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Manufacturing & ProductionISCO 7232

Aircraft engine specialist

An aircraft engine specialist is a person who advises on the maintenance of aeroplane and helicopter engines and assesses their condition.

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Rate 5 of the 20 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

wear appropriate protective gear

ensure compliance with airport security measures

diagnose defective engines

read standard blueprints

read engineering drawings

About aircraft engine specialist

The specialist carries out service tests on aircraft assemblies and parts to establish whether they remain fit for use and to say what would make them perform better. Defective engines are detected: the symptoms are recognised — a loss of performance, vibration, blade wear, leaks, parameter readings off their normal range — and an assessment made of whether an engine can stay in service or needs workshop repair.

The specialist interprets the technical specifications supplied by manufacturers, works from that documentation and helps the people who apply these specifications at airport facilities to understand them. The manufacturer's guidelines on the use of airport equipment are followed.

The specialist applies the common aviation safety rules, ensures compliance with airport security measures and with health and safety standards, reads engineering sketches and draws on electrical engineering, because an aero engine carries control and measurement systems. Maintenance is overseen by the civil aviation authority, and certifying staff work under licence.

Key Work Functions

Core areas of responsibility for a aircraft engine specialist.

1

Engine Maintenance Advisory and Consultation

  • Provide expert guidance on proper engine maintenance procedures and best practices
  • Interpret manufacturer technical specifications and translate them into practical airport operations
  • Advise maintenance teams on schedule compliance and optimal maintenance intervals
  • Conduct training sessions for maintenance staff on new engine systems and procedures
2

Engine Component Testing and Diagnosis

  • Perform operability tests on engine components and subsystems to assess functional status
  • Diagnose defective engines and components to determine root causes of failures
  • Evaluate whether engine parts are suitable for continued operation or require replacement
  • Perform detailed technical inspections using specialized diagnostic equipment
3

Technical Documentation and Interpretation

  • Read and interpret complex engineering drawings and technical blueprints
  • Study and apply technical documentation provided by engine manufacturers
  • Create comprehensive technical reports explaining findings and recommendations
  • Apply technical communication skills to explain complex technical issues to non-technical personnel
4

Electrical Systems and Diagnostics

  • Diagnose electrical and electronic system failures in aircraft engines
  • Interpret electrical wiring plans and test circuit functionality
  • Assess electrical component performance and recommend repairs or replacements
  • Ensure proper grounding and electrical safety standards are maintained
5

Safety and Regulatory Compliance

  • Apply common aviation safety regulations and airport safety standards to all work
  • Manage health and safety standards and ensure protective equipment is properly used
  • Ensure all maintenance work complies with manufacturer guidelines and regulatory requirements
  • Maintain documentation of all inspections, tests, and recommendations for regulatory audit purposes
6

Performance Improvement and Optimization

  • Identify opportunities to improve engine performance and operational efficiency
  • Recommend modifications and upgrades to enhance engine reliability and lifespan
  • Analyze maintenance data to identify trends and patterns in engine performance
  • Work with manufacturers to address technical issues and implement engineering solutions

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (20)

