Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Jet Mechanic

🎯 Role Definition

A Jet Mechanic (also called Aircraft Maintenance Technician or AMT) performs scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, and certification of turbine-powered commercial and business aircraft. This role requires hands-on expertise with turbine engines, airframe systems (landing gear, hydraulics, flight controls), avionics interfaces, structural repairs, and strict compliance with regulatory requirements (FAA A&P, EASA Part-66 or equivalent). The mechanic documents work in maintenance tracking systems, issues maintenance releases, and collaborates with engineers, planners, and operations to keep aircraft airworthy and on schedule.

Primary SEO / LLM keywords: Jet Mechanic, Aircraft Mechanic, A&P, Part-66, turbine engine maintenance, borescope inspection, line maintenance, base maintenance, MRO, FAA/EASA compliance, maintenance release, AMOS, TRAX.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Licensed A&P technician completing line maintenance at a regional carrier or FBO.
Technician transitioning from turboprop piston aircraft to jet turbine experience.
Graduate of an FAA / EASA-approved Aviation Maintenance Technician school or aerospace technical college.

Advancement To:

Lead Jet Mechanic / Senior Aircraft Technician
Maintenance Planner or Base Maintenance Supervisor
Quality Assurance Inspector / Certification Inspector
Engine Shop Technician or Turbine Engine Specialist
Maintenance Operations Manager or MRO Program Manager

Lateral Moves:

Avionics Technician / Electrical Systems Specialist
Structures Repair Technician / Composite Repair Specialist
Tooling & Calibration Technician or Parts/Logistics Coordinator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Perform scheduled line and base maintenance tasks and complete unscheduled repairs on jet aircraft in strict accordance with manufacturer maintenance manuals (CMM), structural repair manuals, service bulletins (SBs), and airworthiness directives (ADs) while ensuring compliance with FAA/EASA and company procedures.
Troubleshoot and diagnose complex faults on turbine engines (e.g., CFM56, CF34, V2500, PW1000G, GE, Pratt & Whitney) and auxiliary power units (APUs) using borescope inspections, engine run data, vibration analysis, and diagnostic test equipment.
Remove, inspect, repair, replace, and install major engine components and accessories (fan modules, combustors, turbines, fuel nozzles, seals) and coordinate engine change procedures, ensuring all torque, rigging, and restriction limits are met.
Conduct thorough pre-flight, transit, and post-flight inspections; identify and rectify mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and electrical discrepancies to ensure aircraft safety and regulatory compliance prior to release to service.
Perform structural repairs including sheet metal, composite patching, cold bonding, riveting, and minor structural modifications per Structural Repair Manual (SRM) and certify repairs with appropriate documentation and sign-off.
Service, inspect and repair landing gear systems (struts, actuators, brakes, tires and wheels), perform brake changes, bogie work, wheel balancing, and torque measurements to manufacturer and regulatory standards.
Troubleshoot, repair and test aircraft hydraulic, pneumatic, fuel, environmental control (ECS), and pressurization systems, replacing lines, actuators, valves and components and ensuring leak-free operation under pressure testing.
Conduct avionics & electrical system fault isolation and component replacement (inverters, generators, batteries, wiring harnesses, circuit breakers, avionics modules) in partnership with licensed avionics technicians when required.
Execute routine and advanced non-destructive testing (NDT) inspections — including eddy current, fluorescent dye penetrant, ultrasonic and visual inspections — to detect corrosion, cracking, and delamination and initiate corrective actions.
Read, interpret, and apply technical publications, manufacturer maintenance manuals, wiring diagrams, schematics, and engineering drawings to perform repairs and modifications to jet aircraft.
Maintain accurate technical records, logbook entries, and electronic maintenance tracking system updates (AMMS/AMOS/TRAX/CAMP) detailing inspection results, parts used, work performed, and sign maintenance releases in accordance with regulatory guidance.
Perform engine run-ups, operational checks and functional tests for systems troubleshooting; monitor parameters and document test results, making adjustments or performing repairs as needed to achieve specification compliance.
Execute weight and balance adjustments, control surface rigging, and flight control checks to ensure correct aerodynamic setup and safe flight characteristics after maintenance or component changes.
Follow safety, environmental and hazardous materials handling procedures, including fuel/oil containment, waste disposal, and adherence to lockout/tagout and confined space practices during maintenance operations.
Identify and report deferred defects, Minimum Equipment List (MEL) items, and repetitive discrepancies; process technical log entries and coordinate with operations and dispatch to minimize downtime.
Conduct line and base maintenance under time pressure for AOG (Aircraft on Ground) situations, perform rapid troubleshooting and expedite parts procurement or cannibalization when required to restore aircraft serviceability.
Participate in damage assessment and corrosion control programs; scope out structural damage, recommend repair actions, and liaise with structural engineers and quality assurance for complex repairs or repair design approvals.
Calibrate, maintain, and use precision hand tools, power tools, torque wrenches, test benches, multimeters, borescopes, hydraulic test stands, and specialized engine diagnostic equipment safely and according to calibration schedules.
Mentor and train junior mechanics and apprentices on safety procedures, company policies, maintenance best practices, technical publications utilization, and hands-on techniques to develop a high-performing maintenance team.
Coordinate with stores, procurement, and vendors to source parts and components, verify part numbers and shelf-life items, manage tool control and ensure proper tagging and traceability of critical spares.
Support engineering change requests (ECRs), service bulletin implementation, and modification programs, performing installations as approved and documenting configuration control and sign-off requirements.
Participate in quality assurance inspections and internal audits; correct non-conformities, complete corrective action plans, and uphold continuous improvement initiatives to raise maintenance quality and reduce repeat discrepancies.
Perform corrosion treatments, sealant application, surface preparation, and painting related to maintenance activities in accordance with coating and corrosion control procedures.
Ensure hangar housekeeping, compliance with PPE requirements, and adherence to safety briefings and hazard communication to maintain a safe, orderly maintenance environment.

