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Aircraft Engineer

Aircraft engineers maintain and repair the engine, body, cabin, systems, wings, and other parts of aircraft.

 

Tasks & duties

Aircraft engineers may do some or all of the following:

  • regularly check the engines, airframe (body of an aircraft) and mechanical systems of aircraft
  • inspect aircraft, look for and diagnose faults
  • repair or replace faulty parts
  • replace parts that have to be changed after being in use for a certain length of time
  • test parts to make sure they work
  • service aircraft
  • keep records of repairs
  • follow set procedures
  • have all work inspected and approved by licensed aircraft engineers

 

Specialisations

Helicopter Engineer

Helicopter engineers maintain and repair the systems, rotors, body and other parts of helicopters.

 

 

Skills & knowledge

Aircraft engineers need to have:

  • knowledge of the structure of aircraft mechanical systems (including jet and propeller engines), and hydraulic and pneumatic (compressed air) systems in aircraft
  • an understanding of how aircraft fly (aerodynamics) and how metals react during flight
  • an understanding of the maintenance requirements of the aircraft they are servicing
  • the ability to diagnose and solve mechanical problems
  • excellent mechanical and technical skills
  • knowledge of approved repair techniques and procedures
  • knowledge of aircraft safety rules and safe work practices

 

Entry requirements

To become an aircraft engineer, a National Certificate in Aeronautical Engineering (Level 3) is recommended. However, some employers will hire staff without qualifications and provide on-the-job training, as well as helping staff to gain qualifications during their employment. 

All aircraft engineers must work under the supervision of Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (LAMEs). LAMEs have to pass a separate series of exams set by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), and be approved as a fit and proper person by the director of CAA. 

 

Secondary education

Three years of secondary education in English, maths and science, is needed to enter tertiary training. However, Sixth Form Certificate or NCEA equivalent in maths, English and physics is preferred by most employers.

 

 

Training on the job

Many aircraft engineers are trained and gain their qualifications on the job.

Registration

Not all aircraft engineers have to be licensed, but CAA requires all engineering and maintenance work carried out on aircraft to be done under the supervision of a Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (LAME).

To become licensed, you must satisfy CAA you have sufficient skills, knowledge and experience to work on particular types of aircraft. This involves:

  • paying fees
  • sitting a series of exams
  • being approved as a fit and proper person by the director of CAA
  • undergoing a medical examination

 

CAA has delegated Aviation Services Limited to assess the knowledge, skills and experience of aircraft engineers who want to be licensed.

Useful experience

Previous experience in mechanics, panel beating, or working with sheet metal is useful for aircraft engineers. It may also be useful to have a heavy vehicle driver's license.

 

Video

Aircraft Engineering

From just a job on you tube

 

Related courses

Aircraft Maintenance Engineering
Mechanical Engineering

 

For more information, please refer to Career Services.

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