Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
Low23.99%
Found in Industries:
Salary Range
Low (10th %)$45,760
Median$75,020
High (90th %)$114,750
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Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul aircraft engines and assemblies, such as hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
The occupation "Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians" has an overall automation risk of 24.0%, which closely aligns with the calculated base risk of 24.3%. This suggests that while some tasks within the occupation are susceptible to automation, a significant portion still requires human involvement. The relatively moderate risk score reflects a balance between procedural work that can be automated and specialized tasks that demand hands-on expertise, problem-solving, and judgment. Advances in robotics, machine vision, and diagnostic software have enabled the automation of several routine and standardized inspection processes. However, the complexity and safety demands of aviation maintenance continue to impose limits on what can be safely automated. Among the most automatable tasks for aircraft mechanics are inspecting various aircraft components for defects or malfunctions, conducting both routine and regulatory inspections, and verifying that maintenance work meets required standards. These tasks generally involve systematic processes governed by established protocols, making them good candidates for automation by advanced imaging systems, sensors, and artificial intelligence. Automated inspection tools, such as drones or robotic arms equipped with cameras and sensors, can detect cracks or leaks in hard-to-reach places, helping to speed up the diagnostic phase and reduce human error. Computerized recordkeeping and regulatory compliance checks can further streamline inspection workflows, reducing the need for manual oversight. Conversely, certain tasks are highly resistant to automation, preserving the essential role of human technicians in aircraft maintenance. For example, preparing and painting aircraft surfaces requires dexterity, precise handling, and adaptability to diverse surface conditions, which are difficult for machines to replicate. Similarly, removing, inspecting, repairing, and installing specialized components like in-flight refueling stores demand nuanced manual skill and situational judgment. Determining repair limits for intricate engine parts requires experience-driven insight and originality—identified as a bottleneck skill with a low automability factor of just 2.9%. These bottleneck skills underscore the continuing need for human expertise, ingenuity, and decision-making in the maintenance and servicing of aircraft, thereby mitigating the overall automation risk for the occupation.
Filter by Automatable Status
Examine and inspect aircraft components, including landing gear, hydraulic systems, and deicers to locate cracks, breaks, leaks, or other problems.
Partially Automatable
Conduct routine and special inspections as required by regulations.
Partially Automatable
Read and interpret maintenance manuals, service bulletins, and other specifications to determine the feasibility and method of repairing or replacing malfunctioning or damaged components.
Partially Automatable
Maintain repair logs, documenting all preventive and corrective aircraft maintenance.
Automatable
Modify aircraft structures, space vehicles, systems, or components, following drawings, schematics, charts, engineering orders, and technical publications.
Non-Automatable
Inspect airframes for wear or other defects.
Partially Automatable
Measure parts for wear, using precision instruments.
Partially Automatable
Obtain fuel and oil samples and check them for contamination.
Partially Automatable
Replace or repair worn, defective, or damaged components, using hand tools, gauges, and testing equipment.
Non-Automatable
Read and interpret pilots' descriptions of problems to diagnose causes.
Partially Automatable
Test operation of engines and other systems, using test equipment, such as ignition analyzers, compression checkers, distributor timers, or ammeters.
Non-Automatable
Measure the tension of control cables.
Partially Automatable
Spread plastic film over areas to be repaired to prevent damage to surrounding areas.
Non-Automatable
Remove or install aircraft engines, using hoists or forklift trucks.
Non-Automatable
Assemble and install electrical, plumbing, mechanical, hydraulic, and structural components and accessories, using hand or power tools.
Non-Automatable
Locate and mark dimensions and reference lines on defective or replacement parts, using templates, scribes, compasses, and steel rules.
Non-Automatable
Fabricate defective sections or parts, using metal fabricating machines, saws, brakes, shears, and grinders.
Partially Automatable
Reassemble engines following repair or inspection and reinstall engines in aircraft.
Non-Automatable
Service and maintain aircraft and related apparatus by performing activities such as flushing crankcases, cleaning screens, and or moving parts.
Non-Automatable
Clean, refuel, and change oil in line service aircraft.
Partially Automatable
Accompany aircraft on flights to make in-flight adjustments and corrections.
Non-Automatable
Remove or cut out defective parts or drill holes to gain access to internal defects or damage, using drills and punches.
Non-Automatable
Install and align repaired or replacement parts for subsequent riveting or welding, using clamps and wrenches.
Non-Automatable
Inventory and requisition or order supplies, parts, materials, and equipment.
Partially Automatable
Clean, strip, prime, and sand structural surfaces and materials to prepare them for bonding.
Non-Automatable
Communicate with other workers to coordinate fitting and alignment of heavy parts, or to facilitate processing of repair parts.
Partially Automatable
Examine engines through specially designed openings while working from ladders or scaffolds, or use hoists or lifts to remove the entire engine from an aircraft.
Non-Automatable
Check for corrosion, distortion, and invisible cracks in the fuselage, wings, and tail, using x-ray and magnetic inspection equipment.
Partially Automatable
Cure bonded structures, using portable or stationary curing equipment.
