17 Aviation Maintenance Technician Interview Questions and Answers

Maintaining the safety and functionality of aircraft is the responsibility of aviation maintenance technicians. These skilled professionals work on everything from small private planes to massive commercial airliners. Aviation maintenance technicians are responsible for inspecting, repairing, and overhauling aircraft and aircraft components.

If you’re looking for an aviation maintenance technician job, you’ll need to be prepared to answer some tough questions. Interviewers will want to know that you have the skills and knowledge to do the job safely and effectively. They’ll also want to make sure you’re a good fit for the team.

To help you get ready for your interview, we’ve put together a list of common questions and answers that aviation maintenance technicians are likely to be asked.

Are you comfortable working with a variety of different aircraft types?

The interviewer may ask this question to determine if you have experience working with different aircraft types. This can be an important skill for aviation maintenance technicians because they often work on a variety of aircraft, including commercial planes, private jets and helicopters. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention the specific aircraft types that you’ve worked on in the past.

Example: “I am comfortable working with many different aircraft types. In my last position as an aviation maintenance technician, I worked on both private jets and commercial airliners. I also regularly worked on helicopters, which are unique aircraft types that require specialized knowledge and skills.”

What are some of the most important skills for an aviation maintenance 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 working as an aviation maintenance technician.

Example: “The most important skill for me is my attention to detail. I am always very careful when performing tasks on aircrafts because even small mistakes can lead to serious consequences. Another important skill is communication. Working with other technicians requires effective communication so we can all work together efficiently. Finally, problem-solving skills are essential since there may be times where I encounter issues that require creative solutions.”

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

This question is a great way to assess the technical skills of an applicant. It also allows you to see how they apply their knowledge and experience to solve problems in a variety of situations. When answering this question, it can be helpful to provide specific examples from your previous work or schooling that demonstrate your ability to troubleshoot engine issues.

Example: “When working on engines, I first start by inspecting all of the parts for any damage or defects. If there are no visible signs of damage, then I will check the oil levels and fuel supply. After checking these things, if there is still no sign of a problem, I will move onto more advanced methods of testing like using a compression tester to ensure the cylinders are firing properly.”

What is your process for inspecting an aircraft for flight readiness?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you apply your knowledge and skills to complete a task. Use examples from past experiences in which you used your critical thinking, problem-solving and communication skills to inspect an aircraft for flight readiness.

Example: “I start by inspecting the exterior of the plane for any damage or defects that could affect its performance during flight. I also check the interior of the plane for loose screws, cracks or other issues that may compromise safety. After completing my inspection, I document all findings on a report so the pilot knows what repairs are needed before takeoff.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to use your problem-solving skills to find a solution to an aircraft issue.

When an interviewer asks you a question like this, they are trying to understand how your skills can benefit their company. Use examples from your past experience that highlight your ability to work through challenges and find solutions.

Example: “In my last position as an aviation maintenance technician, I was working on the landing gear of a small private plane when I noticed one of the wheels had a flat tire. The owner of the plane wanted me to replace all four tires because he didn’t want to risk having another flat tire while in flight. However, we only had three spares for the aircraft, so I needed to come up with a solution.

I spoke with the pilot about his concerns and asked if he would be willing to fly the plane back to our facility where we could swap out the wheel and put on a new tire. He agreed, and I was able to solve the problem by coming up with a creative solution.”

If you had to choose one type of aircraft to work with for the rest of your career, which would it be and why?

This question is designed to give the interviewer insight into your passion for aviation. It’s important to choose a type of aircraft that you have experience working on, but it can also be beneficial to choose an aircraft that the company specializes in repairing or maintaining.

Example: “I would love to work with commercial airliners for the rest of my career because I find them so fascinating and complex. There are so many different systems that need to work together to keep passengers safe, which makes me feel like I’m always learning something new when I work on one.”

What would you do if you noticed a safety issue with an aircraft you were working on?

Employers ask this question to make sure you are committed to the safety of their aircraft and passengers. They want to know that you will report any issues with an aircraft’s safety equipment or procedures as soon as you notice them. In your answer, explain how you would handle reporting a safety issue to your supervisor or manager.

Example: “If I noticed a safety issue while working on an aircraft, I would immediately stop what I was doing and alert my supervisor or manager. I would describe the problem and offer suggestions for how we could fix it or prevent it from happening again in the future. My first priority is always the safety of the passengers who fly on these planes.”

How well do you pay attention to detail when performing maintenance checks?

Attention to detail is an important skill for aviation maintenance technicians because they must perform thorough checks of aircraft systems and components. Interviewers ask this question to make sure you have the ability to pay attention to small details when performing your job duties. In your answer, share a specific example of how you paid close attention to detail in one of your previous roles.

