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Engineering ServicesISCO 3115

Aircraft engine tester

An aircraft engine tester is a person who checks the serviceability of engines intended for aircraft on a specialised test facility.

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Check yourself in a minute: aircraft engine tester

Rate 5 of the 18 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

create solutions to problems

execute analytical mathematical calculations

record test data

operate precision measuring equipment

perform test run

About aircraft engine tester

The tester sets the engine up on the test bed, or gives instructions to the staff who do that, and connects the unit to the test cell services using hand tools and machines. Engineering drawings and the engine's technical documentation are read for this.

During a test, the tester uses computer equipment to enter, read and record data: temperature, speed, fuel consumption, oil pressure and exhaust pressure. Analytical mathematical calculations follow, correcting results to reference conditions and comparing them with the manufacturer's performance curves. Oil analysis supports the assessment as well, since metal particles in the oil show wear in bearings and gears before it appears in power figures.

To catch a faulty engine before it is fitted to an aircraft, the tester runs test trials to a programme, writes up departures and points to the suspect assembly. Mechanics and aircraft mechanics are part of the knowledge, as are the common aviation safety regulations. Maintenance on aircraft is carried out in approved organisations, and certifying staff hold a licence issued under those regulations.

Key Work Functions

Core areas of responsibility for a aircraft engine tester.

1

Engine Setup and Positioning

  • Position aircraft engines on test stands using specialized handling equipment
  • Connect engines to test stand systems including fuel, air, and instrumentation lines
  • Direct workers in proper handling and securing of heavy engine components
  • Verify proper alignment and mechanical integrity of all connections
2

Test Execution and Data Collection

  • Operate computerized test control systems to run engine performance tests
  • Monitor and record critical engine parameters including temperature, speed, pressure, and fuel consumption
  • Use precision measuring equipment to capture accurate test data
  • Conduct performance tests across multiple operating conditions and thrust settings
  • Perform test run procedures according to strict specifications and safety protocols
3

Engine Diagnosis and Troubleshooting

  • Analyze test data to identify engine performance anomalies and defects
  • Diagnose root causes of engine failures or performance issues
  • Compare test results against manufacturer specifications and engineering standards
  • Use hand tools and mechanical knowledge to inspect engine components for defects
4

Technical Documentation and Analysis

  • Read and interpret standard blueprints and engineering drawings
  • Create detailed test reports documenting all measurements, findings, and conclusions
  • Use technical documentation to understand engine specifications and testing requirements
  • Execute analytical mathematical calculations to evaluate engine performance metrics
5

Safety and Quality Assurance

  • Apply common aviation safety regulations throughout all testing procedures
  • Maintain accurate records ensuring test data integrity and traceability
  • Identify and report any safety hazards or equipment malfunctions

European Skills Framework

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

Essential (18)

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...aircraft mechanicsaircraft mechanicsTechnicalities over mechanics in aircrafts and related topics in order to perform a wide range of repais in aircrafts.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.create solutions to problemscreate solutions to problemsSolve problems which arise in planning, prioritising, organising, directing/facilitating action and evaluating performance. Use systematic processes of collecting, analysing, and synthesising informat...execute analytical mathematical calculationsexecute analytical mathematical calculationsApply mathematical methods and make use of calculation technologies in order to perform analyses and devise solutions to specific problems.record test datarecord test dataRecord data which has been identified specifically during preceding tests in order to verify that outputs of the test produce specific results or to review the reaction of the subject under exceptiona...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...perform test runperform test runPerform tests putting a system, machine, tool or other equipment through a series of actions under actual operating conditions in order to assess its reliability and suitability to realise its tasks, ...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.use testing equipmentuse testing equipmentUse equipment to test performance and operation of machinery.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.conduct performance testsconduct performance testsConduct experimental, environmental and operational tests on models, prototypes or on the systems and equipment itself in order to test their strength and capabilities under normal and extreme conditi...use technical documentationuse technical documentationUnderstand and use technical documentation in the overall technical process.evaluate engine performanceevaluate engine performanceRead and comprehend engineering manuals and publications; test engines in order to evaluate engine performance.operation of different enginesoperation of different enginesThe characteristics, maintenance requirements and operating procedures of various kinds of engines such as gas, diesel, electrical, and engines with steam propulsion plants.
Optional (15) — show
quality assurance proceduresquality assurance proceduresThe procedures to inspect a product or system to ensure that it is according to specifications and requirements.inspect aircraft for airworthinessinspect aircraft for airworthinessInspect aircraft, aircraft components, and aviation equipment to ensure they conform to design specifications and to airworthiness standards following major repairs or alterations. Approve or deny iss...re-assemble enginesre-assemble enginesRe-assemble transport equipment engines after overhaul, inspection, repair, maintenace or cleaning according to blueprints and technical plans.supervise staffsupervise staffOversee the selection, training, performance and motivation of staff.maintain test equipmentmaintain test equipmentMaintain equipment used for testing the quality of systems and products.supervise worksupervise workDirect and supervise the day-to-day activities of subordinate personnel.operate lifting equipmentoperate lifting equipmentTransport heavy objects using lifting equipment such as cranes, forklifts etc.manage maintenance operationsmanage maintenance operationsOversee maintenance activities, making sure that staff is following procedures and ensuring routine and periodic refurbishment and maintenance activities.liaise with engineersliaise with engineersCollaborate with engineers to ensure common understanding and discuss product design, development and improvement.send faulty equipment back to assembly linesend faulty equipment back to assembly lineSend equipment that didn't pass inspection back to the assembly line for re-assembly.disassemble enginesdisassemble enginesDisassemble internal combustion engines, generators, pumps, transmissions and other components of mechanical equipment.position engine on test standposition engine on test standPosition the engine on a stand or in a cell, ready for testing, by using a hoist or overhead crane.write records for repairswrite records for repairsWrite records of the repairs and maintenance interventions undertaken, of parts and materials used, and other repair facts.lead inspectionslead inspectionsLead inspections and the protocol involved, such as introducing the inspection team, explaining the purpose of the inspection, performing the inspection, requesting documents and asking appropriate qu...engineering principlesengineering principlesThe engineering elements like functionality, replicability, and costs in relation to the design and how they are applied in the completion of engineering projects.

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Frequently asked questions

What does an aircraft engine tester do?

Aircraft engine testers test the performance of all engines used for aircraft in specialised facilities such as laboratories.They position or give directions to workers positioning engines on the test stand. They use hand tools and machinery to position and connect the engine to the test stand. They use computerised equipment to enter, read and record test data such as temperature, speed, fuel consumption, oil and exhaust pressure.

What skills does an aircraft engine tester need?

An aircraft engine tester needs 18 essential skills, including electromechanics, aircraft mechanics, common aviation safety regulations, mechanics, engine components.

Will AI replace aircraft engine tester jobs?

The AI disruption score for aircraft engine tester is 44/100 (moderate risk). Skills most exposed to automation: record test data, send faulty equipment back to assembly line, engine components. Most resilient: lead inspections, aircraft mechanics, disassemble engines.

AI Replacement Risk

44/ 100
Moderate Risk
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Quick Facts

SectorEngineering Services
ISCO GroupScience and engineering associate professionals
Essential Skills18

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