authorized to work on engines and do limited work on propellers. Airframe mechanics are authorized to work on any part of the aircraft except the instruments, powerplants, and propeliers. Combination airframe-and-powerplant mechanics-called A & P mechanics-work on all parts of the plane, except instruments. The majority of mechanics working on civilian aircraft today are A & P mechanics. In small, independent repair shops, mechanics usually inspect and repair many different types of aircraft. Avionics systems are now an integral part of aircraft design and have vastly increased aircraft capability. Avionics technicians repair and maintain components used for aircraft navigation and radio communications, weather radar systems, and other instruments and computers that control flight, engine, and other primary functions. These duties may require additional licenses, such as an FCC radiotelephone license. Because of technological advances, an increasing amount of time is spent repairing electronic systems, such as computerized controls. Technicians may also be required to analyze and develop solutions to complex electronic problems. Working Conditions Mechanics usually work in hangars or in other indoor areas, although they can work outdoors-sometimes in unpleasant weather-when hangars are full or when repairs must be made quickly. Mechanics often work under time pressure to maintain flight schedules or, in general aviation, to keep from inconveniencing customers. At the same time, mechanics have a tremendous responsibility to maintain safety standards, and this can cause the job to be stressful. Frequently, mechanics must lift or pull objects weighing as much as 70 pounds. They often stand, lie, or kneel in awkward positions and occasionally must work in precarious positions on scaffolds or ladders. Also, noise and vibration are common when testing engines. Aircraft mechanics usually work 40 hours a week on 8-hour shifts around the clock. Overtime work is frequent. Employment Aircraft mechanics and service technicians held about 133,000 jobs in 1998. About two-thirds of all salaried mechanics worked for airlines or airports and flying fields, about 1 out of 8 worked for the Federal Government, and about 1 out of 7 worked for aircraft assembly firms. Most of the rest were general aviation mechanics, the majority of whom worked for independent repair shops or companies that operate their own planes to transport executives and cargo. Few mechanics were self-employed. Most airline mechanics work at major airports near large cities. Civilian mechanics employed by the Armed Forces work at military installations. Large proportions of mechanics who work for aircraft assembly firms are located in California or Washington State. Others work for the FAA, many at the facilities in Oklahoma City, Atlantic City, or Washington, DC. Mechanics for independent repair shops work at airports in every part of the country. Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement The majority of mechanics who work on civilian aircraft are certificated by the FAA as "airframe mechanic," "powerplant mechanic," or "avionics repair specialist." Mechanics who also have an inspector's authorization can certify work completed by other mechanics and perform required inspections. Uncertificated mechanics are supervised by those with certificates. The FAA requires at least 18 months of work experience for an airframe, powerplant, or avionics repairer's certificate. For a combined A & P certificate, at least 30 months of experience working with both engines and airframes is required. Completion of a program at an FAA certificated mechanic school can substitute for the work experience requirement. Applicants for all certificates also must pass written and oral tests and demonstrate that they can do the work authorized by the certificate. To obtain an inspector's authorization, a mechanic must have held an A & P certificate for at least 3 years. Most airlines require that mechanics have a high school diploma and an A & P certificate. Although a few people become mechanics through on-the-job training, most learn their job in one of about 200 trade schools certified by the FAA. About one-third of these schools award 2- and 4-year degrees in avionics, aviation technology, or aviation maintenance management. FAA standards established by law require that certificated mechanic schools offer students a minimum of 1,900 actual class hours. Courses in these trade schools normally last from 24 to 30 months and provide training with the tools and equipment used on the job. Aircraft trade schools are placing more emphasis on technologies such as turbine engines, composite materials-including graphite, fiberglass, and boron—and aviation electronics, which are increasingly being used in the construction of new aircraft. Less emphasis is being placed on old technologies, such as woodworking and welding. Additionally, employers prefer mechanics who can perform a variety of tasks. Some aircraft mechanics in the Armed Forces acquire enough general experience to satisfy the work experience requirements for the FAA certificate. With additional