Secondary Functions

Provide technical input to maintenance planners and schedulers to optimize line/base maintenance windows and reduce aircraft downtime.
Assist with inventory reconciliation, parts returns, and management of expendable supplies to support maintenance operations.
Support occasional overnight, holiday, and irregular shift coverage and be available for AOG or field service deployments as required.
Participate in continuous improvement initiatives, lean maintenance programs, and safety committees to enhance reliability, efficiency, and workplace safety.
Work with external vendors and repair stations for component overhaul coordination, warranty claims, and exchange programs to expedite repairs.
Provide on-the-job training documentation and competency records for apprentices and returning technicians to meet licensing and company training requirements.
Assist Quality Assurance and Compliance teams during internal and external regulatory audits by preparing work packages and maintenance records.
Support the implementation of new tooling or diagnostic equipment and contribute user feedback to purchasing and engineering teams.
Participate in pre-delivery inspections and acceptance checks for newly received or leased jet aircraft.
Act as a technical subject-matter contributor in maintenance review boards and operational readiness meetings when needed.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) license or EASA Part-66 B1/B2 (or national equivalent) — required for certifying maintenance and issuing maintenance releases.
Proven troubleshooting and fault-isolation skills on turbine jet engines (CFM, GE, Pratt & Whitney series, Rolls-Royce) including borescope inspection interpretation and engine health monitoring procedures.
Proficient with airframe systems: hydraulics, pneumatics, flight controls, landing gear, fuel systems, environmental controls, pressurization and auxiliary power units (APU).
Competent in reading and applying manufacturer maintenance manuals (CMM), structural repair manuals (SRM), wiring diagrams, and service bulletins with strong technical publication navigation skills.
Experience with maintenance tracking and records systems such as AMOS, TRAX, CAMP, Ramco or bespoke AMMS software and the ability to create and close work orders and issue release to service documentation.
Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) methods familiarity (eddy current, fluorescent dye penetrant, ultrasound, visual inspection) or certification preferred.
Hands-on experience with structural repair techniques: sheet metal repair, composite patching, riveting, cold bonding, and minor welding as applied to aircraft structures.
Competence in performing engine ground runs, operational checks, functional tests, and system pressure leak testing with associated test equipment.
Ability to use and maintain precision tools and test instrumentation: torque wrenches, borescopes, multimeters, oscilloscopes, hydraulic test stands, and specialized engine analyzers.
Knowledge of regulatory compliance: Airworthiness Directives (ADs), Minimum Equipment List (MEL) procedures, manufacturer service letters, and certification requirements.
Familiarity with parts/IVF management, shelf-life control, and technical record traceability (part-number verification, form 8130-3 or equivalent where applicable).
Experience with corrosion control processes, sealants, and coating specifications for airframe protection.
Understanding of weight & balance calculations, control surface rigging limits and procedures for post-maintenance verification.

Soft Skills

Strong attention to detail and meticulous documentation habits to ensure accurate maintenance records and regulatory compliance.
Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills for rapid fault diagnosis and effective repair decision-making in high-pressure AOG situations.
Clear verbal and written communication skills to coordinate with pilots, planners, engineers, and quality assurance teams.
Team player with the ability to mentor junior technicians and contribute to a collaborative maintenance environment.
Time management and prioritization skills to complete tasks within tight turn times while maintaining quality and safety.
Safety-first mindset with strong commitment to following SOPs, PPE use, and hazard reporting protocols.
Adaptability and flexibility to work varying shifts, rostered line maintenance, night turns, and field deployments.
Initiative and continuous-learning attitude to keep certifications current and stay up-to-date with new aircraft types and technologies.
Customer-focused service orientation when interfacing with flight crews, operations, and external stakeholders.
Accountability and professional integrity when certifying maintenance and signing off work packages.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or GED with completed accredited aviation maintenance training or equivalent hands-on experience.

Preferred Education:

Associate degree or diploma in Aviation Maintenance Technology, Aerospace Technology, or Mechanical/Aeronautical Engineering from an FAA/EASA approved school.
Additional certifications in NDT, composite repair, or avionics are advantageous.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Aviation Maintenance Technology
Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering Technology
Mechanical Engineering (applied to aircraft systems)
Avionics / Electrical Systems Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2–10+ years of aircraft maintenance experience, varying by role level (line technician to senior/base mechanic).

Preferred:

3+ years of direct experience on commercial/business jet turbine aircraft with demonstrated competence on specific engine types and airframe families.
Prior experience working in airline, MRO, corporate flight department, or OEM maintenance environment.
Proven record of regulatory compliance and experience issuing maintenance releases under FAA A&P or EASA Part-66 privileges.