Non-Automatable
Listen to operating engines to detect and diagnose malfunctions, such as sticking or burned valves.
Partially Automatable
Clean engines, sediment bulk and screens, and carburetors, adjusting carburetor float levels.
Non-Automatable
Determine repair limits for engine hot section parts.
Partially Automatable
Remove, inspect, repair, and install in-flight refueling stores and external fuel tanks.
Non-Automatable
Prepare and paint aircraft surfaces.
Non-Automatable
Inspect completed work to certify that maintenance meets standards and that aircraft are ready for operation.
Partially Automatable
Maintain, repair, and rebuild aircraft structures, functional components, and parts, such as wings and fuselage, rigging, hydraulic units, oxygen systems, fuel systems, electrical systems, gaskets, or seals.
Non-Automatable
Trim and shape replacement body sections to specified sizes and fits and secure sections in place, using adhesives, hand tools, and power tools.
Non-Automatable
Disassemble engines and inspect parts, such as turbine blades or cylinders, for corrosion, wear, warping, cracks, and leaks, using precision measuring instruments, x-rays, and magnetic inspection equipment.
Non-Automatable
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningLearning StrategiesComplex Problem SolvingOperations MonitoringQuality Control AnalysisSystems EvaluationManagement of Personnel ResourcesWritingSpeakingMathematicsScienceCritical ThinkingActive LearningMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationPersuasionNegotiationInstructingService OrientationOperations AnalysisTechnology DesignEquipment SelectionInstallationProgrammingOperation and ControlEquipment MaintenanceTroubleshootingRepairingJudgment and Decision MakingSystems AnalysisTime ManagementManagement of Financial ResourcesManagement of Material Resources
Arm-Hand SteadinessAuditory AttentionCategory FlexibilityControl PrecisionDeductive ReasoningDepth PerceptionDynamic FlexibilityDynamic StrengthExplosive StrengthExtent FlexibilityFar VisionFinger DexterityFlexibility of ClosureFluency of IdeasGlare SensitivityGross Body CoordinationGross Body EquilibriumHearing SensitivityInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingManual DexterityMathematical ReasoningMemorizationMultilimb CoordinationNear VisionNight VisionNumber FacilityOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionOriginalityPerceptual SpeedPeripheral VisionProblem SensitivityRate ControlReaction TimeResponse OrientationSelective AttentionSound LocalizationSpatial OrientationSpeech ClaritySpeech RecognitionSpeed of ClosureSpeed of Limb MovementStaminaStatic StrengthTime SharingTrunk StrengthVisual Color DiscriminationVisualizationWrist-Finger SpeedWritten ComprehensionWritten Expression
Administration and ManagementAdministrativeEconomics and AccountingSales and MarketingCustomer and Personal ServicePersonnel and Human ResourcesProduction and ProcessingFood ProductionComputers and ElectronicsEngineering and TechnologyDesignBuilding and ConstructionHistory and ArcheologyPhilosophy and TheologyMechanicalMathematicsPhysicsChemistryBiologyPsychologySociology and AnthropologyGeographyMedicine and DentistryForeign LanguageEnglish LanguageFine ArtsEducation and TrainingLaw and GovernmentTelecommunicationsCommunications and MediaTransportationTherapy and CounselingPublic Safety and Security
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationGetting InformationJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleProcessing InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsAnalyzing Data or InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsThinking CreativelyUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesScheduling Work and ActivitiesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkPerforming General Physical ActivitiesHandling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentDocumenting/Recording InformationInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsAssisting and Caring for OthersSelling or Influencing OthersResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsTraining and Teaching OthersRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoaching and Developing OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesStaffing Organizational UnitsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentWorking with Computers
Microsoft WindowsMicrosoft WindowsMaintenance record softwareAccess Software AIRPAXCaseBank SpotLightComputerized aircraft log manager CALMDatcoMedia EBisMaintenance information databasesMxi Technologies MaintenixPentagon 2000SQLSupply system softwareSAP softwareWeb browser softwareDisassembler softwareComputer aided manufacturing CAM softwareTechnical Data Management System TDMSTracware AeroTracMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMaintenance record softwareAccess Software AIRPAXComputerized aircraft log manager CALMMaintenance planning softwareDatcoMedia EBisMaintenance information databasesPentagon 2000SQLSupply system softwareSAP softwareMicrosoft OutlookComputer aided manufacturing CAM softwareDisassembler softwareMicrosoft PowerPointOperational Data Store ODS softwareTechnical Data Management System TDMSTracware AeroTracWeb browser softwareOperating system softwareOperating system softwareOperational Data Store ODS softwareCaseBank SpotLightMxi Technologies MaintenixTechnical manual database softwareTechnical manual database softwareEngine analysis softwareEngine analysis softwareMaintenance planning softwareMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft WordMicrosoft Word
Aerospace Engineers
Medium49.06%
Perform engineering duties in designing, constructing, and testing aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft. May conduct basic and applied research to evaluate adaptability of materials and equipment to aircraft design and manufacture. May recommend improvements in testing equipment and techniques.
