| The Field of aviation is getting more advanced every | | | | Powerplant mechanics, Airframe mechanics, |
| year. The need for qualified airline mechanics has also | | | | Combination airframe-and-powerplant |
| increased. The demand for qualified aviation | | | | mechanics-called A & P mechanics, and avionics |
| maintenance technicians has climbed to approximately | | | | technicians. Powerplant mechanics are authorized to |
| 50,000 per year. Even though major Airline companies | | | | work on engines and do limited work on propellers. |
| have had difficult past years, general aviation | | | | Airframe mechanics are authorized to work on any |
| companies and smaller jet and aircraft manufacturers | | | | part of the aircraft except the instruments, |
| are seeking new talent to work as aircraft mechanics. | | | | powerplants, and propellers. A & P Mechanics work on |
| Qualified aviation mechanics often have job offers | | | | all parts of the plane except the instruments. Avionics |
| before they are even finished with school. With | | | | technicians repair and maintain components for aircraft |
| increasing national dependence on air travel, the | | | | navigation and radio communications, weather radar |
| demand for qualified technicians will outrun the supply | | | | systems and instruments, and computers that control |
| of available technicians. | | | | flight, engine and other functions. |
| Aircraft mechanics ensure planes operate safely and | | | | Aviation mechanics usually work in hangars or in other |
| efficiently. They service, repair, overhaul and test | | | | indoor areas, although they can work outdoors. These |
| aircraft. Aircraft mechanics specialize in preventative | | | | mechanics often work under time pressure to maintain |
| care, making routine checks on engines, landing gear, | | | | flight schedules and to keep from inconveniencing |
| pressurized sections and other aircraft parts to make | | | | air-travel customers. Aviation mechanics have a great |
| sure everything works properly. Bureau of Labor | | | | duty to maintain safety standards. This is what can |
| Statistics ( estimates that there are 154,000 aircraft | | | | make the jobs somewhat stressful. Aircraft mechanics |
| mechanics currently work in the US. There are 4 | | | | usually work 40 hours a week on 8-hour shifts at |
| major categories under which these mechanics fall: | | | | anytime of the day. |