study, they may pass the certifying exam. In general, however, jobs in the military services are too specialized to provide the broad experience required by the FAA. Most Armed Forces mechanics have to complete the entire training program at a trade school, although a few receive some credit for the material they learned in the service. In any case, military experience is a great advantage when seeking employment; employers consider trade school graduates who have this experience to be the most desirable applicants. Courses in mathematics, physics, chemistry, electronics, computer science, and mechanical drawing are helpful, because many of their principles are involved in the operation of aircraft and knowledge of these principles is often necessary to make repairs. Courses that develop writing skills are also important, because mechanics are often required to submit reports. FAA regulations require current experience to keep the A & P certificate valid. Applicants must have at least 1,000 hours work experience in the previous 24 months or take a refresher course. As new and more complex aircraft are designed, more employers are requiring mechanics to take on-going training, to update their skills. Recent technological advances in aircraft maintenance necessitate a strong background in electronics--both for acquiring and retaining jobs in this field. FAA certification standards also make ongoing training mandatory. Every 24 months, mechanics are required to take at least 16 hours of training to keep their certificate. Many mechanics take courses offered by manufacturers or employers, usually through outside contractors. Aircraft mechanics must do careful and thorough work that requires a high degree of mechanical aptitude. Employers seek applicants who are self-motivated, hard-working, enthusiastic, and able to diagnose and solve complex mechanical problems. Agility is important for the reaching and climbing necessary for the job. Because they may work on the top of wings and fuselages on large jet planes, aircraft mechanics must not be afraid of heights. As aircraft mechanics gain experience, they may advance to lead mechanic (or crew chief), inspector, lead inspector, or shop supervisor positions. Opportunities are best for those who have an aircraft inspector's authorization. In the airlines, where promotion is often determined by examination, supervisors sometimes advance to executive positions. Those with broad experience in maintenance and overhaul might become inspectors with the FAA. With additional business and management training, some open their own aircraft maintenance facilities. Mechanics learn many different skills in their training that can be applied to other jobs, and some transfer to other skilled repairer occupations or electronics technician jobs. Job Outlook The outlook for aircraft mechanics should be favorable over the next 10 years. The small numbers of young workers in the labor force, coupled with few entrants from the military, and a large number of retirements point to good employment conditions for students just beginning training. Job opportunities are likely to be the best at small commuter and regional airlines, FAA repair stations, and in general aviation. Because wages in these companies tend to be relatively low, there are fewer applicants for these jobs than for jobs with the major airlines. Also, some jobs will become available as experienced mechanics leave for higher paying jobs with airlines or transfer to another occupation. Mechanics will face competition for large airline jobs, because the high wages and travel benefits for these jobs attract more qualified applicants than there are openings. Prospects will be best for applicants with significant experience. Mechanics who keep abreast of technological advances in electronics, composite materials, and other areas will be in greatest demand. The number of job openings for aircraft mechanics in the Federal Government should decline, as the size of the Armed Forces is reduced. Employment of aircraft mechanics is expected to increase about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2008. A growing population and rising incomes are expected to stimulate the demand for airline transportation, and the number of aircraft is expected to grow. However, employment growth will be restricted somewhat by increases in productivity, resulting from greater use of automated inventory control and modular systems that speed repairs and parts replacement. Most job openings for aircraft mechanics through the year 2008 will stem from replacement needs. Each year, as mechanics transfer to other occupations or retire, several thousand job openings will arise. Aircraft mechanics have a comparatively strong attachment to the occupation, reflecting their significant investment in training and a love for aviation. However, because aircraft mechanics' skills are transferable to other occupations, some mechanics leave for work in related fields. Thousands of motor vehicles are damaged in traffic accidents every day. Although some of these vehicles are sold for salvage or scrapped, most can be repaired to look and drive like