Benefits of Being an Aircraft Mechanic
Some benefits of being an aircraft mechanic can include:
- Flight benefits
- Working hands-on on complex and exciting aircraft
- Competitive pay and frequent overtime opportunities
- Satisfaction of ensuring the safety of passengers and crew
- Opportunities to work in multiple sectors of aviation
- Continual development of skills and knowledge
- Career advancement
For what may seem like a lesser-known or “unseen” job, being an aircraft mechanic has quite a few benefits!
Most passengers traveling commercially through airports probably don’t think twice about how well the aircraft they will be flying on is maintained. However, aviation maintenance is a necessary and important component of the aviation industry that ensures passenger and air cargo safety alike.
If the pride that comes with being some of the most vital and exciting aviation personnel isn’t beneficial enough, there are many other reasons to consider an aviation maintenance career!
Flight Benefits
While aircraft mechanics may not always be in the spotlight, there are benefits to being the one to maintain, repair, inspect, and overhaul aircraft. Many aviation employers offer what is known as flight benefits—meaning discounted or sometimes free flights to various locations all over the United States and even the world!
Note that flight benefits are entirely dependent on the employer and are not guaranteed.
Working with Your Hands
Aviation maintenance is a hands-on career. You won’t be sitting behind a desk during your shift. Instead, aviation mechanics perform maintenance, inspections, and repairs to aircraft using a variety of tools and equipment. It sure isn’t boring and is perfect for those who enjoy working with their hands or in an environment that requires physical work.
Training to become an aircraft mechanic focuses on hands-on projects and experiences to simulate the type of work done out in the industry!
Pay and Overtime Opportunities as an Aircraft Mechanic
The compensation varies depending on factors such as location, demand, required experience, specific skills, education, and other factors. However, most employers in the aviation industry provide competitive pay for aircraft mechanics. Additionally, the opportunity for overtime is also something to consider!
Depending on the employer, aircraft mechanics may have access to overtime work. It can be mandatory due to the demand of the industry at the time, but overtime can also mean an increase in pay per hour worked!
Taking Pride in the Safety of Others
As an aircraft mechanic, the work you do is what keeps the skies safe. Meaning that the constant inspection, maintenance, repair, and additional tasks keep aircraft in the air and flying safely.
A lesser-known and often overlooked benefit of being an aircraft mechanic, passenger travel would not happen without qualified people routinely inspecting, repairing, and maintaining aircraft. Pride comes with the work that men and women in the aviation maintenance industry do, which can be an ultimately fulfilling benefit in itself.
The Benefit of Multiple Aviation Sectors
The aviation industry doesn’t just consist of large commercial airliners! Instead, there are many sectors of aviation. How is this a benefit? Well, this provides aircraft mechanics with many different work opportunities.
Some may prefer the pace and workload of general aviation, whereas others are more apt for a career in commercial aviation! Trying out different sectors can also lead to more experience with different types of aircraft, which broadens the scope of career opportunities down the line!
Continual Learning
There’s a wealth of knowledge available to aircraft mechanics. It may come from an industry veteran instructor during school, or it may come from just working on the job! No matter the source, the aviation industry is continually expanding with new aircraft and technology, leading to the benefit of continuous learning.
Even working on different airplanes can be a fulfilling chance to gain some new knowledge and experience. The true benefit of being an aircraft mechanic is that there is no ceiling to new opportunities to learn and sharpen your skills!
Advancing Your Aircraft Mechanic Career
In the aviation maintenance industry, there are plenty of chances to advance your career. With hard work, dedication, and drive, one can seek new opportunities to grow. For example, one of National Aviation Academy’s recent alumni has worked his way up as a Chief Mechanic just a few years after graduating!
Those who would like to get into supervisory roles are often able to do so if they choose. It will likely take time. However, many employers provide opportunities for career advancement.
The Benefits of Being an Aircraft Mechanic
There are quite a few benefits of being an aircraft mechanic. Not only are there plenty of opportunities to advance your career, but there is also a wealth of knowledge to gain just by working in the industry!
Some may enjoy the chance to see the world for little to no fees. Others may see the personal satisfaction of keeping the skies safe as the ultimate benefit to this career.
No matter the reason, it is clear that this career is highly regarded. National Aviation Academy is proud to provide students the necessary training to enter this exciting and rewarding field! Aircraft mechanics are a different breed. They are highly dedicated, driven, and detailed in their work. If you’d like to become a part of the future of aviation maintenance, please fill out the form below!