The job responsibilities for aviation mechanics will vary depending upon their specialty, level of experience, and place of employment. Generally speaking, aviation mechanics are responsible for performing aircraft maintenance while following all of the safety rules that have been established by the Federal Aviation Administration.

The maintenance that is performed by aviation mechanics includes, but is not limited to airplane engines, landing gear, fuel and electrical systems, brakes, propeller and fan systems, valves, and pumps. In some cases, aviation mechanics may also perform exterior work, checking sheet metal and composite surfaces that can be found on the body of the airplane. When necessary, they repair corrosion and cracks that can sometimes occur in the fuselage, wings, and tail.

Increasingly, aviation mechanics specialize in preventative maintenance rather than repair.  The job duties for these mechanics also vary depending upon their level of experience and place of employment. Typically, they inspect engines, landing gear, flying instruments, brakes, and other integral parts of the aircraft. Inspections are conducted based on a combination of factors, such as the number of hours that an aircraft has flown and the amount of time since the last inspection.

Aviation mechanics work on many different kinds of aircraft, including helicopters, jets, and propeller driven planes. Most aviation jobs can be found at airlines or airports, aircraft assembly companies, and federal government organizations.