electrical engineeringelectrical engineeringThe field of engineering that deals with the study and application of electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism.aircraft mechanicsaircraft mechanicsTechnicalities over mechanics in aircrafts and related topics in order to perform a wide range of repais in aircrafts.technical drawingstechnical drawingsDrawing software and the various symbols, perspectives, units of measurement, notation systems, visual styles and page layouts used in technical drawings.electronicselectronicsThe functioning of electronic circuit boards, processors, chips, and computer hardware and software, including programming and applications.airport safety regulationsairport safety regulationsThe applicable airport safety regulations and instructions.electricityelectricityThe principles of electricity and electrical power circuits, as well as the associated risks.electrical wiring planselectrical wiring plansPictorial representation of an electrical circuit. It shows the components of the circuit as simplified shapes, and the power and signal connections between the devices. It gives information about the...common aviation safety regulationscommon aviation safety regulationsThe body of legislation and regulations that apply to the field of civil aviation at regional, national, European and International levels.mechanicsmechanicsTheoretical and practical applications of the science studying the action of displacements and forces on physical bodies to the development of machinery and mechanical devices.engine componentsengine componentsThe different engine components, their operation, lifecycle and maintenance and repairing needs.manage health and safety standardsmanage health and safety standardsOversee all personnel and processes to comply with health, safety and hygiene standards. Communicate and support alignment of these requirements with the company's health and safety programmes.wear appropriate protective gearwear appropriate protective gearWear relevant and necessary protective gear, such as protective goggles or other eye protection, hard hats, safety gloves.ensure compliance with airport security measuresensure compliance with airport security measuresEnsure compliance with airport security measures prior to the boarding of planes.diagnose defective enginesdiagnose defective enginesDiagnose engine damage or malfunctions by inspecting mechanical equipment; utilise instruments such as chassis charts, pressure gauges, and motor analysers.read standard blueprintsread standard blueprintsRead and comprehend standard blueprints, machine, and process drawings.read engineering drawingsread engineering drawingsRead the technical drawings of a product made by the engineer in order to suggest improvements, make models of the product or operate it.apply technical communication skillsapply technical communication skillsExplain technical details to non-technical customers, stakeholders, or any other interested parties in a clear and concise manner.use technical documentationuse technical documentationUnderstand and use technical documentation in the overall technical process.follow manufacturer guidelines in use of airport equipmentfollow manufacturer guidelines in use of airport equipmentFollow advice provided by manufacturers on the use and maintenance of the different vehicles, equipment, and instruments used in airports. Establish communication processes with manufacturers and unde...electromechanicselectromechanicsThe engineering processes that combine electrical and mechanical engineering in the application of electromechanics in devices that need electricity to create mechanical movement or devices that creat...
Optional (11) — show
quality assurance proceduresquality assurance proceduresThe procedures to inspect a product or system to ensure that it is according to specifications and requirements.electrical systems used in transportationelectrical systems used in transportationThe functioning of electrical systems, their specifications, and application in operations and systems for the transportation of freight and people.inspect aircraft manufacturinginspect aircraft manufacturingConduct inspections in the aviation industry; inspect plants where aircraft parts are manufactured to ensure safety and quality control. Ensure that aircraft components are manufactured in compliance ...give instructions to staffgive instructions to staffGive instructions to subordinates by employing various communication techniques. Adjust communication style to the target audience in order to convey instructions as intended.assemble electrical componentsassemble electrical componentsAssemble switches, electrical controls, circuit boards and other electrical components by using hand and soldering equipment.operate precision measuring equipmentoperate precision measuring equipmentMeasure the size of a processed part when checking and marking it to check if it is up to standard by use of two and three dimensional precision measuring equipment such as a caliper, a micrometer, an...consult with industry professionalsconsult with industry professionalsCommunicate with engineers, designers, survey technicians and representatives involved in survey projects.use testing equipmentuse testing equipmentUse equipment to test performance and operation of machinery.use computerised maintenance management systemsuse computerised maintenance management systemsUse computerised maintenance management systems (CMMS) in order to facilitate effective follow up of the work undertaken in maintenance facilities.test electronic unitstest electronic unitsTest electronic units using appropriate equipment. Gather and analyse data. Monitor and evaluate system performance and take action if needed.liaise with engineersliaise with engineersCollaborate with engineers to ensure common understanding and discuss product design, development and improvement.

Related Occupations

Occupations that need many of the same essential skills, so the move between them is shortest.

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Frequently asked questions

What does an aircraft engine specialist do?

Aircraft engine specialists advise on maintaining procedures to engines of aircrafts and helicopters. They perform operability tests to components and parts of aircrafts to diagnose suitability for usage and possible operations to improve performance. They interpret and provide support to understand the technical specifications given by manufacturers for application at the airport's premises.

What skills does an aircraft engine specialist need?

An aircraft engine specialist needs 20 essential skills, including electrical engineering, aircraft mechanics, technical drawings, electronics, airport safety regulations.

Will AI replace aircraft engine specialist jobs?

The AI disruption score for aircraft engine specialist is 41/100 (moderate risk). Skills most exposed to automation: engine components, read standard blueprints, use computerised maintenance management systems. Most resilient: electricity, aircraft mechanics, consult with industry professionals.

Quick Facts

SectorManufacturing & Production
ISCO GroupMetal, machinery and related trades workers
Essential Skills20

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