Aircraft Mechanic

Aircraft Mechanic

Fred Robel

27 Years Experience

Au Gres, MI

Male, 49

I'm a licensed Aircraft Mechanic & Inspector with twenty five-plus years in the field. I've had a varied career so far, with time spent in the sheetmetal, mechanic, and inspection specialties. Most of my time is on heavy Boeing and McDonnell Douglas aircraft, of the passenger, cargo, and experimental type. This career isn't for everyone, but I enjoy it.

Please do NOT ask me to troubleshoot problems with your airplane, that is not what this Q&A is for.

SubscribeGet emails when new questions are answered. Ask Me Anything!Show Bio +

Share:

Ask me anything!

Submit Your Question

155 Questions

Share:

Last Answer on July 09, 2022

Best Rated

What tools or equipment do you usually use on the job?

Asked by Chad over 11 years ago

Currently, as an inspector in an engine shop, my tools consist of what I carry on my belt:  A good flashlight, a leatherman, a mirror, a blue pen, black pen, and red grease pencil.

Our shop cabinet has numerous precision measuring devices.  Calipers, micrometers, depth guages, etc.  All a mix of Starrett, and Mitutoyo brands.  

We also have two GE borescope kits, which are simply marvelous.

When I was a mechanic, I had a Stanley Vidmar toolbox, which I judge to be the sturdiest for the money.  With a mix of Craftsman, Mac, and Snap-On tools inside.  

Basically consisting of what you'd imagine to be in a mechanic's box.  Screwdrivers, wrenches, sockets, hammers, punches; with several different variations of each.  

Also:  Don't underestimate the value of keeping a 'cheap' set of wrenches and sockets in your box.  They are used to make 'special' tools (bending, cutting, etc) to reach difficult areas.  That way you don't have to wreck your good brand tools.

I can't exaggerate how much I love my Snap-On Ratcheting screwdriver.  Get one with the 'old fashioned' hard plastic handle, as the newer one with the rubberized inserts will get eaten by the hydraulic fluid.

Start off with the basic tool list your workplace will give you.  And just build it intelligently from there.  Buy quality when you can.  But Craftsman works just fine, don't be a tool snob.

There seems to be an almost infinite number of specialized tools and fixtures that each particular aircraft you work on will need.  Usually, the company you work for will buy or rent those for your use.  Occasionally, you will find yourself doing one certain job so often, that it makes sense for you to buy, or make it for yourself.  But you won't know that, until you do.  

In your opinion, What is the most common airplane(s) used in the the industry? (in General Aviation and Commercial Airlines)

Asked by Chad over 11 years ago

In large commercial aircraft, it seems to be the Boeing 737, in production since 1967.

For General Aviation I'd think it would be the Cessna 172.

This Q&A is a great help for my project! I was wondering what the job outlook is for this occupation (Is it easy for me to find a job as an aircraft mechanic if i had the right skills?) Thanks very much!

Asked by Nic almost 11 years ago

Yes.  It is easy to find a job.  IF you have your A&P license, AND you are willing to go to where the jobs are.

There are most often jobs available, not necessarily in your immediate area, and you might have to go with a contracting company.  But there are jobs.  

If you don't have your license, or you aren't willing to move at least yourself to wherever the work is; then there might be a harder time finding a job.

I always wondered this: what would happen if someone ripped out a plane's emergency exit door mid-flight?

Asked by taylorlevin over 11 years ago

That sounds like a question for Adam and Jamie over at Mythbusters!

I don't really know.  

After the initial air pressure equaliziation, which could be quite turbulent I suppose; you'd still have the air rushing along outside the open hatch.  That would create some suction, courtesy of Bernouli's principle.

I guess as long as you stayed away from it, and were belted in, it might be all right.

A more immediate concern would be bringing the aircraft down to an altitude that had enough oxygen for humans to live.

And further:  Opening an emergency hatch would be a Herculian effort for sure.  All the emergency exits I've seen, are plug type hatches.  Which means that whomever 'ripped' it out; would be fighting against the higher air pressure of the inside of the airplane, versus the outside air.  

