17 Aircraft Maintenance Technician Interview Questions and Answers

As an aircraft maintenance technician, you play a vital role in ensuring the safety of passengers and crew. You’re responsible for inspecting, repairing, and maintaining aircraft, as well as keeping accurate records of all work completed.

To become an aircraft maintenance technician, you need to have a high school diploma or equivalent, as well as a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certificate. But before you can get your FAA certificate, you may need to go through an interview process.

In this guide, we’ll go over some of the most common aircraft maintenance technician interview questions and answers to help you prepare for your interview.

Are you comfortable working with hazardous materials?

Aircraft maintenance technicians often work with hazardous materials, such as fuel and oil. Employers ask this question to make sure you have the necessary experience working with these types of chemicals. In your answer, explain that you are comfortable working with hazardous materials. Explain how you feel confident handling these dangerous substances.

Example: “I am very comfortable working with hazardous materials. I worked at a gas station for three years, so I’m used to dealing with all sorts of fuels. I also understand the importance of following safety protocols when working with hazardous materials. For example, I know it’s important to wear protective gear while working with fuel. I always follow protocol to ensure my own safety and the safety of others.”

What are some of the most important skills an aircraft maintenance technician should have?

This question can help interviewers determine if you have the skills and abilities they’re looking for in an aircraft maintenance technician. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a few of the most important skills that are required for this position.

Example: “The two most important skills I think an aircraft maintenance technician should have are problem-solving skills and attention to detail. Aircraft technicians need to be able to solve problems quickly and efficiently while also paying close attention to details when performing repairs or inspections. These skills allow us to ensure safety for pilots and passengers on board these aircraft.”

How would you handle a disagreement with another aircraft maintenance technician about how to repair a plane?

An interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your problem-solving and interpersonal skills. Your answer should show that you can collaborate with others, respect their opinions and find a solution that works for everyone involved.

Example: “I would first try to understand the other technician’s point of view. I would also make sure that we are repairing the plane according to company policy. If we still disagree on how to repair the plane, I would suggest we call our supervisor so they can help us come up with a solution that satisfies both technicians.”

What is your process for documenting your work and recording your notes?

Aircraft maintenance technicians must be able to record their work and keep detailed notes of what they do. This is important for the technician’s own records, but also for other mechanics who may need to reference past work or repairs. Your answer should show that you understand the importance of documentation and can follow proper procedures when doing so.

Example: “I use a digital system to document my work and take photos of any parts I remove from an aircraft. I then store all of these documents in a secure location where only authorized personnel have access. I also make sure to include information about the aircraft itself, such as its model and serial number, along with details about the specific repair I’m working on.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to troubleshoot an issue with a plane’s engine.

Aircraft maintenance technicians must be able to troubleshoot problems with aircraft engines. Employers ask this question to make sure you have the experience and skills necessary for this role. In your answer, explain how you would approach a problem like this one.

Example: “I once worked on an engine that was having issues starting up. I first checked all of the obvious things, such as making sure there were no loose wires or clamps. After doing this, I realized it was something more serious. I had to take apart the entire engine in order to find the issue. It turned out that the fuel line was leaking. Once I fixed this, the plane started right up.”

If you made a mistake while working on a plane, how would you correct it?

Employers ask this question to make sure you know how to fix your mistakes and learn from them. They want someone who can admit their mistake, take responsibility for it and learn from the experience so they don’t repeat it in the future. In your answer, explain what steps you would take to correct your mistake and ensure that you don’t make the same one again.

Example: “If I made a mistake while working on an aircraft, I would first apologize to my team and the pilot. Then, I would immediately begin fixing the problem. If there was any damage caused by my mistake, I would do everything in my power to repair it or replace the damaged part.”

What would you do if you noticed a coworker not following safety procedures while working on a plane?

Aircraft maintenance technicians must follow strict safety procedures to ensure the safety of pilots and passengers. Employers ask this question to make sure you understand the importance of following these procedures and how you would handle a situation if someone else didn’t. In your answer, explain that you take safety seriously and will always follow all procedures. Explain that you would first talk to the coworker about their actions and give them an opportunity to correct their mistake. If they don’t change their behavior, you would report it to your supervisor so they can address the issue.

Example: “Safety is my top priority when working on aircraft. I know that even one small mistake could cause serious damage or injury. I also know that not following safety procedures can lead to termination. When I notice a coworker not following safety procedures, I first try to speak with them about it. I want to give them the opportunity to fix the problem before reporting it to my supervisor. However, if they continue to ignore safety rules after speaking with them, I would report it to my supervisor immediately.”

How well do you understand physics and engineering principles?

Aircraft maintenance technicians must have a strong understanding of physics and engineering principles to perform their job duties. Employers ask this question to make sure you are qualified for the role. In your answer, share that you have a passion for science and math. Explain how these subjects helped you develop your skills as an aircraft maintenance technician.

