What Can You Expect To Learn On An Airframe And Powerplant Mechanic Program?

Airframe and powerplant technician training allows one to learn skills which are continuously in high demand. Aircrafts require service on a combination of number of cycle of a particular component or airtime. The Federal Aviation Authority or the FAA, the governing body, strictly control the schedules in order to ensure the safety of the aircraft.

The airframe and power source are the two main areas that aircraft can be separated into. The physical structure of the aircraft is the airframe. (This includes the cabin, skin, wings, floor, steering devices, and rudders.) The powerplant is composed of the parts that provide the power for flying. You will primarily study a blend of electrical and mechanical engineering when you enter an airframe and powerplant mechanic program.

A course of study for an airframe and powerplant technician includes subjects such as:

• hydraulics systems
• heating and cooling systems
• steering, mechanics
• electronics, control systems
• engine technology
• fuel delivery systems
• and also brakes

While in high school, you should take courses such as physics, math, mechanical drawing, computer science, and communications (both written and verbal) in order to prepare for the program.

Flight skills must be kept current through periodic retraining. The reasons for the importance of this are obvious. You may find employment with the military, large airports, or small private airfields once you have completed your airframe and powerplant technician training with passing grades. There is intense pressure to work very quickly and thoroughly to get an aircraft ready for flight. This is because large airlines lose money as long as the plane is on the ground. You can expect to work night and weekend shifts as a 24 hour, 7 day per week system may be in place in the larger airports.