What is an Aviation Maintenance, Repair and Operations (MRO) Technician?

Aviation Maintenance, Repair and Operations (MRO) Technicians are the backbone of safe air travel. Before every flight that takes off, a team of trained MRO technicians who ensure that the aircraft meets safety standards. MRO technicians undergo training and certifications to stay up to date with technology and safety.

In this blog we will explore how the landscape of aviation maintenance is growing, the training and certifications that are needed, how to get hired, and what your career path could look like.

What Are The Differences Between Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul?

MRO stands for Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul…. But what does that exactly mean?

Maintenance: The “M’ in MRO includes the inspections and routine maintenance on aircrafts and any issues that require maintenance.

Repair: The “R” in MRO includes returning an accessory or aircraft to a workable condition.

Overhaul: The “O” in MRO includes the repairing components, engines, or an item on the aircraft to bring it back to OEM standards.

Daily Work as an Aviation Maintenance, Repair and Operations (MRO) Technician

The daily tasks of a maintenance technician include but are not limited to:

• Fixing deterioration from the environment
• Repairing accidental damage
• Repairing fatigue damage
• Diagnosing mechanical issues
• Documentation
• Visual inspections
• Troubleshooting
• Lubrication of components
• Function assessments
• Replacement of components
• Reconstruction
• Servicing
• Examination
• Testing & verification

No two days look the same for an MRO technician. Each day brings on new challenges from troubleshooting and repairing to routine aircraft inspections.

What Certifications do I need to become an MRO Technician?

For an aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) technician, an Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license is almost always a requirement. The A&P certification is the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standard for demonstrating core technical knowledge and skills within aircraft maintenance.

A&P Certification

A&P stands for Airframe and Powerplant which are an aircraft’s two main physical components. The airframe refers to the body of the aircraft while the powerplant refers to the engine. Most A&P mechanics specialize in both but others only specialize in one. To receive an A&P Certification, individuals must do formal training, have hands-on experience, as well as passing written, oral and physical exams. This certification ensures that individuals possess skills to work on aircrafts up to the FAA regulations.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statics, “The FAA offers separate certificates for bodywork (airframe mechanics) and engine work (powerplant mechanics), but employers may prefer to hire mechanics who have both ratings (A&P). The A&P ratings generally certify that aviation mechanics meet basic knowledge and ability standards.”

Additionally according to the FAA to take the A&P certification exam:
“You must be

• at least 18 years old; and
• able to read, write, speak, and understand English language.
• You must have at least:
  • 18 months of practical experience with the procedures, practices, materials, tools, machines, and equipment generally used in constructing, maintaining, or altering an airframe or powerplant, appropriate to the rating sought; or
  • 30 months of practical experience concurrently performing the duties appropriate to both the airframe and powerplant ratings.
• You may also be eligible:
  • by graduating from an FAA-approved Aviation Maintenance Technician School (AMTS) or
  • by completing the Joint Service Aviation Maintenance Technician Certification Council (JSAMTCC) training course for military personnel.

For more information regarding the requirements visit: Federal Aviation Administration (https://www.faa.gov/mechanics/become/test_requirements)

Once you complete your certifications, the next big question is how to get hired. Keep reading to find out more!

How to Get Hired as an Aviation Maintenance, Repair and Operations (MRO) Technician?

Getting hired as an MRO technician requires more than just a certification. Here are steps to land your first role or transfer into a role in the MRO space:

1. Get your required certifications like your A&P Certification and FAA-approved training or have equivalent military training
2. Gain hands on experience through apprenticeships, internships or assistant positions in an MRO space
3. Network within the aviation industry, we recommend you join organizations like the Aviation Technician Education Council (ATEC) or attend aviation industry career fairs
4. Have a strong resume that highlights your certifications, and specific familiarity knowledge of systems
5. Look for employers in the airline, aerospace manufacturer, MRO firms, and defense contractors. With the uptick in the industry, they are in dire need of technicians.

Hot tip from CGR – Many employers value soft skills like teamwork, communication, and adaptability as much as technical knowledge. If you are lacking in technical aviation knowledge, show the employers how your soft skills can be adaptable in different situations.

What Career Opportunities Are Available for an Aviation Maintenance, Repair and Operations (MRO) Technician?

There are many career opportunities available for MRO technicians these include and are not limited to:

• Aircraft Mechanic
• Helicopter Mechanic
• Operations Specialist
• Aircraft Maintenance Technician
• Airframe and Powerplant Inspector
• Aviation Systems Engineer
• Aerospace Engineer
• Calibration Technician
• A&P Mechanic
• Repair & Assembly Technician
• Quality Inspector

There are so many career opportunities within the MRO space throughout the United States.

Contact Us

At CorpGuidance Recruiting, we specialize in placing Aviation MRO Technicians in roles that align with their skills and career goals. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for a new role in the industry, we’ll help you find the right career opportunity. Contact us today to take the next step in your aviation career!