Example: “I am passionate about science and math. I was always one of the top students in my physics and calculus classes. Understanding physics and engineering principles has been extremely helpful throughout my career. It allows me to troubleshoot problems more quickly and efficiently. I can also explain complex concepts to other team members.”

Do you have experience using tools or machinery to repair aircrafts?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience with tools and machinery. If you have worked as an aircraft maintenance technician before, share details of the tools or machinery you used in your previous job. If you haven’t worked as an aircraft maintenance technician before, consider sharing information about any other mechanical or tool-related work you’ve done.

Example: “I have worked as a mechanic for several years now, so I am familiar with many different types of tools and machinery. In my last position, I was responsible for using specialized equipment like torque wrenches and pressure gauges to test and monitor the performance of aircraft engines.”

When performing maintenance on a plane, are there any particular areas you focus on?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience and skills as an aircraft maintenance technician. Use your answer to highlight a few of the most important areas you focus on when performing maintenance on planes, such as safety protocols or specific procedures for inspecting different parts of the plane.

Example: “When performing maintenance on a plane, I always make sure to check all of the major systems first. This includes checking the engines, fuel system, landing gear and navigation equipment. After that, I move onto smaller components like the brakes, tires and electrical systems. These are some of the most important areas to inspect during maintenance because they can affect flight safety.”

We want to ensure our aircrafts are always prepared for takeoff. What does “ready to fly” mean to you?

This question is a great way to assess your knowledge of aircraft maintenance and safety. It also allows the interviewer to see how you apply that knowledge in real-world situations. Your answer should include an explanation of what “ready to fly” means, as well as examples of when you have helped ensure an aircraft was ready for takeoff.

Example: “Ready to fly means all systems are functioning properly and there are no outstanding issues with the aircraft. I once worked on an aircraft where we had to replace some parts before it could be considered ready to fly again. We were able to complete the repairs within 24 hours, which allowed the pilot to take off without any delays.”

Describe your process for cleaning and sanitizing aircraft parts.

Aircraft maintenance technicians must follow specific procedures for cleaning and sanitizing aircraft parts. The interviewer may ask this question to assess your ability to work within a regulated environment. In your answer, describe the steps you take when working with hazardous materials like solvents and acids.

Example: “I always start by reading the manufacturer’s instructions on how to clean and sanitize each part. Then I use an approved solvent or acid to remove any grease or oil from the surface of the part. After that, I rinse the part in water and dry it using compressed air. Finally, I store the part in a container until I’m ready to install it.”

What makes you an ideal candidate for this aircraft maintenance position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you can contribute to their team. Before your interview, make a list of reasons why you are the best candidate for this role. Consider highlighting any experience or skills that align with what they’re looking for in an employee.

Example: “I am passionate about aviation and have been working toward becoming an aircraft maintenance technician for years. I graduated from an accredited program with honors and have worked as an apprentice for two years. My mentor says I’m ready to take on my own projects, so I’m excited to apply for this position at your company.”

Which aircraft models have you worked on in the past?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have experience working on aircraft models similar to those at their company. If you don’t have any experience with the specific model, consider highlighting your general knowledge of aircraft and how it applies to this job.

Example: “I’ve worked on several different types of commercial aircrafts in my career so far. I’m comfortable working on Boeing 737s, Airbus A320s and Embraer ERJ 145s. In my last position, I also helped maintain a fleet of helicopters that included Bell Helicopters and Agusta Westland.”

What do you think is the most challenging part of being an aircraft maintenance technician?

This question can help interviewers understand what you find challenging and how you approach challenges. Your answer should show that you are willing to take on difficult tasks and learn from them.

Example: “The most challenging part of being an aircraft maintenance technician is the time it takes to complete a task. I have worked with other technicians who prefer to rush through their work, but I think this can lead to mistakes or overlooking important details. Instead, I try to focus on my own pace and make sure I am completing each step thoroughly. This helps me avoid mistakes and ensures that I am doing quality work.”

How often do you perform maintenance checks on aircrafts?

This question can help the interviewer understand your experience level and how often you perform maintenance checks on aircrafts. Use examples from your previous job to show that you have performed this task before, and explain what type of maintenance checks you completed.

Example: “In my last position as an aircraft maintenance technician, I performed a monthly checkup on all aircrafts in our hangar. This included checking for loose screws or bolts, making sure all parts were securely fastened and ensuring there was no damage to any part of the aircraft. I also checked fuel levels and oil levels regularly.”

There is a bug in the cockpit and you are unable to contact the pilot. What do you do?

This question is designed to test your problem-solving skills. It also shows the interviewer that you understand how important it is to communicate with pilots and other crew members when there are issues on board an aircraft. Your answer should show that you know how to prioritize tasks and solve problems under pressure.

Example: “I would first try to contact the pilot by radio or phone, but if I am unable to reach them, I will immediately inform the flight controller of the issue. If the bug poses a safety risk, I will take action to ensure the safety of the passengers and crew. For example, I may ask for permission to enter the cockpit to remove the bug myself.”