Who is an aircraft mechanic and what do they do? The aircraft mechanic’s job is to provide for the safe operation of airplanes and helicopters.
What are the activities of an aircraft mechanic? These include performing inspections, adjustments, cleaning, maintenance, repairs and replacement of rudders, suspensions, speed controllers, air-conditioning systems as well as aircraft engines or their individual parts, complete pre- and post-flight inspections, the technical treatment of aircraft standing at the apron (i.e. securing the aircraft by chock blocks, connection to a land-based power supply system, external/internal visual inspection, tyre and other checks etc.), identification of problems and faults and their removal, repairs of different types of aircraft engines, overhauling and adjusting some pieces of equipment, such as pumps, or rev controllers.
Where is it done and under what conditions? At airfields and exposed to noise, dirt, grease and changing weather conditions as well as working with objects that may be hard-to-reach. Shift-working is also common.
What tools/equipment do an aircraft mechanic use? Craft hand tools and instruments, e.g. wrenches, screwdrivers, grease guns, gauges, circuit-testing detectors and other diagnostic instruments and equipment, drills, lathes, and other field equipment. You also need, of course, to be good with your hands.
What do you need to succeed? You need vocational training, manual dexterity, quick judgement, technical imagination, good eyesight and hearing.