Also called: Flight Line Mechanic (Production)
Gets brand-new airplanes ready for their first flight, testing every system on the flight line.
You power up a freshly built jet, test hydraulics and engines, and fix squawks before the test pilot's first flight. On first-flight day you watch your airplane take off for the very first time.
Certificate, about 2 years after high school. FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certificate.
Ways in: Trade school, Certification, Military. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Aviation Maintenance Technology.
Growing faster than average (about 5% over 10 years). Aircraft mechanics overall.
Low risk for 10 years. AI helps track test steps and faults; hands-on checks of every system before first flight stay human.
Classes: Auto or aviation shop, Electronics CTE, Physics, Algebra.
Official data: O*NET occupation 49-3011.
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