Example: “I am very good at paying attention to detail during my maintenance checks. For instance, I once worked on an airplane that had a faulty fuel gauge. The pilot reported that the fuel gauge was reading low, but we couldn’t find any problems with the fuel system. After checking all the fuel lines and tanks, I noticed that there was a crack in the fuel tank’s glass window. I replaced the fuel tank, and the problem was solved.”

Do you have experience working with a team of other aviation maintenance technicians?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you work with others and your ability to collaborate. Use examples from your experience of working in a team environment, such as when you were part of an aviation maintenance technician program or if you worked on projects with other technicians at your current job.

Example: “In my last position, I was part of a five-person team that worked together to complete tasks for our clients. We each had different skill sets, so we would rotate through various assignments throughout the day. For example, one person might be working on a client’s engine while another is checking out their landing gear. This allowed us to all get some hands-on experience with different aspects of aviation maintenance.”

When performing routine maintenance checks, what is the recommended time interval for each check?

The interviewer may ask you a question like this to assess your knowledge of aviation maintenance procedures. Use examples from your previous experience to explain the recommended time intervals for each check and how you followed them in your routine.

Example: “The FAA recommends that I perform an inspection every 100 hours, or once every six months. In my last position, I performed these inspections twice per year as part of our standard operating procedure. This helped me ensure that all aircraft were safe and ready to fly at any given time.”

We want to ensure our aircraft are always safe to fly. How would you rate the safety of this aircraft?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of aviation safety. It also allows you to show the interviewer how you can apply your skills and expertise to ensure aircraft are safe for flight. When answering this question, it’s important to be honest about the safety rating of the aircraft. You should also explain what steps you would take to improve its safety rating if needed.

Example: “I believe that all aircraft should be as safe as possible before they’re allowed to fly. I would first check the maintenance logs to see when the last time the aircraft was inspected was. If it hasn’t been in at least six months, I would recommend the pilot perform an emergency inspection before taking off.”

Describe your process for performing a deep cleaning of an aircraft.

This question is an opportunity to show your interviewer that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to perform a specific task. When answering this question, it can be helpful to include steps for performing the deep cleaning process and any tools or equipment you would use.

Example: “I start by removing all of the aircraft’s panels and components. Then I clean each component with a soft cloth and a solvent-based cleaner. After that, I wipe down the entire aircraft with a water-based cleaner and allow it to dry before reassembling the aircraft.”

What makes you the best candidate for this 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 all the skills and experiences that make you an ideal candidate for this role. Focus on highlighting your relevant work experience, education or certifications and any transferable skills.

Example: “I am passionate about aviation maintenance because I love working with my hands and solving problems. Throughout my career as an aviation maintenance technician, I have developed excellent communication and problem-solving skills. I also have extensive knowledge of FAA regulations and safety standards, which makes me a valuable asset to any team.”

Which aircraft models have you worked with in the past?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have experience working with their company’s aircraft models. It can also show them how much experience you have in general, which may be beneficial to them. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a few of the most recent aircraft models you’ve worked on and some older ones that you’re familiar with as well.

Example: “In my last position, I primarily worked on Boeing 737s. However, I am also experienced with Airbus A320s, Embraer ERJ-145s and Bombardier CRJs.”

What do you think is the most important thing an aviation maintenance technician can do to ensure the safety of an aircraft?

This question is an opportunity to show your interviewer that you understand the importance of aviation maintenance and how it relates to safety. Use examples from your experience or education to explain what you think is most important when working on aircrafts.

Example: “Safety is always my top priority when working on any aircraft, whether I’m repairing a small part or conducting a full inspection. In my last position, I was responsible for inspecting all parts of an aircraft before takeoff, including the engines, landing gear and fuel system. I also ensured that all repairs were properly completed and documented in the aircraft logbook.”

How often should an aircraft’s engine be replaced?

This question can help the interviewer determine your knowledge of aircraft maintenance. It is important to show that you know when it’s time to replace an engine and how often this should happen. You can answer by giving a specific example from your experience or by explaining what factors indicate when an engine needs to be replaced.

Example: “In my previous role, I was responsible for inspecting engines on private jets. The engines were inspected every 500 hours, which is about twice a year. If there are any issues with the engine during inspection, we would have to replace it before the next scheduled inspection. This helped ensure the safety of the passengers and crew members who flew in these planes.”

There is a crack in the cockpit windshield. What would you do?

The interviewer may ask you a question like this to assess your problem-solving skills and ability to prioritize tasks. In your answer, demonstrate that you can use critical thinking skills to solve problems quickly and efficiently.

Example: “If there is a crack in the windshield of an aircraft, it’s important to repair it as soon as possible because it could get worse if left unattended. I would first make sure that the pilot was aware of the issue so they could take appropriate precautions while flying. Then, I would remove the damaged part of the windshield and replace it with a new one. If the damage was severe enough to compromise the safety of the flight, I would recommend replacing the entire cockpit windshield.”