17 Aerospace Technician Interview Questions and Answers

Aerospace technicians work in the aviation and aerospace industries, where they are responsible for the maintenance, repair, and inspection of aircraft. They also work on missiles, satellites, and spacecraft.

Aerospace technicians typically have an associate’s degree in aviation science or a related field. However, some employers may prefer candidates who have a bachelor’s degree or higher.

If you’re interested in becoming an aerospace technician, you’ll need to go through a job interview. During the interview, you’ll be asked questions about your experience, education, and skills. You’ll also be asked behavioral questions.

To help you prepare for your interview, we’ve compiled a list of common aerospace technician interview questions and answers.

Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced environment?

Aerospace technicians often work in a fast-paced environment, so the interviewer wants to make sure you’re comfortable with that. Your answer should show that you can handle working under pressure and prioritize your tasks effectively.

Example: “I am very comfortable working in a fast-paced environment because I have done it for many years now. In my previous position, we had to rush to complete our projects on time, which made me learn how to manage my time better. I also learned how to communicate more efficiently with my colleagues when there was little time to explain things.”

What are some of the most important skills for an aerospace technician to have?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have the skills necessary to succeed in this role. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a few of your strongest skills and how they relate to aerospace technology.

Example: “The most important skill for an aerospace technician is attention to detail. Aerospace technicians work with highly technical equipment that requires precision when repairing or maintaining. Another important skill is problem-solving. Aerospace technicians often need to troubleshoot issues with complex machinery, so having strong problem-solving skills can be beneficial. Finally, communication skills are also important because I may need to communicate with other team members or clients about my progress.”

How would you go about troubleshooting a problem with an aircraft engine?

This question can help the interviewer assess your troubleshooting skills and how you apply them to a specific task. Use examples from previous experience in which you used critical thinking, problem-solving and technical knowledge to identify issues with aircraft engines and fix them.

Example: “When working on an engine, I first start by checking for obvious problems like loose bolts or damaged wires. If there are no visible signs of damage, then I’ll move on to more complex tests such as running diagnostics on the engine’s computer system. This allows me to check all the different systems within the engine and determine what might be causing the issue. Once I’ve identified the problem, I will repair it using tools and equipment that I have available.”

What is your experience with using computer-aided design software?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn about your experience with computer-aided design software, which is a common tool for aerospace technicians. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention the specific types of CAD software you have used in the past and how comfortable you are using them.

Example: “In my previous role as an aerospace technician, I used several different types of CAD software on a daily basis. These included Solid Edge, AutoCAD and Inventor. While these programs all serve slightly different purposes, they’re all useful tools that help me create detailed designs and diagrams. I find that each program has its own strengths, so I try to use whichever one best fits the project at hand.”

Provide an example of a time when you identified and resolved an issue with an aircraft component.

This question can help the interviewer assess your problem-solving skills and ability to identify issues with aircraft components. Use examples from your previous experience that highlight your technical knowledge, communication skills and attention to detail.

Example: “In my last role as an aerospace technician, I noticed a small crack in one of the landing gear struts on a commercial airliner. This was during preflight inspection before the plane took off for its scheduled flight. I immediately notified the pilot so he could address the issue before takeoff. The pilot decided to replace the strut rather than repair it because repairing it would have taken too long. He asked me to find a replacement strut so they could take off on time.

I used my computer system to locate a spare part at another airport. Then, I contacted the mechanic there to see if he had any available spares. Luckily, he did, so we were able to swap out the damaged strut for a new one before the next flight.”

If you could design your own aircraft, what features would it have?

This question is a way for the interviewer to assess your creativity and problem-solving skills. Your answer should show that you can think outside of the box, but also consider safety factors when designing an aircraft.

Example: “If I could design my own aircraft, it would have a sleek exterior with a spacious interior. It would be lightweight so it’s easy to transport, but durable enough to withstand harsh weather conditions. The cockpit would be large enough for two pilots, and there would be plenty of space in the cargo hold for transporting goods or people. Finally, it would be equipped with state-of-the-art technology to ensure safe navigation.”

What would you do if you noticed a problem with a plane you were working on just before takeoff?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you react to stressful situations and whether you have good judgment. In your answer, try to show that you would make a calm decision and prioritize safety over other factors.

Example: “If I noticed something wrong with a plane just before takeoff, I would first assess the severity of the problem and decide if it’s worth delaying the flight for repairs or if we should continue as planned. If there is any doubt about the safety of continuing the flight, I would recommend postponing takeoff until the issue could be fixed. Safety always comes first.”

How well do you work with others in a team environment?

Teamwork is an important skill for aerospace technicians to have. Employers ask this question to make sure you can work well with others and are able to collaborate on projects. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a specific time when you worked well in a team environment. This can show that you understand the importance of teamwork and how it can help you succeed.

Example: “I am very comfortable working in a team environment. In my last position, I was part of a small team that would meet every week to discuss our progress on various projects. We were all responsible for different tasks, but we also helped each other out if someone needed assistance. I enjoy collaborating with others because it allows us to get more done than we could alone.”

