Can pilots repair aircraft
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: USA
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Just wondering if a plane had a technical problem can the crew repair the aircraft if they know what to do or do they need extra qualifications
I come from a background where pilots are fully expected to be able to repair aircraft, and I often have. I'm an ATP pilot, but also a fully qualified and experienced mechanic and inspector, and I have used that qualification and experience to perform field repairs and to sign off maintenance while working as a pilot in various types of operations.
Depending on the background of a particular aviator, some may be absolutely incredulous at the concept of a pilot performing maintenance. Those prissy enough not to comprehend this concept generally come from a strictly airline or military background, where the division of labor is generally nearly complete. I can remember many moons ago discussing fueling my own airplane at a particular operation, and was met with looks of horror. At another operation, I was expected to perform the fueling, but management was aghast at the idea of performing the maintenance (until in a pinch, then they begged).
Pilots in airline service generally don't perform maintenance, though they're part of the maintenance process when the use of a minimum equipment list is involved. This doesn't require a pilot to turn a wrench, but the pilot may need to work closely with the maintenance department in agreeing to operate with inoperative equipment, using special operating procedures.
In the USA, pilots operating FAA registered airplanes may perform preventative maintenance that doesn't involve complex assembly or disassembly operations. In charter and airline operations, pilots may also perform maintenance if authorized by the operator. I've done this for several different operations.
While performing ag and firefighting, much of my employment has required me to perform maintenance as well as to fly. The answer to your question really depends upon who is flying, what is being flown, and the circumstances under which the flight takes place.
