace and mechanical engineering) are particularly suitable as further training opportunities . Probably the most important further training is the EASA PART 66 module training. Or qualifying type courses. The most important further training courses are listed below.
Aviation equipment inspectors
The examiner in classes 1–4 is employed in the field of routine and re-testing of aircraft, other aircraft and parts. He carries out this in connection with the "Test Regulations for Aviation Equipment". A distinction is made between routine testing and re-testing. The routine test is used in the manufacture of aircraft. The re-inspection takes place during maintenance and overhaul. Due to the complex processes on an aircraft, there are certain subdivisions (test classes) and subject areas (disciplines):
- Class 1: Routine and re-testing of airplanes, rotary wing aircraft and airships in the fields of airframe, engine, electronic equipment
- Class 2: Checks in the maintenance and repair of aircraft, rotary wing aircraft and airships, specializations as in class 1
- Class 3: Routine and rechecking of motor gliders, gliders, balloons and rescue parachutes, specializing in airframe or engine for motor gliders and gliders and specializing in electronic equipment for motor gliders and gliders.
- Class 4: Routine testing and re-testing of aircraft engines, propellers, electronic equipment, other aircraft equipment and parts of aircraft equipment
Requirements for the license purchaser:
- Class 1: State-certified technician
- Class 2: Skilled worker or journeyman
- Class 3: Skilled worker or journeyman
- Class 4: Supportive professional training
These types of test classes and the licensing are only used nationally and mainly for aircraft with a gross vehicle weight of less than 5.7 t.
EASA PART-66
According to EASA Part-66 (formerly JAR-66), the Luftfahrt-Bundesamt issues the following licenses for authorized personnel according to the type rating completed (CRS-> Certificate to Release to Service). The operator now defines two areas of maintenance in a maintenance concept:
LINE- (quick repairs, small checks, small non-linear malfunctions) & BASE maintenance (heavy repairs, plannable measures, lengthy) Personnel with appropriate professionalization and / or training may, according to the owner's specifications, carry out maintenance measures on the aircraft. The acceptance of the work is then released again for flight operations via the staff with CRS at different depths.
- CAT-A: Authorized release personnel who are allowed to release simple, self-carried out work on non-aircraft critical systems for flight operations.
- CAT-A1: Fixed-wing aircraft with turbine engines
- CAT-A2: fixed-wing aircraft with piston engines
- CAT-A3: Turbine-powered helicopter
- CAT-A4: Piston-powered helicopter
- CAT-B1: Authorized release personnel who are allowed to release their own work on components and assemblies for flight operations, as well as work carried out by other people. The corresponding sub-category A is included. A special feature is a small overlap with avionic systems.
- CAT-B1.1: Fixed-wing aircraft with turbine engines
- CAT-B1.2: fixed-wing aircraft with piston engines
- CAT-B1.3: Turbine-powered helicopter
- CAT-B1.4: Piston-powered helicopter
- CAT-B2: Authorized release personnel who may authorize work in electrical and electronic components and assemblies, as well as avionics for flight operations. The authorizations according to CAT A and CAT B3 are not part of CAT B2. The CAT B2 release authorization is not divided into further subcategories.
- CAT-B3: 'Approval authorized personnel who are allowed to approve work on components and assemblies carried out by themselves and by others for flight operations. However, this license is only valid for non-pressurized airplanes with piston engines and only up to a maximum take-off weight of 2000 kg.
That was the staff working on the line. In the base, i.e. heavier, longer-term maintenance measures (major overhaul, heavy repairs), the aircraft is released from flight operations. Everyone who is trained and approved on the type can work here again, but the exception is that the only one who releases the aircraft again is the "CAT C"
- CAT-C: Authorized release personnel who are allowed to release an aircraft, in its entirety, for flight operations after individual maintenance work has been checked by supporting staff. A distinction is made between "large aircraft" (> 5700 kg maximum take-off mass) and "other than large aircraft" (<5700 kg maximum take-off mass).
State certified technician
tbd
Industrial master in aviation technology
tbd
Other countries
Austria
In Austria the profession is called an aircraft technician. It is also divided into three main training areas:
- Aircraft Technicians - Piston-Engine Aircraft
- Aircraft Technician - Aircraft with turbine engines
- Aircraft Technician - Helicopter
The apprenticeship period is 3.5 years. This is concluded with a skilled worker certificate .
The profession of aircraft construction technician is superordinate to the aircraft technician.
See also
Web links
- Fluggerätmechaniker in Berufenet the Federal Employment Agency
- The ground crew article in the Tagesspiegel from February 17, 2008
- Apprenticeship at Lufthansa Technik
- Aircraft mechanic as a profession with grip Article at Jobber studentenvermittlung.de
- Professional and industry information from the Austrian Chamber of Commerce
- Job description BIC
Individual evidence
- ↑ Heavy Labor Ordinance, Federal Law Gazette II No. 104/2006. RIS , January 1, 2007, accessed October 14, 2011 .
- ↑ Heavy work complete list. Austrian Social Insurance , November 2014, accessed on December 4, 2015 .
- ↑ Lufthansa career portal ( Memento of the original from September 29, 2007 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice.
- ↑ Federal Employment Agency - BERUFENET → Training → Financial Aspects
- ↑ Information on the test license ( memento of the original from April 24, 2014 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice.
- ↑ Information from the Luftfahrt-Bundesamt ( Memento of the original from February 15, 2014 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice.
- ↑ Information document of the vocational college for technology and media in Mönchengladbach ( Memento of the original from September 28, 2007 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. (PDF; 349 kB)
- ↑ Information from the IHK Frankfurt am Main ( Memento of the original dated December 3, 2007 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice.
- ↑ Arbeitsmarktservice Österreich - Berufslexikon → Luftfahrzeugtechniker ( Memento of the original from October 9, 2015 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link has been inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice.
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