Manufacturing & ProductionISCO 7232
Aircraft maintenance technician
Aircraft maintenance technicians perform preventive maintenance to aircrafts, aircraft components, engines and assemblies, such as airframes and hydraulic and pneumatic systems. They perform inspections following strict protocols and aviation laws.
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Rate 5 of the 28 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.
repair engines
assemble electrical components
install electrical and electronic equipment
use power tools
wear appropriate protective gear
About aircraft maintenance technician
As an aircraft maintenance technician, you will be responsible for keeping aircraft safe and operational through meticulous preventive maintenance and repairs. Your day-to-day work involves performing detailed inspections of aircraft structures, engines, hydraulic and pneumatic systems, and electrical components according to strict aviation regulations and manufacturer specifications. You will work from checklists and technical documentation, identifying potential issues before they become problems, and executing repairs that keep aircraft airworthy. Your role is critical to aviation safety—every inspection and repair you perform directly impacts the safety of passengers and crew, making your attention to detail and technical expertise essential to the industry.
Key Work Functions
Core areas of responsibility for a aircraft maintenance technician.
1
Aircraft Inspection and Diagnosis
- Conduct routine and scheduled inspections of aircraft structures, components, and systems according to maintenance manuals
- Read and interpret technical drawings and engineering blueprints to understand aircraft systems
- Identify defects, corrosion, wear, and other issues that could compromise aircraft safety
- Document findings in maintenance logs and reports for regulatory compliance
2
Maintenance and Repair Execution
- Perform preventive maintenance tasks including lubrication, adjustment, and component replacement
- Repair or replace faulty aircraft components, engines, hydraulic systems, and electrical equipment
- Assemble and install electrical and electronic components with precision and adherence to specifications
- Use specialized tools and equipment including power tools, multimeters, and diagnostic instruments
3
Safety and Compliance Management
- Ensure all maintenance work complies with aviation safety regulations and industry standards
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment and follow airport safety protocols
- Maintain awareness of health and safety standards specific to aircraft maintenance environments
- Participate in safety training and certification programs to stay current with regulatory requirements
4
Engine and System Component Work
- Perform maintenance and repairs on aircraft engines including inspection and testing
- Work with hydraulic and pneumatic systems to ensure proper functionality and pressure
- Install and troubleshoot electrical wiring and systems according to engineering drawings
European Skills Framework
Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.
Essential (28)
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...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.mechanical engineeringmechanical engineeringDiscipline that applies principles of physics, engineering and materials science to design, analyse, manufacture and maintain mechanical systems.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.repair enginesrepair enginesRepair identified problems with internal combustion engines, external combustion engines and electrical motors. Replace and fix faulty parts by using hand and machine tools.assemble electrical componentsassemble electrical componentsAssemble switches, electrical controls, circuit boards and other electrical components by using hand and soldering equipment.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.install electrical and electronic equipmentinstall electrical and electronic equipmentInstall equipment which is dependent on electric currents or electromagnetic fields in order to work, or equipment to generate, transfer or measure such currents and fields. This equipment includes sw...use power toolsuse power toolsOperate power driven pumps. Use hand tools or power tools. Use vehicle repair tools or safety equipment.wear appropriate protective gearwear appropriate protective gearWear relevant and necessary protective gear, such as protective goggles or other eye protection, hard hats, safety gloves.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.disassemble enginesdisassemble enginesDisassemble internal combustion engines, generators, pumps, transmissions and other components of mechanical equipment.evaluate engine performanceevaluate engine performanceRead and comprehend engineering manuals and publications; test engines in order to evaluate engine performance.operate soldering equipmentoperate soldering equipmentUse soldering equipment to melt and join together pieces of metal or steel, such as a soldering gun, soldering torch, gas-powered iron, and others.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...ensure compliance with airport security measuresensure compliance with airport security measuresEnsure compliance with airport security measures prior to the boarding of planes.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.
Optional (8) — show
aircraft flight control systemsaircraft flight control systemsThe setting, features and operation of aircraft flight control systems such as flight control surfaces, cockpit controls, connections, and operating mechanisms required to control the flight direction...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 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...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...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.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...
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Frequently asked questions
What does an aircraft maintenance technician do?
Aircraft maintenance technicians perform preventive maintenance to aircrafts, aircraft components, engines and assemblies, such as airframes and hydraulic and pneumatic systems. They perform inspections following strict protocols and aviation laws.
What skills does an aircraft maintenance technician need?
An aircraft maintenance technician needs 28 essential skills, including electromechanics, electrical engineering, aircraft mechanics, technical drawings, electronics.
Will AI replace aircraft maintenance technician jobs?
The AI disruption score for aircraft maintenance technician is 37/100 (moderate risk). Skills most exposed to automation: engine components, read standard blueprints, use computerised maintenance management systems. Most resilient: electricity, install electrical and electronic equipment, aircraft mechanics.
AI Replacement Risk
37/ 100
Moderate Risk
Low riskHigh risk
Quick Facts
ISCO GroupMetal, machinery and related trades workers
Essential Skills28
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