8852 - Aircraft Mechanic

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Federal Occupation Description

Federal Occupation Description

This standard is used to grade all nonsupervisory jobs involved in the maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, overhaul, and modification of fixed and rotary wing aircraft systems, airframes, components and assemblies, where the work requires substantive knowledge of the airframe and aircraft mechanical, pneudraulic, and/or electrical systems and their interrelationships. Some work situations within this series may require varying levels of electronics knowledge.

For job opportunities in this series, go to the Office of Personnel Management USAJOBS website.

Other Federal Occupations

It is not uncommon for individuals in one federal occupational series to perform duties related to another series within the same federal occupational group. To find out about the certifications for another series in the AIRCRAFT OVERHAUL FAMILY, click on that series below. Note that credentials have not yet been identified for all series – links are provided only to those series for which the identification of credentials has been completed. Additional series will be added over time.

The following certifications have been identified as most relevant to the broad duties of this federal occupational series. Please note that these credentials may not reflect all of the unique job functions that you perform within your organization. Also these credentials may require additional education, training or experience. For more information about any credential, click on the credential title below.

Compare Credential Agency Related As GI Bill® Accreditation ID
Mechanic (A&P)-Inspection Authorization (IA) Is Not In Demand Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mostMost GI BillGI Bill  
Mechanic (Powerplant) Is Not In Demand Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mostMost GI BillGI Bill  
Mechanic (Airframe) Is Not In Demand Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mostMost GI BillGI Bill  
Mechanic (Airframe & Powerplant) Is Not In Demand Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mostMost GI BillGI Bill  
Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professionals (CMRP) In DemandIs In Demand Society for Maintenance and Reliability Professionals (SMRP) otherOther GI BillGI Bill AccreditationAccreditation
Certified Maintenance and Reliability Technician (CMRT) Is Not In Demand Society for Maintenance and Reliability Professionals (SMRP) someSome    
Avionics Electronics Technician (AVN) Is Not In Demand Electronics Technicians Association, International (ETA-I) someSome GI BillGI Bill AccreditationAccreditation
Certified Aerospace Technician Core Is Not In Demand SpaceTEC otherOther GI BillGI Bill AccreditationAccreditation
Aircraft Electronics Technician (AET) Is Not In Demand National Center for Aerospace & Transportation Technologies (NCATT) someSome    
AET-Radio Communication Systems (AET-RCS) Is Not In Demand National Center for Aerospace & Transportation Technologies (NCATT) someSome    
AET-Dependent Navigation Systems (AET-DNS) Is Not In Demand National Center for Aerospace & Transportation Technologies (NCATT) someSome    
Associate Safety Professional (ASP) In DemandIs In Demand Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) someSome   AccreditationAccreditation
AET-Onboard Communication & Safety Systems Standards (OCS) Is Not In Demand National Center for Aerospace & Transportation Technologies (NCATT) someSome    
AET-Autonomous Navigation Systems (ANS) Is Not In Demand National Center for Aerospace & Transportation Technologies (NCATT) someSome    
Basic Composites Is Not In Demand Certifying Technical Employee Competence (CertTEC) mostMost   AccreditationAccreditation
Basic Electricity and Electronics - Alternating Current (BEE-AC) Is Not In Demand Certifying Technical Employee Competence (CertTEC) mostMost GI BillGI Bill AccreditationAccreditation
Basic Electricity and Electronics - Direct Current (BEE-DC) Is Not In Demand Certifying Technical Employee Competence (CertTEC) otherOther   AccreditationAccreditation
Basic Electricity and Electronics - Analog (BEE-A) Is Not In Demand Certifying Technical Employee Competence (CertTEC) mostMost GI BillGI Bill AccreditationAccreditation
Basic Electricity and Electronics - Digital (BEE-D) Is Not In Demand Certifying Technical Employee Competence (CertTEC) mostMost   AccreditationAccreditation
Aviation Mechanical Assembly Technician Is Not In Demand Certifying Technical Employee Competence (CertTEC) mostMost   AccreditationAccreditation
Aviation Structures Is Not In Demand Certifying Technical Employee Competence (CertTEC) mostMost   AccreditationAccreditation
Certified Aerospace Technician -Vehicle Processing Is Not In Demand SpaceTEC otherOther   AccreditationAccreditation
Aerospace Manufacturing- Structure and Assembly Is Not In Demand SpaceTEC otherOther   AccreditationAccreditation

State Licenses

Some states have specific licensing requirements for the following related civilian occupations. These state licenses may require additional education, training or experience. Click on the occupation below to get more information on state requirements from the U.S. Department of Labor.