Those few psi don't sound like much, but it adds up to a lot of force holding that plug type hatch in place, even without a latch holding it.

gear used in aircrafts

Asked by Vinod over 11 years ago

Vinod, I'm not sure what you mean?  If you mean the basic tools I use on the job, check out the answer I just gave to Chad........

"What tools or equipment do you usually use on the job?Asked by Chad over 1 year ago

Currently, as an inspector in an engine shop, my tools consist of what I carry on my belt:  A good flashlight, a leatherman, a mirror, a blue pen, black pen, and red grease pencil.

Our shop cabinet has numerous precision measuring devices.  Calipers, micrometers, depth guages, etc.  All a mix of Starrett, and Mitutoyo brands.  

We also have two GE borescope kits, which are simply marvelous.

When I was a mechanic, I had a Stanley Vidmar toolbox, which I judge to be the sturdiest for the money.  With a mix of Craftsman, Mac, and Snap-On tools inside.  

Basically consisting of what you'd imagine to be in a mechanic's box.  Screwdrivers, wrenches, sockets, hammers, punches; with several different variations of each.  

Also:  Don't underestimate the value of keeping a 'cheap' set of wrenches and sockets in your box.  They are used to make 'special' tools (bending, cutting, etc) to reach difficult areas.  That way you don't have to wreck your good brand tools.

I can't exaggerate how much I love my Snap-On Ratcheting screwdriver.  Get one with the 'old fashioned' hard plastic handle, as the newer one with the rubberized inserts will get eaten by the hydraulic fluid.

Start off with the basic tool list your workplace will give you.  And just build it intelligently from there.  Buy quality when you can.  But Craftsman works just fine, don't be a tool snob.

There seems to be an almost infinte number of specialized tools and fixtures that each particular aircraft you work on will need.  Usually, the company you work for will buy or rent those for your use.  Occasionally, you will find yourself doing one certain job so often, that it makes sense for you to buy, or make it for yourself.  But you won't know that, until you do.  "

 

I am a student in powerplant struggling with the task of searching to find references for procedures for various aircraft. Are there any sites or helpful hints to narrow down the information or is this goose chase something I should get used to?

Asked by WilkesK almost 11 years ago

The short answer is:  Get used to it.

In reality, there may be places to go to find helpful hints as to where to find the info you need.  But in the long run, it's better for you to just learn how the individual manufacturer's manuals are set up and organized.  This will give you a good 'feel' as far as where to start looking for the more obscure references.

I've found, that the more recent the manual, the more of a standard it adheres to.  As the companies that put out our publications do seem to be trying to make things a little easier, and have more commonality, as far as how things are laid out.

The older manuals though; they can be a headache and a half.  Douglas did their manuals one way; Boeing did theirs another; Pratt & Whitney does theirs a third way still.  The list could go on.  

It can feel like a goose chase to find information sometimes.  If it's a PDF document, use the search function to help narrow things down.  

Otherwise, just do your best to try to learn the manuals you use most often.  Before you know it, you'll be the manual guru that everyone turns to when they just can't seem to find what they are looking for.  

Best of luck.

I love to work in aircraft this is my dream job,
But as you had over 20 years of an experience,would you advise me to join it and get my license, And is it good job for lifetime living ?

Thanks

Asked by Anmar almost 9 years ago

In my opinion:  If you love aircraft; and more importantly, the less glorious job of actually working on them; then this might be the career for you.

So far, this has been a good job as far as making a living.  It pays pretty well, if you choose your jobs and locations carefully. 

If you really plan to make a career out of this; where a career means starting, and progressing forward or upwards; then I'd advise you to get a four year degree before you start, or at some point along the way.

Reason being, there are a lot of ways you can start off this career.  At the low end, you can walk in with a small toolbox, no license, and start working for mechanic's helper wages on a maintenance crew; or you can invest in yourself up front, go to school for your A&P licenses for two years; then continue with your school for a couple more years to get that four year degree.  Doing the latter, will prep you to not only start off at full mechanic's wages, but also have you poised to move into management at the appropriate time later on. (As lots of companies require a four year degree in their managers)

If you are flexible with locations, travelling, and willingness to do various parts of the job; then you will never be unemployed.  

Being an aircraft mechanic can be a great career, if it is right for you.  Only you can really decide if it is.