What does an Airplane and Aviation Mechanic do?: In its barest essence, the jobs of Airplane and Aviation Mechanics are exactly as their names imply. More specifically, though, Airplane and Aviation Mechanics work in the employ of a variety of airline and aviation companies, but most often for regional airlines and commuter operations, as well as for FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) Certified Repair Stations. These Airplane and Aviation Mechanics are charged with performing the detailed and sensitive tasks that are required by the FAA to keep aircraft operating safely. The work is far more often preventive than reactive, simply because in aviation finding problems before they become problems is quite literally a matter of life and death. This is routine but critically important work that requires an understanding of complex avionics systems and individual instruments, aircraft engines, landing gear, brakes, air conditioning, pumps, and virtually everything from nose to tail. While there are components to repair, much of their job involves scheduled maintenance and preflight safety checks aimed at maintaining the smooth functioning of aircraft and preventing any mechanical or instrument failures that could compromise a plane's safe operation.

What qualifications are required for an Airplane and Aviation Mechanic?: Qualifications for civilian Airplane and Aviation Mechanics--classified officially as airframe mechanics and powerplant mechanics individually--are strictly overseen by the FAA. To be certified as either an airframe mechanic or as a powerplant mechanic, an individual must have at least 18 months hands-on work experience, and 30 months to receive certification in both, though graduation from an FAA-certified mechanic school is acceptable in lieu of the work experience requirement. Individuals who have held an Airframe and Powerplant certification for a minimum of three years and have two years of hands-on work experience are qualified to become authorized inspectors of other airframe and powerplant mechanics' work.

What is the job outlook for Airplane and Aviation Mechanic positions?: With roughly 118,000 individuals employed as aircraft mechanics and service technicians (according to most recent available estimates, taken in 2004), the industry is strong and expected to grow between 9 and 17% through 2014.

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*All salary information has been gathered from among three sources: The “Occupational Outlook Handbook,” a publication of the U.S. Department of Labor; Salary.com, and PayScale.com. Individual student earnings may vary.