Aircraft mechanics service and repair aircraft and aircraft engines.

Aircraft mechanics perform routine inspections, maintenance, and repairs. Aircraft is inspected by mechanics after having flown a certain number of hours, days, cycles of operation, or a combination of all of these factors.

Aircraft mechanics usually specialize in maintenance or repair.

Maintenance mechanics

Maintenance mechanics inspect engines, landing gear, instruments, pressurized sections, and accessories. They grease moving parts or replace fluids. They use precision instruments to measure parts for wear. When they find worn parts, mechanics replace or repair them.

Repair mechanics

Repair mechanics specialize in repair not inspection. They use maintenance manuals to find out how to repair damaged parts. They use equipment such as hoists to lift engines from the body of the aircraft. Mechanics may assemble, adjust, and install new systems, such as electronics or plumbing.

Mechanics run tests to make sure the systems or parts are working properly after repairs.

Mechanics may specialize in one, or many types of aircraft. These include:

• Jets
• Propeller-driven airplanes
• Helicopters

Mechanics in small repair shops usually work on many types of aircraft. In larger shops they are more likely to specialize.

Workers who specialize in repairs to electronic systems such as radio communications and flight instruments are called avionics technicians.