Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technicians

Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians install, test, adjust, and repair equipment and systems in aircraft.

Duties

Aircraft mechanics and service technicians typically do the following:

• Diagnose mechanical or electrical problems
• Repair wings, brakes, electrical systems, and other aircraft components
• Examine replacement aircraft parts for defects
• Replace defective parts, using handtools or power tools
• Read and interpret manufacturers’ instructions to identify repair specifications
• Test aircraft parts with gauges and other instruments
• Inspect completed work to ensure that it meets performance standards
• Keep records of maintenance and repair work

Avionics technicians typically do the following:

• Test electronic equipment using circuit testers, voltmeters, and other instruments
• Interpret flight test data to diagnose malfunctions and performance problems
• Repair or replace malfunctioning components
• Assemble components, such as electrical controls and junction boxes, and install software
• Install instrument panels, using handtools, power tools, and soldering irons
• Keep records of maintenance and repair work

To keep aircraft operating safely and reliably, aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians perform scheduled maintenance, make repairs, and complete inspections. They follow detailed regulations set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that dictate maintenance schedules for different operations.

Some mechanics and technicians are generalists and work on many different types of aircraft, such as airplanes, helicopters, and space vehicles. Others specialize in one section, such as the engine or hydraulic system, of a particular type of aircraft. In independent repair shops, mechanics usually inspect and repair many types of aircraft.

The following are examples of types of aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians:

Airframe and powerplant (A&P) mechanics are certified generalist mechanics who repair and maintain most parts of an aircraft, including the engines, landing gear, and brakes. Some specialized activities require additional experience and certification.

Avionics technicians are specialists who repair and maintain a plane’s electronic systems, including radio communications equipment and radar. Technicians who have an airframe rating may repair and maintain many avionics and flight instrument systems, but they also may need other licenses or certifications.

Designated airworthiness representatives (DARs) examine, inspect, and test aircraft in order to issue airworthiness certificates, which aircraft must have to fly. There are two types of DARs: manufacturing DARs and maintenance DARs.

Inspection authorized (IA) mechanics are A&P-certified mechanics who may inspect aircraft and return them to service. IA mechanics have the widest variety of maintenance and alteration capabilities, such as performing comprehensive annual inspections, of any maintenance personnel.

Repairmen have certificates that allow them to do specific duties. Repairman certificates are issued by the employing repair station and are not transferable to other employers.

Aircraft mechanics and service technicians held about 139,400 jobs in 2024. The largest employers of aircraft mechanics and service technicians were as follows:

Avionics technicians held about 21,400 jobs in 2024. The largest employers of avionics technicians were as follows:

Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians work in hangars, in repair stations, or on airfields. Most of these worksites are located near major airports. Civilian aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians employed by the U.S. Armed Forces work on military installations.

Aircraft mechanics and service technicians may work outside on the airfield or in climate-controlled shops and hangars. They may need to work in uncomfortable positions, such as crouching or lying on the ground and reaching overhead, for long periods.

The work may be stressful at times because these mechanics and technicians must follow strict safety standards while meeting deadlines.

Injuries and Illnesses

Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians may work on scaffolds or ladders. Noise and vibrations are also common, especially when engines are being tested. Workers must take care to avoid falls and should wear safety gear, such as ear protection to reduce the risk of hearing loss.

Work Schedules

Most aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians work full time. They may work 8- or 10-hour shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians typically need postsecondary education, such as a certificate from a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-approved program. Some enter the occupation with an associate’s degree; others have a high school diploma and train on the job or in the military.

The median annual wage for aircraft mechanics and service technicians was $78,680 in May 2024.

The median annual wage for avionics technicians was $81,390 in May 2024.

Overall employment of aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians is projected to grow 5 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 13,100 openings for aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.