Description
Inspect, troubleshoot, repair, and overhaul aircraft powerplants, including turbine and piston engines and related systems (fuel, ignition, lubrication, exhaust, propeller, FADEC/APU), to ensure airworthiness and performance.
- • Read and interpret engine OEM manuals, AMM/EMM, service bulletins, and airworthiness directives to plan powerplant repairs or replacements.
- • Perform scheduled and special powerplant inspections, including borescope and hot section checks, per regulations and manuals.
- • Troubleshoot engine performance issues using pilot reports, fault codes, trend data, and diagnostic equipment.
- • Inspect, repair, and replace engine components such as compressors, turbines, cylinders, pistons, crankshafts, gearboxes, mounts, and nacelle hardware.
- • Maintain, repair, and calibrate fuel system components, including injectors, servos, pumps, controls, and fuel metering units.
- • Service and repair ignition systems, magnetos, igniters, harnesses, and spark plugs; set timing and gaps.
- • Maintain lubrication and cooling systems, including oil pumps, coolers, filters, lines, and seals.
- • Inspect and service exhaust systems, thrust reversers, engine bleed air, and anti-ice components.
- • Remove and install engines, QECs, APUs, and propellers using approved lifting equipment and procedures.
- • Rig, adjust, and verify engine and propeller controls, governors, and FADEC/ECU settings.
- • Perform engine run-ups, leak checks, and power assurance or performance tests; record parameters.
- • Balance propellers and troubleshoot vibrations using dynamic balancing equipment.
- • Measure parts for wear and service limits with precision tools; document findings.
- • Conduct NDI on powerplant parts (dye penetrant, magnetic particle, eddy current) to detect cracks and defects.
- • Disassemble, clean, and reassemble engines or modules; replace gaskets, seals, bearings, and hardware as required.
- • Perform piston engine compression and leak-down tests; adjust carburetors or fuel injection settings.
- • Perform turbine engine borescope inspections and evaluate blade and case condition against limits.
- • Flush and preserve fuel and oil systems; clean screens and chip detectors; perform compressor washes.
- • Obtain and analyze fuel and oil samples; cut and inspect oil filters; submit oil analysis as required.
- • Torque, safety-wire, and lock hardware to specifications; verify alignment and clearances.
- • Install and connect engine accessories, lines, sensors, and wiring harnesses per drawings and schematics.
- • Update engine or propeller software and FADEC databases per OEM instructions.
- • Incorporate service bulletins, service letters, STCs, and engineering orders affecting powerplants.
- • Protect adjacent components and cowlings during maintenance; maintain FOD control and clean work areas.
- • Fabricate and fit approved engine hoses, brackets, clamps, baffles, and cowl seals as permitted.
- • Remove seized fasteners, studs, and bushings; repair threads and install inserts per standards.
- • Apply corrosion prevention compounds and protective coatings to engine and nacelle components.
- • Coordinate with airframe, avionics, and inspection personnel to align heavy components and verify clearances.
- • Use test equipment such as vibration analyzers, ignition testers, pressure gauges, and multimeters.
- • Verify conformity and airworthiness; sign maintenance releases for powerplant work as authorized.
- • Maintain accurate engine and propeller maintenance records, logbooks, and component tracking.
- • Requisition powerplant parts, tools, and consumables; manage spares and rotables.
- • Ensure compliance with FAA regulations, company procedures, and safety standards.
- • Support ground runs and post-maintenance flight checks; resolve discrepancies.
- • Perform engine preservation, storage, and return-to-service procedures.
- • Remove, inspect, repair, and reinstall nacelles, inlets, cowlings, and thrust reverser components.
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