Related Civilian Private Sector Occupations

The following civilian private sector occupations are similar to the duties performed by 8852 - Aircraft Mechanic. These occupations may require additional education, training or experience. For more information about these occupations, click on the civilian occupation below.

Civilian Job Duties Matched Bright Outlook Registered Apprenticeship Local Salary Info
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians mostMost   Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers mostMost   Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Avionics Technicians someSome   Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment someSome   Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Maintenance and Repair Workers, General someSome Bright OutlookBright Outlook  Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
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This is an official U.S. Navy websiteUpdated: October 16, 2019
Click here to go to Mechanic (A&P)-Inspection Authorization (IA) COOL Snapshot page.

Inspection Authorization (IA). The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) initiated the issuance of the inspection authorization (IA) more than 35 years ago. This system of allowing qualified mechanics the privilege of performing certain inspections has served well in the maintenance of the U.S. civil fleet. The attainment of an IA and performance of the duties thereof greatly enhance the privileges and responsibilities of the aircraft mechanic. Candidates must hold a currently effective mechanic certificate with both an airframe rating and a powerplant rating, each of which is currently effective and has been in effect for a total of at least 3 years; have been actively engaged, for at least the 2-year period before the date of application, in maintaining aircraft certificated and maintained in accordance with this chapter; and must have available the equipment, facilities, and inspection data necessary to properly inspect airframes, powerplants, propellers, or any related part or appliance. Candidates must also pass a multiple-choice examination, which focuses on the ability to inspect according to safety standards for returning aircraft to service, after major repairs and major alterations and annual and progressive inspection performed. More information about the examination can be found on the FAA website.

Click here to go to Mechanic (Powerplant) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: Lifetime

Mechanic (Power Plant) This is a mid-level certification and requires years of training and experience to perform. Power plant mechanics are authorized to work on engines and do limited work on propellers. Mechanics work in hangars, repair stations, or out on the airfield on the "flight lines" where aircraft park. Mechanics often work under time pressure to maintain flight schedules or, in general aviation, to keep from inconveniencing customers. At the same time, mechanics have a tremendous responsibility to maintain safety standards, and this can cause the job to be stressful.

Click here to go to Mechanic (Airframe) COOL Snapshot page.

Mechanic (Airframe) -This is a mid-level certification and requires years of training and experience to achieve. Airframe mechanics are authorized to work on any part of the aircraft except the instruments, power plants, and propellers. Mechanics work in hangars, repair stations, or out on the airfield on the "flight lines" where aircraft park. Mechanics often work under time pressure to maintain flight schedules or, in general aviation, to keep from inconveniencing customers. At the same time, mechanics have a tremendous responsibility to maintain safety standards, and this can cause the job to be stressful.

Click here to go to Mechanic (Airframe & Powerplant) COOL Snapshot page.

Mechanic (Airframe & Power plant) -This is a Senior-level certification and requires years of training and experience. Airframe mechanics are authorized to work on any part of the aircraft except the instruments, power plants, and propellers. Power plant mechanics are authorized to work on engines and do limited work on propellers. Combination airframe-and-power plant mechanics-called A&P mechanics-work on all parts of the plane except the instruments. Most mechanics working on civilian aircraft today are A&P mechanics.

Click here to go to Certified Maintenance and Reliability Technician (CMRT) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The Certified Maintenance and Reliability Technician (CMRT) is an entry-level certification. CMRT will provide a non-biased, third-party, objective assessment and confirmation of the skills of your industrial maintenance mechanics. CMRT's are responsible for preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance. They perform troubleshooting and analysis, and apply sound maintenance practices in all aspects of their work. CMRTs are multi-skilled individuals whose expertise is primarily mechanical in nature as opposed to instrumentation or electrical. The CMRT exam tests competency and knowledge of specific tasks within four (4) domains: Maintenance Practices, Preventative and Predictive Maintenance, Troubleshooting and Analysis, and Corrective Maintenance. There are no specific education or experience requirements to sit for the exam.