new. Automotive body repairers straighten bent bodies, remove dents, and replace crumpled parts that are beyond repair. They repair all types of vehicles but mostly work on cars and small trucks, although some work on large trucks, buses, or tractor-trailers. When a damaged vehicle is brought into the shop, body repairers generally receive instructions from a supervisor who determines which parts to restore or replace and how much time the job should take. Automotive body repairers use special equipment to restore damaged metal frames and body sections. Repairers chain or clamp frames and sections to alignment machines that use hydraulic pressure to align damaged components. "Unibody" vehicles, designs built without frames, must be restored to precise factory specifications for the vehicle to operate correctly. To do so, repairers use bench systems to make accurate measurements of how much each section is out of alignment and hydraulic machinery to return the vehicle back to its original shape. Body repairers remove badly damaged sections of body panels with a pneumatic metal-cutting gun or by other means and weld in replacement sections. Repairers pull out less serious dents with a hydraulic jack or hand prying bar or knock them out with handtools or pneumatic hammers. They smooth out small dents and creases in the metal, by holding a small anvil against one side of the damaged area, while hammering the opposite side. They also remove very small pits and dimples with pick hammers and punches in a process called metal finishing. Body repairers also repair or replace the plastic body parts used increasingly on new model vehicles. They remove damaged panels and identify the family and properties of the plastic used on the vehicle. With most types of plastic, repairers can apply heat from a hot-air welding gun or by immersion in hot water and press by hand the softened panel back into its original shape. They replace plastic parts that are badly damaged or very difficult to repair. Body repairers use plastic or solder to fill small dents that cannot be worked out of the plastic or metal panel. On metal panels, they file or grind the hardened filler to the original shape and clean the surface with a media blaster before painting. In many shops, automotive painters do the painting. (These workers are discussed in the Handbook statement on painting and coating machine operators.) In small shops, workers often do both body repairing and painting. A few body repairers specialize in repairing fiberglass car bodies. In large shops, body repairers may specialize in one type of repair, such as frame straightening or door and fender repair. Some body repairers specialize in installing glass in automobiles and other vehicles. Glass installers remove broken, cracked, or pitted windshields and window glass. Glass installers apply a moisture-proofing compound along the edges of the glass, place it in the vehicle, and install rubber strips around the sides of the windshield or window to make it secure and weatherproof. Body repair work has variety and challenges-each damaged vehicle presents a different problem. Using their broad knowledge of automotive construction and repair techniques, repairers must develop appropriate methods for each job. Automotive body repairers use their broad knowledge of automotive construction and repair techniques. Body repairers usually work alone with only general directions from supervisors. In some shops, helpers or apprentices assist experienced repairers. Working Conditions Most automotive body repairers work a standard 40-hour week, although some, including the self-employed, may work 60 or more hours a week. Repairers work indoors in body shops that are noisy, because of hammering against metal and the use of power tools. Most shops are well ventilated to disperse dust and paint fumes. Body repairers often work in awkward or cramped positions, and much of their work is strenuous and dirty. Hazards include cuts from sharp metal edges, burns from torches and heated metal, injuries from power tools, and fumes from paint. However, serious accidents are usually avoided, when the shop is kept clean and orderly and safety practices are observed. Employment Automotive body repairers held about 227,000 jobs in 1998. Most repairers worked for automotive repair shops. The next largest number of repairers worked for automobile and truck dealers specializing in body repairs and painting. Others worked for organizations that maintain their own motor vehicles, such as trucking companies and automobile rental companies. Some worked for motor vehicle manufacturers. About 1 automotive body repairer out of 6 was self-employed. Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement Most employers prefer to hire persons who have completed formal training programs in automotive body repair, but these programs supply only a portion of employers' needs. Formal training is highly desirable, because advances in technology have greatly changed the structure, components, and materials used in automobiles. As a result, these new technologies require proficiency in new repair techniques and skills. For example, bodies of newer automobiles are increasingly made of a combination of materials-traditional steel, aluminum, and a growing variety of metal alloys and plastics-each requiring the use of somewhat different techniques to reshape and smooth out dents and small pits. Many high schools, vocational schools, private trade schools, and community colleges offer automotive body repair training programs. Formal training in automotive body repair can enhance chances for employment and speed promotion. Employers also hire many persons without formal automotive body repair training. These workers learn the trade as helpers, picking up skills on the job from experienced body repairers. For helper jobs, most employers prefer to hire high school graduates who know how to use handtools. Good reading and basic mathematics and computer skills are essential to becoming a fully skilled automotive body repairer. Restoring unibody automobiles to their original form requires such precision that body repairers must follow instructions and diagrams in technical manuals to make very precise three-dimensional measurements of the position of one body section relative to another. Helpers begin by assisting body repairers in tasks such as removing damaged parts, sanding body panels, and installing repaired parts. They learn to remove small dents and to make other minor repairs. They then progress to more difficult tasks, such as straightening body parts and returning them to their correct alignment. Generally, to become skilled in all aspects of body repair requires 3 to 4 years of on-the-job training. Certification by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), though voluntary, is the recognized standard of achievement for automotive body repairers. ASE offers a series of four exams for collision repair professionals twice a year. Repairers may take from one to four ASE Master Collision Repair & Refinish Exams. Repairers who pass at least one exam and have 2 years of hands-on work experience earn ASE certification. Completion of a post-secondary program in automotive body repair may be substituted for 1 year of work experience. Those who pass all four exams become ASE Master Collision Repair & Refinish Technicians. Automotive body repairers must retake the examination at least every 5 years to retain certification. Continuing education throughout a career in automotive body repair is required. Automotive parts, body materials, and electronics continue to change and become more complex and technologically advanced. To keep up with these technological advances, repairers must continue to gain new skills, read technical manuals, and attend seminars and classes. An experienced automotive body repairer with supervisory ability may advance to shop supervisor. Some workers open their own body repair shops. Others become automobile damage appraisers for insurance companies. Job Outlook Employment of automotive body repairers is expected to increase about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2008. Opportunities should be best for persons with formal training in automotive body repair and mechanics. Demand for qualified body repairers will increase, as the number of motor vehicles in operation continues to grow in line with the Nation's population. With an increase in the number of motor vehicles in use, the number of vehicles damaged in accidents will also increase. New automobile designs increasingly have body parts made of steel alloys, aluminum, and plastics-materials that are more difficult to work with than traditional steel body parts. Also, new, lighter weight automotive designs are prone to greater collision damage than older, heavier designs and, consequently, more time is consumed in repair. The need to replace experienced repairers who transfer to other occupations, retire, or stop working for other reasons will account for the majority of job openings. The automotive repair business is not very sensitive to changes in economic conditions, and experienced body repairers are rarely laid off. However, although major body damage must be repaired, if a vehicle is to be restored to safe operating condition, repair of minor dents and crumpled fenders can often be deferred during an economic slowdown. During this time, most employers will hire few new workers. In addition, recent business conditions have forced some small, unprofitable body shops to go out of business and have led some dealerships to consolidate body shops, in order to remain viable. The majority of body repairers employed by automotive dealers and repair shops are paid on an incentive basis. Under this method, body repairers are paid a predetermined amount for various tasks, and earnings depend on the amount of work assigned to the repairer and how fast it is completed. Employers frequently guarantee workers a minimum weekly salary. Body repairers who work for trucking companies, bus lines, and other organizations that maintain their own vehicles usually receive an hourly wage. Helpers and trainees usually earn from 30 to 60 percent of the earnings of skilled workers. Helpers and trainees usually receive an hourly rate, until