Airframe And Powerplant Maintenance Technicians: Duties & Job Market

by Barbara Bellesi

Duties of an airframe and powerplant maintenance technician

Airframe and powerplant maintenance technicians, also known as aircraft and avionics maintenance technicians, maintain and repair aircraft of many different sizes and types. A technician's job involves the inspection of aircraft equipment and devices including the engine, landing gear, flight instruments, pressurized components, brakes, and other parts of the plane that require regular maintenance for safe flying. In addition to knowing the ins and outs of aviation technology, airframe and powerplant maintenance technicians must also have excellent communication skills, because they are often required to write reports detailing their work.

Where to find airframe and powerplant maintenance technician jobs

Most airframe and powerplant maintenance technicians are employed in air transportation and related services. Some technicians work for the government, while others work for companies and organizations that rent or own aircraft for cargo and travel.

Airframe and powerplant maintenance technician programs

While some airframe and powerplant maintenance technicians learn their trade while on the job, the majority complete certificate, diploma, or degree programs. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has signed off on more than 170 programs that allow students to earn certificates as airframe mechanics or powerplant technicians. Degree programs include study in avionic, aviation technology, and aviation maintenance.

The FAA has high standards for certification, including at least 18 months of work experience; this requirement can be waived by the completion of an FAA-certified program.

Demand for airframe and powerplant maintenance technician programs

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of airframe and powerplant maintenance technicians is supposed to increase at about the same rate as most other occupations. The job outlook is good for airframe and powerplant maintenance technicians since many will retire over the next decade. Also, those interested in technical careers prefer to enter the more lucrative computer industry rather than aviation.