Click here to go to Avionics Electronics Technician (AVN) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 4 years

The Electronics Technicians Association, International (ETA-I), Avionics Electronics Technicians (AVN) certification is designed to assess the knowledge and skills of individuals who install, maintain and adjust electronics equipment, cabling and the accessories used in aviation communications and control equipment. It is highly recommended that the Avionics technician have an FCC General Radio Telephone Operator license. Candidates must hold the Associate Certified Electronics Technician (CETa) certification prior to taking the Avionics Electronics Technician exam. Several of the topics covered in this examination include: Avionics Systems, Cabling, Computers and Digital Concepts, Amplifiers, Interfacing, Antennas and Transmission Lines Components, Mathematics, Network Topologies and Infrastructures, People Relations, Optical Cabling, Safety, Test Equipment and Tools and Satellite Communications.

Click here to go to Aircraft Electronics Technician (AET) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: Lifetime

National Center for Aerospace & Transportation Technologies (NCATT), Aircraft Electronics Technician (AET) is NCATT's primary certification and is required for NCATT endorsements in the career field. AET certification recognizes the knowledge base of the advanced aerospace technician and promotes integrity, safety, and professionalism in the aerospace workforce. AET knowledge and skills include basic electronics facts, terminology, and principles, common maintenance practices, fundamentals of equipment maintenance, and aircraft fundamentals. There are no AET eligibility requirements. The AET written exam is open to all individuals regardless of career field, training, education or experience.

Click here to go to AET-Radio Communication Systems (AET-RCS) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: Lifetime

National Center for Aerospace & Transportation Technologies (NCATT), Aircraft Electronics Technician-Radio Communication Systems (AET-RCS) endorsement recognizes the knowledge base of the advanced aerospace technician and promotes integrity, safety, and professionalism in the aerospace workforce. AET-RCS knowledge and skills include safety, radio transmitters/receivers, communication systems, and satellite communications. Candidates must hold the NCATT Aircraft Electronics Technician (AET) certification prior to taking the AET-RCS written exam.

Click here to go to AET-Dependent Navigation Systems (AET-DNS) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: Lifetime

National Center for Aerospace & Transportation Technologies (NCATT), Aircraft Electronics Technician-Dependent Navigation Systems (AET-DNS) endorsement recognizes the knowledge base of the advanced aerospace technician and promotes integrity, safety, and professionalism in the aerospace workforce. AET-DNS knowledge and skills include safety, antennas, Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) system, VHF Omni Directional Range (VOR) System, Distance Measurement Equipment (DME) System, Automatic Direction Finder (ADF) System, and Instrument Landing System (ILS). Candidates must hold the NCATT Aircraft Electronics Technician (AET) certification prior to taking the AET-DNS written exam.

Click here to go to Associate Safety Professional (ASP) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 5 years

The Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP), Associate Safety Professional certification (ASP) validates an individual's knowledge and experience in the safety profession. ASP certifies an individual's ability to perform at least 50% of professional-level safety duties in safety, health, environment and ergonomics. Safety professionals are required to make worksite assessments to determine risks, potential hazards and controls, evaluate risks and hazard control measures for equipment, systems, facilities and processes, investigate incidents, maintain and evaluate incident and loss records, and prepare emergency response plans. ASP candidates are required to have a minimum of a bachelor's degree in any field or an associate's in safety, health, or the environment, or a closely related field. In addition, candidates must have one year of professional safety experience where safety is at least 50%, preventative, professional level with breadth and depth of safety duties. Candidates must take a written exam.

Click here to go to AET-Onboard Communication & Safety Systems Standards (OCS) COOL Snapshot page.

The National Center for Aerospace & Transportation Technologies (NCATT), AET-Onboard Communication & Safety Systems Standards (OCS) certification is an intermediate-level aerospace technician credential. The OCS certification is recommended for professionals who specialize in the inspection and maintenance of aircraft communication and safety systems. To receive the OCS certification, candidates are required to pass an exam.

Click here to go to AET-Autonomous Navigation Systems (ANS) COOL Snapshot page.

The National Center for Aerospace & Transportation Technologies (NCATT), AET-Autonomous Navigation Systems (ANS) certification is an intermediate-level aerospace technician credential. The ANS certification is recommended for professionals who specialize in autonomous navigation systems. To receive the ANS certification, candidates are required to pass an exam.

