Day in the life
A Day in the Life of an Aircraft Mechanic
What aircraft mechanics actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
Start an overnight shift at an airline maintenance base; review the aircraft’s logbook write-ups. From there, the day usually includes perform scheduled inspections such as annual, 100-hour and airline checks, diagnose mechanical, electrical and hydraulic problems, and repair or replace engines, landing gear, brakes and components. Full-time, often on nights, weekends and holidays because many aircraft are maintained when not flying. Overtime is common.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for an aircraft mechanic working full time.
- Start an overnight shift at an airline maintenance base; review the aircraft’s logbook write-ups.
- Perform a scheduled overnight check: walkaround, fluids, tires and brakes.
- Troubleshoot a pilot write-up about an intermittent cabin pressure warning using the fault isolation manual.
- Replace a faulty sensor, torque connections and apply safety wire.
- Perform an operational check and have the inspector review required inspection items.
- Complete logbook entries and return the aircraft to service before the morning departure.
Where aircraft mechanics work
Aircraft mechanics work in hangars, on flight lines and at repair stations, sometimes outdoors in all weather. The work can be noisy and involves heights, confined spaces and exposure to chemicals.
Hours and schedule
Full-time, often on nights, weekends and holidays because many aircraft are maintained when not flying. Overtime is common.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Perform scheduled inspections such as annual, 100-hour and airline checks
- Diagnose mechanical, electrical and hydraulic problems
- Repair or replace engines, landing gear, brakes and components
- Repair aircraft structures and sheet metal
- Comply with airworthiness directives and service bulletins
- Document maintenance in logbooks and records per FAA rules
- Test systems and return aircraft to service
Tools you’ll use every day
- Calibrated torque wrenches
- Safety wire pliers
- Borescopes
- Rivet guns and bucking bars
- Multimeters and pitot-static testers
- Maintenance manuals and record-keeping software
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Strong pay and benefits, especially at airlines
- Respected, high-responsibility work
- Travel benefits at many airlines
- Steady demand from retirements and fleet growth
What’s hard
- Nights, weekends and holiday shifts
- High pressure for safety and on-time departures
- Extensive regulations and documentation
- 18–30 months to qualify for the A&P
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I’m fascinated by airplanes and how they work
- I take rules and documentation seriously
- I’m precise and double-check my work
- I’m OK with night and weekend shifts
- I can handle responsibility for safety
- I’m willing to train for about two years
Not sure? Take the free Aircraft Mechanic fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Follow tool control and FOD prevention every shift
- Use fall protection on stands and aircraft surfaces
- Stay clear of engine intakes, exhausts and propellers
- Use respirators and gloves with fuel, solvents and composites