It takes a special type of person to be an aircraft mechanic. Aircraft mechanics are responsible for inspecting, servicing, and repairing aircraft. They are responsible for ensuring that aircraft are safe and meet all regulatory requirements. Becoming an aircraft mechanic is a great career choice for people who are interested in working with their hands, enjoy working with tools, and have a strong interest in aviation. However, there are also some drawbacks that prospective aircraft mechanics should be aware of before making the decision to enter this career field.
The Pros of Being an Aircraft Mechanic
There are many reasons why becoming an aircraft mechanic can be a great career choice. Some of the pros of being an aircraft mechanic include:
You Get to Work on Cutting-Edge Technology
Aircraft are constantly evolving, and as an aircraft mechanic, you’ll get to work on some of the most technologically advanced machines in the world. From small general aviation planes to massive commercial jets, you’ll never get bored in this line of work. And as new technologies are developed, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about them and become even more skilled at your trade.
Good Job Security
The demand for qualified aircraft mechanics is expected to grow in the coming years as the aviation industry expands. This means that those who enter this career field will enjoy good job security and will always have plenty of work options available to them.
High Earning Potential
Aircraft mechanics earn a very good wage. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for aircraft mechanics was $64,090 in May 2019, which is much higher than the median annual wage for all occupations $39,810.
Flexible Work Hours
One of the great things about being an aircraft mechanic is that you can often choose your own work hours. Many mechanics work on a contract basis which gives them a lot of flexibility when it comes to choosing when and where they work.
Interesting Work
For many people, working on airplanes is a dream come true. If you love airplanes and you love working with your hands, then becoming an aircraft mechanic is the perfect career choice for you.
The Cons of Being an Aircraft Mechanic
Of course, no career is perfect and there are also some drawbacks that come along with being an aircraft mechanic. These include:
Working Long Hours
Aircraft mechanics often have to work long hours, especially when they are working on a deadline. This can be stressful and tiring, so it’s important to consider this before deciding if this is the right career for you.
Physical Demands
The physical demands of being an aircraft mechanic can be quite strenuous. Mechanics often have to lift heavy objects, stand for long periods of time, and work in cramped spaces.
Dangerous Work Environment
Another downside of being an aircraft mechanic is that it can be a dangerous job. There is always the risk of injuries when working with tools and heavy machinery.
High stress levels
Finally, aircraft mechanics often have to work under high pressure. The safety of passengers and crew is in the hands of the mechanic and so there can be a lot of stress involved.
Conclusion
So, should you become an aircraft mechanic? Only you can answer that question but we hope that this article has helped give you some insight into what the pros and cons of this career are. If you think that being an aircraft mechanic is right for you then we encourage you to go for it! There are plenty of opportunities available in this growing industry and with the proper training, you can soon be on your way to enjoying a prosperous career servicing and repairing airplanes!