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through Friday—mechanics often have to work night and weekend shifts to keep aircraft running and tackle emergency repairs. Overtime is often required. Aircraft mechanics work indoors in climate-controlled hangars, shops, and repair stations—most of which are located near or at major airports. They also work outside on airfields in a variety of weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold. Noise levels in work areas can be high, so mechanics wear ear protection when doing certain tasks. This career is sometimes dangerous. Workers can be injured from falls off ladders, scaffolding, or the wings or fuselage of aircraft; strains from lifting heavy objects; cuts and other injuries from jagged parts or various equipment, as well as from hand and power tools; and exposure to dangerous chemicals, jet fuel, or vapors. Workers take precautions against injuries by wearing protective glasses, heavy gloves, steel-toed work boots, and other protective clothing and gear. Key Skills for Success Successful mechanics have top-notch communication skills and can work well with others, and possess superior troubleshooting and problem-solving ability. Workers in this industry can work effectively under pressure; and have an analytical personality, patience, leadership ability, and creativity. They also must be dependable, conscientious, and thorough in their work, self-starters, and strong in their work ethic. Technology skills are becoming increasingly important for aircraft mechanics as a result of the integration of advanced avionics and computer systems into modern aircraft. An article in Aviation Today mentioned that workers rarely diagnose aircraft now without plugging it into a computer. Mechanics will also increasingly be required to be knowledgeable about cybersecurity issues related to avionics

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Careers in Infrastructure: Aircraft Mechanics