Aviation Maintenance- Aviation maintenance mechanics (including airframe and powerplant technicians, avionics technicians and instrument repairmen) have the important responsibility of keeping airplanes in a safe condition to fly. In this effort they service, repair, and overhaul various aircraft components and systems including airframes, engines, electrical and hydraulic systems, propellers, avionics equipment, and aircraft instruments. The nature of the work has changed greatly in recent years and will continue to change rapidly because of advances in computer technology, solid-state electronics, and fiber composite structural material.

Aircraft mechanics may be licensed or unlicensed. The licensed mechanic may hold a Mechanic's Certificate with an Airframe rating, Powerplant rating or both expressed as A&P; or a Repairman's Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). FAA Mechanic Certificates are issued upon successful completion of oral, written, and practical examinations. The Airframe, Powerplant or Airframe and Powerplant Certificates allows a mechanic to work only on those specific parts of the aircraft; i.e. engines, airframe and systems for which he is rated. The mechanic with the FAA's Repairman Certificate can work on those parts of the aircraft that the certificate specifically allows, such as radio or instruments, propellers, etc. If the repairperson works on transmitting equipment aboard the aircraft (radio, radar, etc.), he or she must also hold a license from the Federal Communication Commission (FCC). General radio telephone operator licenses are issued by the FCC to applicants who successfully complete the written test.

Aircraft mechanics employed by the airlines perform either line maintenance work; i.e., routine maintenance, servicing, or emergency repairs at airline terminals; or major repairs and periodic inspections at the airline's overhaul base. Aircraft mechanics employed in general aviation do maintenance and repair work similar to airline mechanics; however, the equipment they service is generally smaller in size but may be just as complex.

Outlook for the Future: The long-term employment outlook for aviation maintenance personnel (including A&P, Airframe, Powerplant, and Avionics Technicians) is very encouraging. All studies about employment opportunities emphasize the fact that the well trained, licensed individual with a strong background in technical subjects will have little trouble finding work in aviation or associated technical fields.

Scientists/Engineers/Technicians- Scientists, Engineers and Technicians: Almost every branch of science and engineering is involved in the solutions of the great variety of problems associated with the design and production of faster and more efficient aircraft and the in-flight operation and ground servicing of planes, their passengers and cargo. Increasingly more complex mechanical and electrical equipment is necessary for our airlines. The challenge includes the search for aircraft with short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) capabilities and for the design of aircraft for specialized work use and for recreation purposes. All designs must stress improved safety factors.

These professional and semi-professional workers may be assigned to concentrate on tasks involving one of three major areas: (1) research, design or development; (2) production, operation or control; and (3) installation, maintenance or sales engineering.

The emphasis is on thinking and on teamwork -- a coordinated effort of scientists, engineers and technicians. The scientists are chiefly concerned with basic and applied research: the search for scientific knowledge, new concepts, the extension of theory, and the practical applications of this knowledge and theory. The engineer normally has a definite goal in mind: the engineer's design for a specific piece of equipment to do a specific task. Technicians work closely with the scientists and engineers and concentrate more on the practical aspects of using and testing equipment than on the theory involved in building it. Technicians usually begin as trainees or in the more routine positions under the direct supervision of an experienced technician, scientist, or engineer. More responsible assignments are undertaken as technicians gain experience. The team is concerned with all phases of the development of their assigned project -- from the initial planning and design to the final manufacture and testing.

Production Workers A little more than half of all aircraft manufacturing workers are production workers ("blue collar" occupations), and many aircraft manufacturers prefer their production staff to have “A&P” aviation maintenance licenses, to ensure they understand the intricacies and safety implications of how the aircraft are assembled. These workers fabricate, assemble, install, test and inspect the many parts which make up a modern airplane. Other plant workers handle material and provide maintenance and custodial services. These occupations range from highly skilled to semi-skilled jobs.

Professional Airline Personnel Professional job opportunities within the airlines today break down into the following categories: architects, aeronautical research scientists, engineers, draftsmen, doctors, nurses, lawyers, and instructors. Any in this group require periods of intensive education and specialized training. The salaries among the professional people are among the highest paid to airline employees. The personal qualifications for these people are the same as those required of such professional people in other fields. Excepting draftsmen, instructors, and nurses, the people of the professional categories should be college graduates with postgraduate training and experience, each in a field of specialization. Draftsmen usually may substitute four years of work experience for formal training at the college level. Nurses are required to have a registered Nurse Degree.