Airframe Technician
Also posted as Airframe Mechanic; Aircraft Structures Technician; Aircraft Repair Technician; Airframe Systems Technician
An airframe technician inspects and repairs aircraft structures, control surfaces, doors, landing-gear interfaces, and corrosion-prone areas. It's hands-on work in hangars, structures shops, MRO facilities, and aircraft repair environments, where technical instructions, safety procedures, troubleshooting, and accurate documentation all matter.
Below: what it pays, what you'd do, the skills you need, and how to become one.
The role profile
Everything you need to know about this role, the same details employers use to post openings and colleges use to build training.
How much does it pay?
Explore the core responsibilities of this role, from daily operations and equipment handling to safety, quality, and performance requirements.
Inspect aircraft structures
Check fuselage, wings, doors, flight controls, and attachment points for damage, corrosion, cracks, or wear.
Repair airframe defects
Support structural repairs, fastener work, panel replacement, and airframe adjustments using approved drawings and procedures.
Maintain control surfaces
Inspect and service flight-control surfaces, hinges, linkages, fairings, and related airframe interfaces.
Document structural work
Record findings, repair references, inspection results, and signoffs to maintain traceable maintenance records.
What skills do you need?
Three core skills sit at the heart of this role. You can learn all of them through short, hands-on training.
Airframe Inspection
Recognizing wear, corrosion, dents, cracks, distortion, and other defects in aircraft structures.
Structural Repair
Using approved repair instructions, fasteners, sealants, and fabrication methods to restore structural integrity.
Flight Control Surfaces
Inspecting and servicing control surfaces and linkages that affect aircraft handling and safety.
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