they are skilled enough to be paid on an incentive basis. Some automotive body repairers are members of unions, including the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers; the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America; the Sheet Metal Workers' International Association; and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. Most body repairers who are union members work for large automobile dealers, trucking companies, and bus lines. Sources of Additional Information Additional details about work opportunities may be obtained from automotive body repair shops and motor vehicle dealers; locals of the unions previously mentioned; or local offices of your State employment service. State employment services also are a source of information about training programs. For general information about automotive body repairer careers, write to: Automotive Service Association, Inc., 1901 Airport Freeway, Bedford, TX 76021-5732. Internet: http://www.asashop.org National Automobile Dealers Association, 8400 Westpark Dr., McLean, VA 22102. ☛ Inter-Industry Conference On Auto Collision Repair Education Foundation (I-CAR), 3701 Algonquin Rd., Suite 400, Rolling Meadow, IL 60008. Telephone (toll free): 1-888-722-3787. Internet: http://www.i-car.com/foundation.html For information on how to become a certified automotive body repairer, write to: ☛ ASE, 13505 Dulles Technology Dr., Herndon, VA 20171-3421. Internet: http://www.asecert.org For a directory of certified automotive body repairer programs, contact: National Automotive Technician Education Foundation, 13505 Dulles Technology Dr., Herndon, VA 20171-3421. Internet: http://www.natef.org For a directory of accredited private trade and technical schools that offer training programs in automotive body repair, write to: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology, 2101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 302, Arlington, VA 22201. For a list of public automotive body repair training programs, contact: ☛SkillsUSA-VICA, P. O. Box 3000, 1401 James Monroe Hwy., Leesburg, Automotive Mechanics and Service Technicians (O*NET 85302A and 85302B) Significant Points Opportunities are expected to be very good for persons who complete formal automotive training programs. Automotive mechanics and service technicians must be well versed in electronics and mathematics to work on increasingly sophisticated car components and systems. Nature of the Work Automotive mechanics and service technicians inspect, maintain, and repair automobiles and light trucks, such as vans and pickups, with gasoline engines. Traditionally, these workers have been called “mechanics." The increasing sophistication of automotive technology now requires workers who can use computerized shop equipment and work with electronic components, while maintaining their skills with traditional handtools. Workers with these new skills are increasingly called "service technicians." (Mechanics and service technicians who work on diesel-powered trucks, buses, and equipment are discussed in the Handbook statement on diesel mechanics and service technicians. Motorcycle mechanics-who repair and service motorcycles, motorscooters, mopeds, and occasionally small all-terrain vehicles— are discussed in the Handbook statement on motorcycle, boat, and small-engine mechanics.) Anyone whose car or light truck has broken down knows the importance of the jobs of automotive service technicians. The ability to diagnose the source of the problem quickly and accurately-a most valuable skill-requires good reasoning ability and a thorough knowledge of automobiles. Many technicians consider diagnosing hard-to-find troubles one of their most challenging and satisfying duties. When mechanical or electrical troubles occur, technicians first get a description of the symptoms from the owner or, if they work in a large shop, the repair service estimator who wrote the repair order. To locate the problem, technicians use a diagnostic approach. First, they test to see if components and systems are proper and secure, then they rule out those components or systems that could not logically be the cause of the problem. For example, if an air conditioner malfunctions, technicians' diagnostic approach can pinpoint a problem as simple as a low coolant level or as complex as a bad drivetrain connection that has shorted out the air conditioner. Technicians may have to test drive the vehicle or use a variety of testing equipment, such as on-board and hand-held diagnostic computers or compression gauges to identify the source of the problem. Once the cause of the problem is found, technicians make adjustments or repairs. If a part is damaged, worn beyond repair, or not repairable at a reasonable cost, it is replaced, usually after consultation with the vehicle's owner. During routine service, technicians inspect and lubricate engines and other components and repair or replace parts before they cause breakdowns. Technicians usually follow a checklist to ensure they examine all important parts. Belts, hoses, plugs, brake and fuel systems, and other potentially troublesome items are among those