Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assembler

Also called: A&P Technician (Airframe and Powerplant Technician), Aerospace Assembler, Aircraft De-Icer Installer, Aircraft Fuselage Framer, Aircraft Layout Worker

Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assembler

Varies

estimated salary

Aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems assemblers assemble, fit, fasten, and install parts of airplanes, space vehicles, or missiles, such as tails, wings, fuselage, bulkheads, stabilizers, landing gear, rigging, and control equipment, or heating and ventilating systems.

  • Assemble parts, fittings, or subassemblies on aircraft, using layout tools, hand tools, power tools, or fasteners, such as bolts, screws, rivets, or clamps.
  • Read blueprints, illustrations, or specifications to determine layouts, sequences of operations, or identities or relationships of parts.
  • Attach brackets, hinges, or clips to secure or support components or subassemblies, using bolts, screws, rivets, chemical bonding, or welding.
  • Inspect or test installed units, parts, systems, or assemblies for fit, alignment, performance, defects, or compliance with standards, using measuring instruments or test equipment.
  • Adjust, repair, rework, or replace parts or assemblies to ensure proper operation.
  • Cut, trim, file, bend, or smooth parts to ensure proper fit and clearance.
  • Fabricate parts needed for assembly or installation, using shop machinery or equipment.
  • Layout and mark reference points and locations for installation of parts or components, using jigs, templates, or measuring and marking instruments.
  • Clean, oil, or coat system components, as necessary, before assembly or attachment.
  • Assemble prefabricated parts to form subassemblies.
  • Set, align, adjust, or synchronize aircraft armament or rigging or control system components to established tolerances or requirements, using sighting devices and hand tools.
  • Join structural assemblies, such as wings, tails, or fuselage.
  • Position and align subassemblies in jigs or fixtures, using measuring instruments and following blueprint lines and index points.
  • Assemble prototypes or integrated-technology demonstrators of new or emerging environmental technologies for aircraft.
  • Swage fittings onto cables, using swaging machines.
  • Manually install structural assemblies or signal crane operators to position assemblies for joining.
  • Align, fit, assemble, connect, or install system components, using jigs, fixtures, measuring instruments, hand tools, or power tools.
  • Set up or operate machines or systems to crimp, cut, bend, form, swage, flare, bead, burr, or straighten tubing, according to specifications.
  • Place and connect control cables to electronically controlled units, using hand tools, ring locks, cotter keys, threaded connectors, turnbuckles, or related devices.
  • Monitor robotic assembly equipment, such as snake-arm robots, used to assemble, seal, or swage aircraft structures.
  • Install mechanical linkages and actuators, using tensiometers to verify tension of cables.
  • Clean aircraft structures, parts, or components, using aqueous, semi-aqueous, aliphatic hydrocarbon, or organic solvent cleaning products or techniques to reduce carbon or other harmful emissions.
  • Install accessories in swaging machines, using hand tools.
  • Mark identifying information on tubing or cable assemblies, using etching devices, labels, rubber stamps, or other methods.
  • Verify dimensions of cable assemblies or positions of fittings, using measuring instruments.
  • Weld tubing and fittings or solder cable ends, using tack welders, induction brazing chambers, or other equipment.
  • Splice cables, using clamps and fittings, or reweave cable strands.
  • Fit and fasten sheet metal coverings to surface areas or other sections of aircraft prior to welding or riveting.
  • Capture or segregate waste material, such as aluminum swarf, machine cutting fluid, or solvents, for recycling or environmentally responsible disposal.
  • Cut cables and tubing, using master templates, measuring instruments, and cable cutters or saws.
Work Context

Work Context information for this career will be available soon.

Work Activities
  • Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
  • Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
  • Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
  • Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
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Detailed Work Activities
  • Assemble metal or plastic parts or products.
  • Align parts or workpieces to ensure proper assembly.
  • Assemble electrical or electronic equipment.
  • Align parts or workpieces to ensure proper assembly.
  • Install mechanical components in production equipment.
  • Assemble metal structures.
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Knowledge

Mathematics
  • Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Education and Training
  • Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Mechanical
  • Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
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Skills

Quality Control Analysis
  • Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Active Listening
  • Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking
  • Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Monitoring
  • Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
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Abilities

Problem Sensitivity
  • The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
Near Vision
  • The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Finger Dexterity
  • The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Manual Dexterity
  • The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
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Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Persistence
  • Initiative
  • Leadership
  • Cooperation
  • Concern for Others
  • Social Orientation
  • Self Control
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Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Computer aided design CAD software
  • Computer aided design CAD software Hot Technology
Data base user interface and query software
  • Data entry software Hot Technology
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
  • Enterprise resource planning ERP software Hot Technology
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