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
Medium35.83%
Operate, install, adjust, and maintain integrated computer/communications systems, consoles, simulators, and other data acquisition, test, and measurement instruments and equipment, which are used to launch, track, position, and evaluate air and space vehicles. May record and interpret test data.
Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians
Medium46.60%
Operate, test, maintain, or adjust unmanned, automated, servomechanical, or electromechanical equipment. May operate unmanned submarines, aircraft, or other equipment to observe or record visual information at sites such as oil rigs, crop fields, buildings, or for similar infrastructure, deep ocean exploration, or hazardous waste removal. May assist engineers in testing and designing robotics equipment.
Avionics Technicians
Low28.44%
Install, inspect, test, adjust, or repair avionics equipment, such as radar, radio, navigation, and missile control systems in aircraft or space vehicles.
Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers
Low25.44%
Repair, maintain, or install electric motors, wiring, or switches.
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
Medium43.09%
Repair, test, adjust, or install electronic equipment, such as industrial controls, transmitters, and antennas.
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
Low27.13%
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles.
Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
Low26.56%
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul buses and trucks, or maintain and repair any type of diesel engines. Includes mechanics working primarily with automobile or marine diesel engines.
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines
Medium41.90%
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul mobile mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic equipment, such as cranes, bulldozers, graders, and conveyors, used in construction, logging, and mining.
Rail Car Repairers
Low23.46%
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul railroad rolling stock, mine cars, or mass transit rail cars.
Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians
Low28.53%
Repair and adjust electrical and mechanical equipment of inboard or inboard-outboard boat engines.
Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door
Low30.04%
Install, repair, and maintain mechanical regulating and controlling devices, such as electric meters, gas regulators, thermostats, safety and flow valves, and other mechanical governors.
Industrial Machinery Mechanics
Medium49.31%
Repair, install, adjust, or maintain industrial production and processing machinery or refinery and pipeline distribution systems. May also install, dismantle, or move machinery and heavy equipment according to plans.
Maintenance Workers, Machinery
Low32.98%
Lubricate machinery, change parts, or perform other routine machinery maintenance.
Millwrights
Low12.88%
Install, dismantle, or move machinery and heavy equipment according to layout plans, blueprints, or other drawings.
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
Low28.35%
Assemble, fit, fasten, and install parts of airplanes, space vehicles, or missiles, such as tails, wings, fuselage, bulkheads, stabilizers, landing gear, rigging and control equipment, or heating and ventilating systems.
Engine and Other Machine Assemblers
Medium37.10%
Construct, assemble, or rebuild machines, such as engines, turbines, and similar equipment used in such industries as construction, extraction, textiles, and paper manufacturing.
Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators
Medium43.49%
Operate or maintain stationary engines, boilers, or other mechanical equipment to provide utilities for buildings or industrial processes. Operate equipment such as steam engines, generators, motors, turbines, and steam boilers.
Ship Engineers
Medium39.11%
Supervise and coordinate activities of crew engaged in operating and maintaining engines, boilers, deck machinery, and electrical, sanitary, and refrigeration equipment aboard ship.
Aircraft Service Attendants
Low22.22%
Service aircraft with fuel. May de-ice aircraft, refill water and cooling agents, empty sewage tanks, service air and oxygen systems, or clean and polish exterior.
Marine Engineers and Naval Architects
Medium49.96%
Design, develop, and evaluate the operation of marine vessels, ship machinery, and related equipment, such as power supply and propulsion systems.
Motorcycle Mechanics
Low15.15%
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul motorcycles, scooters, mopeds, dirt bikes, or similar motorized vehicles.
Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics
Low24.70%
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul small engines used to power lawn mowers, chain saws, recreational sporting equipment, and related equipment.
Recreational Vehicle Service Technicians
Low17.42%
Diagnose, inspect, adjust, repair, or overhaul recreational vehicles including travel trailers. May specialize in maintaining gas, electrical, hydraulic, plumbing, or chassis/towing systems as well as repairing generators, appliances, and interior components. Includes workers who perform customized van conversions.
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers
Medium52.34%
Pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing aircraft, usually on scheduled air carrier routes, for the transport of passengers and cargo. Requires Federal Air Transport certificate and rating for specific aircraft type used. Includes regional, national, and international airline pilots and flight instructors of airline pilots.
Commercial Pilots
Medium45.15%
Pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing aircraft on nonscheduled air carrier routes, or helicopters. Requires Commercial Pilot certificate. Includes charter pilots with similar certification, and air ambulance and air tour pilots. Excludes regional, national, and international airline pilots.
Aviation Inspectors
Medium49.28%
Inspect aircraft, maintenance procedures, air navigational aids, air traffic controls, and communications equipment to ensure conformance with Federal safety regulations.
Transportation Vehicle, Equipment and Systems Inspectors, Except Aviation
Medium49.50%
Inspect and monitor transportation equipment, vehicles, or systems to ensure compliance with regulations and safety standards.