Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Jet Mechanic Intern

🎯 Role Definition

As a Jet Mechanic Intern you will work under the supervision of licensed A&P (Airframe & Powerplant) mechanics and maintenance supervisors to gain practical experience performing preventive maintenance, inspections, troubleshooting, and basic repairs on turbine-powered aircraft. This internship emphasizes safe, compliant execution of tasks aligned with AMM/IPC/SRM procedures, proper use of maintenance tools and test equipment, accurate logbook and job card documentation, and continuous learning through on-the-job training, formal coursework, and mentorship.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) vocational program or A&P certificate program student
Military aircraft maintenance technician transitioning to civilian roles
Aviation maintenance co-op or previous internship in airline/repair station

Advancement To:

Licensed A&P Mechanic (Airframe & Powerplant)
Line Maintenance Technician or Base Maintenance Technician
Avionics Technician or Component Repair Technician
Crew Chief, Lead Mechanic, Maintenance Planner, Quality Inspector, or Maintenance Supervisor

Lateral Moves:

Avionics/Instrument Technician
Component Overhaul/Repair Specialist
Parts/Materials Coordinator (MRB/Stores)
Technical Records or Maintenance Planner Assistant

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Assist licensed A&P mechanics in performing scheduled and unscheduled inspections (pre-flight, transit, daily, A, B, C, and D checks) following applicable AMM (Aircraft Maintenance Manual), IPC (Illustrated Parts Catalog), and SRM (Structural Repair Manual) procedures to ensure aircraft airworthiness.
Support performance of preventive maintenance tasks such as oil changes, filter replacements, brake checks, tire/service, and lubrication under the supervision of a certified technician, ensuring proper torque values and tool calibration are observed.
Conduct exterior and interior aircraft walk-arounds and detailed system checks (flight controls, landing gear, hydraulics, pneumatics, environmental control systems) to identify visible defects and report findings in maintenance logs and electronic work cards.
Prepare aircraft for engine runs and assist during power checks by setting up safety zones, securing tooling, monitoring instrumentation, and communicating with the ramp/flight crew following engine run briefs and safety protocols.
Assist with borescope inspections and cleaning of engine and accessory compartments, supporting certified technicians to detect foreign object damage (FOD), oil leaks, and internal component wear, and properly tag and document findings.
Help perform line troubleshooting and fault isolation on hydraulic, pneumatic, fuel, electrical, environmental, and avionics systems using diagnostic tools, multimeters, and maintenance troubleshooting guides under guidance.
Execute basic sheet metal and composite repair tasks (temporary shoring, removal of fasteners, application of approved patch materials) while strictly following repair data, structural repair approvals, and tooling requirements under supervision.
Support removal and installation of line-replaceable units (LRUs) and components, ensure correct part numbers and serial numbers, perform bench checks, and coordinate with the parts department for immediate replacement parts and logistics.
Conduct functional checks of avionics and instruments (indicators, radios, transponders, ELTs) alongside avionics technicians, assisting with basic alignment and connectors inspections per AMM and avionics manuals.
Assist with onboard systems servicing tasks such as potable water servicing, lavatory servicing, oxygen system servicing, and servicing of hydraulic reservoirs while observing hazardous materials handling and MSDS/HAZMAT procedures.
Perform basic non-destructive testing (NDT) support functions including preparing parts for dye-penetrant inspections, assisting with eddy current or ultrasonic setups, and documenting results for certified NDT personnel.
Maintain and manage tooling and tool control logs (calibrated torque wrenches, safety wire pliers, borescopes), ensuring tools are tagged, calibrated, secured, and returned to tool crib according to tool control policies.
Accurately complete and update maintenance logbooks, job cards, discrepancy forms, and electronic maintenance records with detailed workmanship statements under supervisor review to comply with FAA/EASA recordkeeping requirements.
Support ad-hoc defect investigations by gathering maintenance history, photographing discrepancies, collecting part numbers/serial numbers, and coordinating with mechanics and quality assurance for root cause analysis.
Assist in aircraft towing, pushback operations, and ground handling tasks while observing all ground safety procedures, chocking, safety cones placement, and communication with ramp operations and flight crew.
Participate in component changeouts and return-to-service procedures, assist with functional checks post-installation, and ensure compliance with minimum equipment lists (MEL) and configuration control.
Support compliance tracking for Airworthiness Directives (ADs), Service Bulletins (SBs), and CMM/Engineering orders by collecting documentation, applying required tags, and aiding in scheduling compliance tasks.
Perform basic cleaning, corrosion control preparation, and paint touch-up support under technician direction, ensuring surfaces are prepared per SRM and corrosion control procedures.
Assist with parts inspection and inventory management by verifying incoming parts against work orders, inspecting packaging and part marking, and updating electronic parts management systems to maintain traceability.
Support safety and quality assurance checks by participating in pre- and post-maintenance inspections with quality personnel, assisting in root cause documentation, and closing out corrective actions with mechanics and supervisors.
Shadow and assist during heavy maintenance events (C-check activities, engine changeovers, structural repairs), supporting multiple disciplines and learning cross-functional tasks to broaden experience across airframe, powerplant, and avionics.
Participate in formal and informal on-the-job training, competency assessments, and tool-specific training (borescope, torque tools, multimeters) to progressively assume more complex maintenance tasks under certification.
Follow all company and regulatory safety, security, and environmental policies, including personal protective equipment (PPE) use, hazardous waste disposal, fuel handling procedures, and confined space protocols when assisting on related tasks.
Report defects, safety hazards, and near-miss events immediately to supervisory staff and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that reduce repeat discrepancies and improve turnaround times.

