Aircraft maintenance engineer (mechanical)
Mechanical aircraft maintenance engineers inspect, maintain and repair the mechanical components of aircraft. They work on all parts of the aircraft, except instruments and radio systems. They may focus on a specific section of the aircraft, or on one particular maintenance process. They conduct pre-flight checks of aircraft systems to detect and diagnose defective equipment in order to prevent malfunction. When changes are made, they put the aircraft through a series of tests to ensure it is functioning properly and in safe condition for flights.
Working conditions
Mechanical aircraft maintenance engineers work in a range of environments such as indoors in workshops or the hangar, outdoors on the airfield, or on the flightline where aircraft await departure. Working conditions in the hangar are well ventilated and strict safety regulations ensure that risks are minimised.
Mechanical aircraft maintenance engineers can work long hours, do shift work, work on weekends and may be on call.
Tools and technologies
Aircraft maintenance engineers (mechanical) inspect and work on engines and landing gear, and accessories such as brakes, hydraulic systems, pneumatic devices, fuel control pumps, valves and air conditioning systems. Hoists are used to remove engines, which can then be dismantled and tested to check for corrosion. In some cases components may be X-rayed or checked using magnetic inspection equipment to look for unnoticeable cracks.
Education and training
To become an aircraft maintenance engineer specialising in mechanics, you need to undertake an apprenticeship in aircraft maintenance engineer (mechanical). The apprenticeship usually takes 48 months to complete and is available as a school-based apprenticeship.
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