There are qualities- both ones you can learn and ones you already have- that will make you a good aviation maintenance technician (AMT). It will take more than just a love of working with your hands to help you succeed in this industry. So, what are the top 7 qualities of a good AMT?
1) Detail Oriented
In order to succeed as any sort of mechanical maintenance technician, you have to be extremely detail oriented. Although we often think of cars, and especially airplanes, as big, hulking machines, they are also quite delicate. Someone who is highly detail oriented and knows all of a machine’s major components will be able to detect even the smallest change. There are millions of little pieces and precise mechanics that go into the running of engines, no matter the type of transportation they are powering. However, for aircraft especially, the smallest malfunction can mean catastrophe. Those who are meticulous will make it far as an AMT.
2) Good Communicator
One of the most important qualities a good AMT must have, is communication. As an aviation maintenance technician, you will have supervisors, teammates, and even clients that will expect you to be able to be clear and concise. While performing maintenance, your teammates especially will be relying on you and each other to be able to communicate what is going on with aircraft.
Written communication is also a very important aspect of being a good AMT. There are not only checklists, but maintenance logs that aircraft mechanics have to fill out every time maintenance is performed. Pilots and other mechanics see these logs, so they must be able to understand exactly what is written.
3) Reliable
If you are someone who has trouble being on time or doesn’t work well in a group setting, then you may not make it very far as an aviation maintenance technician. Showing your employer you are reliable goes beyond just punctuality though. You must also being 100% compliant with both company and safety procedures. The end goal of an AMT’s job is to ensure the safety of everyone who will come in contact with an aircraft they have worked on. This means that no corners have been cut. Being reliable means you are trustworthy. And if you are trustworthy, that can go a long way on the ladder to success.
4) Organized
Being organized is also a top quality of a good AMT. Not only must you have your tools organized and handy at all times, but you must also be organized in how you conduct your inspections and maintenance. For every bit of maintenance that is performed, from daily checklists to complete overhauls, there are specific procedures in place. You must be able to prioritize, keep supplies and records in order, and ensure that all maintenance is performed in a timely fashion. If you are in charge of a commercial fleet, then inventory, inspections, maintenance, and documentation will all fall under jurisdiction.
5) Keen Learner
Technology is advancing every single day. As it continues to advance, so do the industries in which it is used. A good aviation maintenance technician is always ready to learn about new technologies and procedures that are being developed in their field. They will continually be on the hunt for new maintenance protocol updates, aircraft program systems, and any new technologies that can make the work they do more efficient and accurate. Aviation companies want aircraft mechanics that can not only adapt to all of the changes that technology brings, but embrace and want to learn about them as well.
6) Problem Solver
As in many fields, there are always problems that pop up that need solving. For any problem that arises on an aircraft, there could be a multitude of different solutions. However, a good AMT will have a strategic way to find the proper solution. They will be able to think logically and go through their step-by-step process, coming to the best way to fix whatever is going on. Not only to aviation maintenance technicians have physical checklists they must go through when performing maintenance, they must have mental ones when faced with a problem they must solve.
7) A Love of Aviation
Whatever career path you choose in life, it is important you have a passion for it. Loving what you do will help to keep you motivated and happy. You will be more likely to give it your all, and in aviation, where safety is the top priority, this can quite literally save lives.
If you have a love of aviation, but don’t know what to do with it, considering becoming an aviation maintenance technician. Whether you have experience already and want to learn more, or you’re just starting out, NCI is the place for you! Contact us today to learn more.
