Aircraft maintenance engineer
From routine checks to critical repairs, you'll make sure aeroplanes and helicopters are ready to fly safely.
Also known as: aircraft technician, aircraft maintenance mechanic
About the job
What it's like
Aircraft maintenance engineers or mechanics are highly skilled technicians responsible for making sure aircraft is safe to fly. You'll perform inspections, maintenance, repairs and modifications on various aircraft systems and components.
Just as pilots are trained and then licensed to fly, aircraft maintenance engineers are trained and licensed to maintain the aircraft to industry standard.
There are two types of maintenance:
line duties such as pre-flight checks, refuelling and minor avionics, electrical and mechanical tasks
base maintenance in an aircraft hangar, when you’d do more stringent checks, fault diagnosis and repairs
If you work in mechanics, you’ll service the fuselage, engines, landing gear and airframe systems including any electrics associated with those systems.
If you focus on avionics, you’ll check the electrical and electronic systems used for navigation, communications and flight control.
Your tasks might include:
carrying out inspections, disgnosing and identifying any faults or issues
performing maintanence tasks, including replacing parts, lubricating components and adjusting systems
carrying out repairs to any defective or damaged parts of aircraft
collaborating with teams, working with other maintenance personnel
documenting maintenance activities and complying with aviation regulations
You could work on commercial or private aircraft or work on military aircraft for the Royal Air Force, the Royal Navy or the Army.
Green job
In this job you could be doing work to help the environment. You could:
maintenance aircraft engines to improve their fuel efficiency
handle and process waste materials onbaord, to make sure they're disposed responsibility
retrofit older aircraft with new, more fuel-efficient technologies
Hours
You'll usually work in shift patterns, mixed between day and night shifts, weekends and holidays.
Environment
Depending on the project, you could spend time in a few different areas, such as:
in an aircraft hangar: maintaining and fixing planes
outdoor at airport fields
test sites and field locations, evaluating and maintaining aircraft
Travel
You might commute to a local or regional airport and maintenance facilities
You could have the exciting opportunity to work abroad, supporting airline operations at overseas airports
You may be asked to support aircraft on the ground (AOG) situations, where an aircraft is stranded due to technical problems.
If you work for the Royal Air Force, the Royal Navy or the Army, you could be posted abroad.
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Engineering and manufacturing
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- aircraft maintenance
- civil aviation
- corrective maintenance
- disassembler
- delegated authority
- aviation
- engineering management
- airworthiness
- equipment maintenance
- housekeeping
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- time management
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- researching
- observation
- problem solving
- working with technology
- verbal communication
- cooperating
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Design and Manufacture
Design and Technology
Engineering Science
Maths (Mathematics)
Physics
Practical Craft Skills
Skills for Work: Automotive Skills
Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
Foundation Apprenticeship: Engineering
Skills for Work: Practical Experiences: Construction and Engineering
Applications of Mathematics
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
To become a fully licenced aircraft maintenace engineer, you need an EASA/UK Part-66 Aircraft Maintenance Licence, which can take upto seven years to get.
Most apprenticeships will help you secure this Licence.
Apprenticeships
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. You might want to consider an MA in:
Discover Modern Apprenticeships on Apprenticeships.scot.
Graduate Apprenticeships (GAs) are designed for industry. You'll spend most of your time learning on the job, but you'll also go to college or uni. You'll get a job, get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. You might want to consider a GA in areas such as:
Discover Graduate Apprenticeships on Apprenticeships.scot.
Doing an apprenticeship is an extremely useful way to get into maintenance-based aerospace engineer roles.
University
A degree isn't required for this job, but you could improve your knowledge by studying subjects, such as:
Aerospace Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Aeronautical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Mechatronics
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you get an entry-level job in aerospace. They can also allow you to progress to more advanced study. Useful subjects include:
Aircraft Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Engineering Systems
Mechatronics
Getting work experience in a relevant role can help you build the skills and experience you’ll need to become an aircraft maintenance engineer. Search for engineering opportunities on Volunteer Scotland.
To become a fully qualified aircraft maintenance engineer you must acquire an EASA-approved ‘Part 66’ maintenance licence, awarded by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in the UK.
You may have to pass a medical.
Certain colour-vision requirements may apply.
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