Aircraft Technician (Mechanical)
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Job description: Maintain aircraft and their mechanical systems, including engines
Pay after one year: £17,485
Joining age: 16 – 29
Category: Airmen/airwomen
Usual service: 9 years
Open to: men or women
Similar civilian jobs:
- Aircraft maintenance
- Aircraft manufacturing
Qualifications you need: 3 GCSE/SCEs at Grade C/2 minimum or equivalent in English language, maths and an approved science/technology-based subject.
This role requires a physics based science subject.
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Qualifications you can gain: NVQ Level 3 in aeronautical engineering; Advanced Apprenticeship in aeronautical engineering
Nationality: Citizen of the UK or Republic of Ireland, or a Commonwealth citizen since birth
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The job
Aircraft Technicians (Mechanical) are responsible for the complete range of mechanical components and structure of the aircraft including the engines, gearboxes, flying controls, landing gear, hydraulics, air conditioning, anti-icing and fuel systems. You could examine, test and repair engines and propulsion equipment on everything from fast jets to multi-engined aircraft and helicopters.
Initially, you will be trained and serve as an Aircraft Maintenance Mechanic, where you will gain valuable experience of working around aircraft and be part of a team preparing aircraft for take-off, as well as checking them for damage and wear after they return from a flight. During this phase, you’ll be given the opportunity to assist with the replacement of both mechanical and avionic components, regardless of your future technician trade.
Following a period of further training, you will then be a qualified Aircraft Technician (Mechanical) and able to carry out the full range of responsibilities of the job, including diagnosing and repairing more serious faults and carrying out complex maintenance tasks.
Your future
Career Prospects
You’ll initially join the RAF for a period of nine years. After a year you’ll be eligible for promotion to Senior Aircraftman/woman if you pass a trade ability test. Further promotion to the rank of Corporal and beyond is by competitive selection once you have successfully completed the technician training course.
There are two options for those who are not selected for, or fail, technician training: you could either transfer to another job in the RAF for which you have the necessary aptitude, if there is a vacancy available; or you could leave the RAF.
Transferable skills
The NVQs and Apprenticeships that you can earn are as valuable in the civilian world as they are in the RAF – which means that whenever you decide to leave the RAF, you’ll be well placed to find a job in engineering.
Your training
Recruit training
Your career will start with a 10 week Basic Recruit Training Course (BRTC) at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire. The course is designed to help you adjust to a military environment. As well as fitness and military training, you’ll also learn about the RAF lifestyle.
Specialist training
The next step is a specialist training course at DCAE Cosford, near Wolverhampton, which lasts about five months. This course is designed to give you a basic understanding of your role, which includes aircraft handling and safety procedures. You’ll complete this course as an Aircraft Maintenance Mechanic (AMM) and then get your first posting, where you’ll remain for about two years to gain the necessary experience needed for the technician training course. You will also be enrolled on an Intermediate Apprenticeship during which you may achieve an NVQ Level 2, Technical Certificate Level 2 and functional skills level 2.
Your first tour
For your first tour, you’ll be posted to a flying station where you’ll handle, refuel and maintain aircraft. You’ll also check for damage and wear, and may be called on to make minor repairs. You could also work in hangars or workshops with experienced technicians, where you’ll help with more complex maintenance tasks.
Ongoing development
After your first tour as an AMM and, providing you achieve the required specialist standards, you’ll return to DCAE Cosford for a year-long technician training course. You’ll also be enrolled on an Advanced Apprenticeship in Aeronautical Engineering – the Key Skills element of which will be completed during training.
On successful completion of this part of your specialist training you will be qualified as an Aircraft Technician (Mechanical). In addition, once you’ve demonstrated your ability as a technician, you may be eligible for an NVQ Level 3 in Aeronautical Engineering. The award of this NVQ also signifies the completion of your Advanced Apprenticeship.