closely watched. Service technicians use a variety of tools in their work. They use power tools, such as pneumatic wrenches to remove bolts quickly, machine tools like lathes and grinding machines to rebuild brakes, welding and flame-cutting equipment to remove and repair exhaust systems, and jacks and hoists to lift cars and engines. They also use common handtools like screwdrivers, pliers, and wrenches to work on small parts and in hard-to-reach places. In the most modern shops of automobile dealers, service technicians use electronic service equipment, such as infrared engine analyzers and computerized diagnostic devices. These devices diagnose problems and make precision adjustments with precise calculations downloaded from large computerized databases. The computerized systems provide automatic updates to technical manuals and unlimited access to manufacturers' service information, technical service bulletins, and other Automotive mechanics and service technicians use a variety of tools, such as pneumatic wrenches to remove bolts quickly. information databases, which allow technicians to keep current on trouble spots and to learn new procedures. Automotive service technicians in large shops have increasingly become specialized. For example, automatic transmission technicians work on gear trains, couplings, hydraulic pumps, and other parts of automatic transmissions. Extensive training and experience in electronics is needed for the complex components and technology used in new vehicles. Tuneup technicians adjust the ignition timing and valves, and adjust or replace spark plugs and other parts to ensure efficient engine performance. They often use electronic test equipment to locate and adjust malfunctions in fuel, ignition, and emissions control systems. Automotive air-conditioning repairers install and repair air conditioners and service components, such as compressors, condensers, and controls. These workers require special training in Federal and State regulations, governing the handling and disposal of refrigerants. Frontend mechanics align and balance wheels and repair steering mechanisms and suspension systems. They frequently use special alignment equipment and wheel-balancing machines. Brake repairers adjust brakes, replace brake linings and pads, and make other repairs on brake systems. Some mechanics and technicians specialize in both brake and front-end work. Automotive-radiator mechanics clean radiators with caustic solutions, locate and solder leaks, and install new radiator cores or complete replacement radiators. They also repair heaters and air-conditioners, and solder leaks in gasoline tanks. Working Conditions Most automotive service technicians work a standard 40-hour week, but many self-employed technicians work longer hours. To satisfy customer service needs, many service shops offer evening and weekend service. Generally, service technicians work indoors in well ventilated and lighted repair shops. However, some shops are drafty and noisy. Although some problems can be fixed with simple computerized adjustments, technicians frequently work with dirty and greasy parts, and in awkward positions. They often lift heavy parts and tools. Minor cuts, burns, and bruises are common, but serious accidents are usually avoided when the shop is kept clean and orderly and safety practices are observed. Employment Automotive mechanics and service technicians held about 790,000 jobs in 1998. The majority worked for retail and wholesale automotive dealers, independent automotive repair shops, or gasoline service stations. Others found employment in automotive service facilities at department, automotive, and home supply stores. A small number maintained automobile fleets for taxicab and automobile leasing companies; Federal, State, and local governments; and other organizations. Motor vehicle manufacturers employed some technicians to test, adjust, and repair cars at the end of assembly lines. About 22 percent of automotive mechanics and service technicians were self-employed. Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement Automotive technology is rapidly increasing in sophistication, and most training authorities strongly recommend that persons seeking automotive mechanic and service technician jobs complete a formal training program after graduating from high school. However, some automotive mechanics and service technicians still learn the trade solely by assisting and learning from experienced workers. Many high schools, community colleges, and public and private vocational and technical schools offer automotive service technician training programs. Postsecondary programs usually provide more thorough career preparation than high school programs. High school programs, while an asset, vary greatly in quality. Some programs offer only an introduction to automotive technology and service for the future consumer or hobbyist, whereas others aim to equip graduates with enough skills to get a job as a mechanic's helper or trainee mechanic. Postsecondary automotive technician training programs vary greatly in format but normally provide intensive career preparation, through a |