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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Flight Technician

💰 $75,000 - $120,000+

AviationMaintenanceEngineeringTechnicianAerospace

🎯 Role Definition

As a Flight Technician, you are the cornerstone of aviation safety and operational reliability. You will be entrusted with the hands-on maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of a sophisticated fleet of aircraft. This role requires an unwavering commitment to safety, meticulous attention to detail, and the expert ability to diagnose and resolve complex mechanical and avionic issues. You will perform scheduled and unscheduled maintenance in compliance with all Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and manufacturer specifications, ensuring every aircraft is in perfect airworthy condition before departure. Your work directly impacts the safety of flight crews and passengers, making this one of the most critical and rewarding roles in the aviation industry.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • FAA Certified Aviation Maintenance School Graduate
  • Military Aircraft Maintenance Specialist (e.g., Crew Chief)
  • Apprentice Technician in a Part 145 Repair Station

Advancement To:

  • Lead Flight Technician / Senior Aircraft Technician
  • Maintenance Supervisor or Shift Manager
  • Director of Maintenance (DOM)
  • Quality Assurance Inspector / Quality Control Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Avionics Specialist / Avionics Technician
  • Technical Publications Specialist
  • Field Service Representative for an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Perform comprehensive scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, inspections, and repairs on aircraft airframes, powerplants, and associated systems in accordance with FAA regulations and company standards.
  • Conduct detailed troubleshooting and diagnostics of complex hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, and structural system malfunctions to identify root causes and implement effective corrective actions.
  • Execute major and minor alterations and repairs on aircraft structures, systems, or components, following approved technical data such as engineering drawings and STCs (Supplemental Type Certificates).
  • Meticulously document all maintenance work performed, including parts used and corrective actions taken, in the aircraft's permanent maintenance records (logbooks) and digital tracking systems (e.g., CAMP, Traxxall).
  • Interpret and apply technical information from a variety of sources, including maintenance manuals, service bulletins, airworthiness directives, and illustrated parts catalogs, to ensure compliant and accurate work.
  • Perform engine runs and taxiing of aircraft for maintenance-related purposes, verifying system functionality and operational parameters post-maintenance.
  • Conduct pre-flight and post-flight inspections to ensure aircraft readiness and identify any discrepancies that may have arisen during flight operations.
  • Ensure the proper and safe use of all ground support equipment (GSE), specialized tooling, and test equipment required for aircraft maintenance.
  • Interface with flight crews to debrief on aircraft condition, troubleshoot reported squawks, and clearly communicate maintenance status and estimated return-to-service times.
  • Manage and maintain an accurate inventory of aircraft parts, consumables, and tooling, initiating purchase orders as needed to prevent work stoppages.
  • Perform critical system operational checks, including landing gear swings, flight control checks, and pressurization tests, to validate the integrity of repairs.
  • Remove and install a wide range of aircraft components, from line replaceable units (LRUs) in the avionics bay to major structural components like landing gear and flight control surfaces.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment in the hangar and on the flight line, adhering to all company safety policies and OSHA standards.
  • Stay current with the latest aviation maintenance technology, best practices, and regulatory changes through continuous training and professional development.
  • Respond to Aircraft on Ground (AOG) situations with urgency, demonstrating strong problem-solving skills to return the aircraft to service as quickly and safely as possible.
  • Perform advanced avionics system troubleshooting, including diagnosing faults in flight management systems (FMS), autopilot, communication/navigation radios, and glass cockpit displays.
  • Fabricate and repair sheet metal and composite structures, ensuring all repairs meet or exceed manufacturer's specifications for structural integrity.
  • Service and maintain aircraft systems by replenishing fluids, lubricating moving parts, and performing other routine servicing tasks as required.
  • Assist in the development and refinement of maintenance procedures and task cards to improve efficiency, safety, and compliance within the maintenance department.
  • Travel as required to support aircraft at remote locations, providing expert technical assistance to resolve complex maintenance issues away from the home base.
  • Participate actively in the company's Safety Management System (SMS), including reporting safety hazards and contributing to safety investigations.

Secondary Functions

  • Maintain and inventory all shop tooling and specialized equipment, ensuring calibration cycles are current and tools are in safe working order.
  • Assist in the training, coaching, and mentoring of junior technicians and apprentices, fostering a culture of continuous learning and excellence.
  • Provide on-call or after-hours AOG (Aircraft on Ground) support as part of a rotational schedule to ensure 24/7 operational readiness.
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives for maintenance processes, suggesting and implementing changes to enhance safety, efficiency, and quality.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) Certificate is mandatory.
  • Proven expertise in troubleshooting and repairing complex aircraft systems, including avionics, hydraulics, flight controls, and powerplants.
  • Strong proficiency in reading and interpreting aircraft maintenance manuals, wiring diagrams, and engineering blueprints.
  • Hands-on experience with specific corporate or commercial aircraft types (e.g., Gulfstream, Bombardier, Dassault, Boeing, Airbus).
  • Familiarity with electronic maintenance tracking software such as CAMP, Traxxall, or Corridor.
  • Competency in performing structural repairs, including sheet metal and composite work.
  • Ability to proficiently use a wide range of precision tools, diagnostic equipment, and specialized ground support equipment.
  • In-depth knowledge of Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), particularly Parts 43, 91, 135, and 145.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional attention to detail and a methodical approach to problem-solving.
  • Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to diagnose issues efficiently.
  • Excellent communication skills, both written (for logbook entries) and verbal (for team and flight crew interaction).
  • Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet tight deadlines in a dynamic flight operations environment.
  • Strong sense of teamwork and the ability to collaborate effectively within a diverse maintenance team.
  • Unwavering commitment to safety and adherence to established procedures and protocols.
  • High degree of personal integrity and professional accountability.
  • Flexibility to work non-standard schedules, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent (GED).
  • FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Certificate from an accredited institution.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology or a related field.
  • NCATT (National Center for Aerospace & Transportation Technologies) Aircraft Electronics Technician (AET) certification.
  • Factory training on specific aircraft models.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Aviation Maintenance Technology
  • Avionics Technology
  • Aeronautical Engineering Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-7 years of hands-on experience as an aircraft technician, performing maintenance on corporate, commercial, or military aircraft.

Preferred: Experience in a fast-paced Part 135 corporate flight department or a Part 145 repair station environment. Direct experience and/or factory training on the specific aircraft operated by the company is highly desirable.

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