Navy Rating · Aviation
AM Aviation Structural Mechanic
Overview
Aviation Structural Mechanics maintain aircraft structures, flight surfaces and controls, hydraulic and pneumatic systems, landing gear, and air conditioning and pressurization systems. They fabricate and repair metallic and nonmetallic materials, service related aircraft mechanisms, supervise airframe work centers, and perform required inspections.
Core Skills
- airframe and structural maintenance
- hydraulic and pneumatic systems troubleshooting
- landing gear systems maintenance
- environmental control systems (air conditioning/pressurization) maintenance
- technical drawing and blueprint interpretation
- metal fabrication and structural repair
- composite materials repair
- non-destructive inspection awareness
- preventive and corrective maintenance
- quality assurance and safety compliance
Civilian Software & Tools
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Word
- SAP software
- Access Software AIRPAX
Civilian Career Paths
- Aircraft Maintenance
- Mechanical Engineering
- Construction Management
- Project Management
Training & Development
Getting Started
- ASTM NCATT Aerospace/Aircraft Assembly (AAA) · Funded
- Aviation Mechanical Assembly
- ASTM NCATT Foreign Object Elimination (FOE)
- Aviation Structures
- Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional (CMRP) · Funded
Career Growth
- Certified Aerospace Technician Core
- Certified Aerospace Technician -Composites
- Certified Aerospace Technician -Vehicle Processing
- Certified Vibration Analyst: Category II · Funded
- Corrosion Technician Certification · Funded
What the Work Involves
- Inspect completed work to certify that maintenance meets standards and that aircraft are ready for operation.
- Read and interpret maintenance manuals, service bulletins, and other specifications to determine the feasibility and method of repairing or replacing malfunctioning or damaged components.
- Maintain repair logs, documenting all preventive and corrective aircraft maintenance.
- Examine and inspect aircraft components, including landing gear, hydraulic systems, and deicers to locate cracks, breaks, leaks, or other problems.
- Conduct routine and special inspections as required by regulations.
Related Occupations
- Avionics Technicians
- Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
- Aircraft Service Attendants
- Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
Typical preparation for these civilian roles: vocational training or an associate degree.
Formerly Known As (Legacy)
Retired codes that converted into AM. Each legacy page documents the cited history.
Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.
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