Secondary Functions

Help maintain a clean, organized hangar and work area to support efficient maintenance flow and tool accountability.
Support the parts procurement and kitting process by assisting with parts pulls, RTAs (Repairable Turn-Around) and return-to-vendor documentation.
Assist the technical records team in scanning and indexing maintenance records for long-term archive and regulatory inspection readiness.
Participate in team meetings, safety briefings, and shift handovers to ensure continuity of maintenance activities and communicate outstanding tasks or deferred defects.
Support ad-hoc training needs by preparing materials, shadowing senior staff, and documenting practical tips or deviations observed during maintenance for training repositories.
Contribute to lean initiatives and 5S improvements in the hangar to increase productivity, reduce waste, and standardize work processes.
Assist quality assurance with audit preparations (internal and external), including gathering evidence of compliance and helping implement minor corrective actions.
Provide ramp support during peak operations, including chocking, towbar setup, and marshalling assistance when required by the operations team.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Familiarity with FAA/EASA regulatory framework and maintenance recordkeeping requirements (CFR Part 145/Part 43 concepts).
Basic knowledge of Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) systems: turbine engines, landing gear, hydraulic and fuel systems, environmental control systems.
Ability to read and interpret technical publications: AMM, IPC, SRM, CMM, service bulletins, and Airworthiness Directives.
Hands-on experience or coursework with engine run procedures, borescope inspection basics, and engine accessory checks.
Use of diagnostic and test equipment: multimeters, oscilloscopes, borescopes, torque wrenches, and pressure gauges.
Understanding of basic avionics test and bench check procedures and familiarity with common avionics connectors and harnesses.
Practical knowledge of tool control, calibration, and safe use of hand and power tools (safety wire pliers, pullers, pneumatic tools).
Exposure to non-destructive testing (NDT) processes such as liquid penetrant, eddy current, or visual inspection techniques.
Ability to identify corrosion and participate in corrosion prevention and control tasks following SRM procedures.
Working knowledge of parts identification, catalog look-up (IPC), and material traceability procedures (part number/serial number verification).
Familiarity with computerized maintenance tracking systems (CMMS) or electronic technical logs preferred (e.g., AMOS, TRAX, Ramco).
Basic understanding of safety and hazardous materials handling (HAZMAT), MSDS interpretation, and environmental disposal procedures.
Competence with reading engineering drawings, wiring diagrams, and simple schematics.

Soft Skills

Strong attention to detail and high level of personal accountability for safety-critical tasks.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills for clear documentation and effective team coordination.
Curiosity and a continuous learning mindset; motivated to absorb technical knowledge and apply it practically.
Team player with the ability to collaborate across maintenance, operations, quality, and parts departments.
Problem-solving mindset with the ability to follow structured troubleshooting methodologies and escalate appropriately.
Time management and prioritization skills in a fast-paced maintenance environment with shifting priorities.
Professional conduct, punctuality, and reliability in shift-based operations and on-call situations.
Ability to follow strict instructions and regulatory procedures while working under supervision.
Adaptability to work in a hangar environment, around engine noise, and in varied weather conditions.
Strong safety culture and willingness to stop work and report unsafe conditions.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or GED with relevant vocational coursework in aviation maintenance or mechanical trades.

Preferred Education:

Currently enrolled in or recently completed an FAA-approved Aviation Maintenance Technician (A&P) program, associate degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology, or equivalent military maintenance training.
Coursework or certification in avionics fundamentals, NDT basics, or relevant safety certifications (HAZMAT, OSHA).

Relevant Fields of Study:

Aviation Maintenance Technology
Aerospace Engineering Technology
Mechanical or Electrical Technology
Military Aircraft Maintenance Training

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

0–2 years of hands-on aviation experience; internships, school labs, military maintenance, or entry-level ramp/line support accepted.

Preferred:

Prior internship/co-op experience in airline or repair station maintenance, demonstrable exposure to AMM/IPC use, and familiarity with safety-critical documentation.
Candidates working toward or possessing initial A&P coursework, FAA written exam completion, or equivalent practical experience will be prioritized.