Click here to go to Basic Composites COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The CertTEC Basic Composites certification is an entry-level credential designed for composite technicians. The exam tests the technician's skills and knowledge focused on composite history, fiber reinforcements, matrix systems, and processes related to basic composite fabrication, inspection, damage assessment and repair using methods common to the composite fabrication and repair industry. Applicants have different options to meet the eligibility requirements, active duty or veteran military personnel whose rating or assignment is/was in the composites field meet the eligibility requirement for Basic Composite certification.

Click here to go to Basic Electricity and Electronics - Alternating Current (BEE-AC) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The Basic Electricity and Electronics - Alternating Current (BEE-AC) certification is an entry-level credential designed for technicians in the electricity and electronics field. The exam tests applicant's hands-on troubleshooting skills utilizing a multi-meter, function generator, and oscilloscope along with an electronic trainer and test cards. The certification validates applicant's knowledge of various AC theories, equipment, math, cabling, and other related subjects. Applicants have different options to meet the eligibility requirements, active duty or veteran military personnel whose rating or assignment is/was in the related field meet the eligibility requirement for BEE-AC certification.

Click here to go to Basic Electricity and Electronics - Analog (BEE-A) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The Basic Electricity and Electronics - Analog (BEE-A) certification is an entry-level credential designed for technicians in the electricity and electronics field. The exam tests applicant's hands-on troubleshooting skills and validates applicant's knowledge of various analog components, electronics, power, and other related subjects. Applicants have different options to meet the eligibility requirements, active duty or veteran military personnel whose rating or assignment is/was in the related field meet the eligibility requirement for BEE-A certification.

Click here to go to Basic Electricity and Electronics - Digital (BEE-D) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The Basic Electricity and Electronics - Digital (BEE-D) certification is an entry-level credential designed for technicians in the electricity and electronics field. The exam tests applicant's hands-on troubleshooting skills and validates applicant's knowledge of various digital electricity and electronics theories, safety precautions, conversions, diagrams, and other related subjects. Applicants have different options to meet the eligibility requirements, active duty or veteran military personnel whose rating or assignment is/was in the related field meet the eligibility requirement for BEE-D certification.

Click here to go to Aviation Mechanical Assembly Technician COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The CertTEC Aviation Mechanical Assembly certification is an entry-level credential designed for aviation assembly mechanics. Assessments of the technician's skills and knowledge focuses on the introduction to aviation, blueprint reading, precision instruments, power island and hand tools, fasteners and fastener installation inspection, drilling and riveting, sealing application and sealing safety and electrical bonding and grounding. This certification is closely aligned with the curriculum taught at the National Aviation Consortium (NAC) centers and specifically the National Center for Aviation Training (NCAT).

Click here to go to Aviation Structures COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The Certifying Technical Employee Competence (CertTEC), Aviation Structures is an entry-level certification for technicians who specialize in aviation structure knowledge, fabrication methods, health and safety, inspection and repair, and regulations and documentation. Applicants must meet training or experience requirements and are required to pass a certification exam.

In Demand

This certification is considered in demand

GI Bill®

Reimbursement for exam fees has been approved for payment through the GI Bill. Click for external link to GI Bill licensing and certification information.

Note: GI Bill approval data is updated quarterly. For the latest information, visit the WEAMS Licenses/Certifications Search page. Make sure to select "Both" in the LAC Category Type drop-down before searching.

Click here to go to the GI Bill site.

ANSI

This credential has been accredited by ANSI. Click for external link to the ANSI web site.

ICAC

This credential has been accredited by ICAC. Click for external link to the ICAC web site.

NCCA

This credentialing program has been accredited by NCCA. Click for external link to the NCCA web site.

ABSNC

This credential has been accredited by ABSNC. Click for external link to the ABSNC web site.

IAS

This credential has been accredited by IAS. Click for external link to the IAS web site.

Some

Credential is related to some tasks associated with the duties of the rating (at least one critical task but less than 80%)

Most

Credential is directly related to most of the major duties associated with the rating (at least 80%)

Other

Credential is related to this military occupation, but is more advanced or specialized and therefore will likely require additional education, training, or experience

Most – Tasks in these careers match most duties of the military job or specialty (approximately 80% or greater)
Some – Tasks in these careers match some duties of the military job or specialty (greater than 20% but less than 80%)
Bright Outlook – new job opportunities are very likely in the future for this job
Registered Apprenticeship
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Avionics Technicians
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Avionics Technicians
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Maintenance and Repair Workers, General
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Maintenance and Repair Workers, General