Do you have experience performing maintenance on military aircraft?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience working with aircraft. If you have military maintenance experience, share what types of aircraft you worked on and the specific tasks you performed. If you don’t have direct military maintenance experience, you can talk about any aerospace work you’ve done in the past.

Example: “I haven’t had the opportunity to perform maintenance on military aircraft, but I do have experience performing maintenance on commercial airliners. In my last role as an aerospace technician, I was responsible for inspecting all major systems on a commercial airliner before each flight. This included checking the engines, landing gear and other important components.”

When is it safe to fly an aircraft after undergoing repairs?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of the aerospace industry and how you apply it in a real-world setting. Your answer should include specific details about what makes an aircraft safe for flight, including any safety checks or tests that must be performed before takeoff.

Example: “When I am repairing an aircraft, my primary goal is to ensure the safety of the pilot and passengers. In my experience, there are several steps I take to make sure the aircraft is ready for flight after repairs. First, I perform a thorough inspection of the repaired area to look for loose screws or other issues that could compromise the integrity of the plane. Next, I test all systems on the aircraft to ensure they’re working properly. Finally, I check with the pilot to see if they have any concerns about the aircraft’s readiness for flight.”

We want to improve our production process. What changes would you make to our workflow to improve efficiency?

This question is a great way to show your problem-solving skills and ability to make improvements in the workplace. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think of ways you’ve improved processes at previous jobs or how you would improve current processes if given the opportunity.

Example: “I have experience working with production lines before, so I know that there are many different factors that affect efficiency. In my last role, we had a lot of issues with our assembly line because some parts were missing from shipments. To solve this issue, I created an inventory system where all technicians could check online for their supplies. This helped us reduce errors and increase efficiency.”

Describe your process for inspecting an aircraft before takeoff.

This question is an opportunity to show your interviewer that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to perform your job duties. Use examples from previous experiences in which you used your critical thinking skills to inspect aircraft for potential safety hazards.

Example: “I start by visually inspecting the exterior of the plane, looking for dents or scratches on the fuselage, wings or tail. I also check the landing gear for any damage or missing parts. Next, I move inside the plane to inspect the interior for loose screws or other objects that could fall off during flight. Finally, I make sure all the doors are secure and there aren’t any fuel leaks.”

What makes helicopters different from planes?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of aerospace technology. It also shows the interviewer that you have experience working with helicopters, which can be an important part of this role. Use your answer to highlight your understanding of how these two types of aircraft differ and what makes them unique.

Example: “Helicopters are different from planes because they use rotors instead of wings for flight. This means that they’re more agile than planes, but they don’t fly as high or as fast. They also require less fuel than planes, so they’re easier to maintain. I’ve worked on both helicopters and planes in my previous roles, so I’m comfortable performing maintenance on either type.”

Which aircraft models do you have the most experience working on?

This question can help the interviewer determine your level of experience and expertise. It’s important to highlight any aircraft models you have worked on in the past, but it can also be beneficial to mention a few that are new or unfamiliar to you so that you can show interest in learning more about them.

Example: “In my last role as an aerospace technician, I primarily worked on Boeing 737s and Airbus A320s. However, I am always interested in learning more about different aircraft models, which is why I signed up for this certification course.”

What do you think will be the next big innovation in the aerospace industry?

This question can help an interviewer get to know you as a person and how your personality might fit in with the company. It also helps them understand what skills you have that are applicable to their organization. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention something specific about yourself or your background that makes you qualified for the job.

Example: “I think the next big innovation will be in space tourism. I’ve always been fascinated by outer space and would love to work on projects that make space travel more accessible to the public. I’m excited to learn more about the aerospace industry’s plans for space tourism and hope to contribute my knowledge of engineering and technology to those efforts.”

How often should aircraft components be replaced?

This question can help interviewers assess your knowledge of industry standards. Your answer should include a specific time frame and reference the type of aircraft you’re working with.

Example: “Aircraft components should be replaced every five to seven years, depending on the type of component. For example, an aircraft’s tires should be replaced after every 500 hours of flight time. The life expectancy of other parts like landing gear and brakes depends on how often they are used. If they aren’t used much, they may last up to 10 years. However, if they are used frequently, they may need to be replaced more often.”

There is a shortage of skilled aerospace technicians in the industry. How would you encourage more people to pursue this career?

This question is an opportunity to show your passion for the aerospace industry and how you can help others discover this career path. When answering, consider what inspired you to pursue a career in aerospace technology and share that with the interviewer. You may also discuss ways you would encourage more people to enter the field by sharing information about job opportunities or hosting workshops at local schools.

Example: “I think there are many reasons why there’s a shortage of skilled technicians in the aerospace industry. One reason is because it’s not as well-known as other careers, so I would love to work with local high schools to give presentations on the benefits of entering this field. Another reason is that some students don’t know where they can get training for this career. If I were offered a position here, I would be happy to offer free training sessions to anyone who wants to learn more about becoming an aerospace technician.”