Aircraft Air Conditioning Mechanic

If the passenger in a car begins to feel hot and sticky, she can just roll down the glass and let the cool air in. If that passenger is in an airplane, however, she must rely on the air conditioning system to lower the cabin temperature. After all, an open window in an airplane is a definite no-no! As an Aircraft Air Conditioning Mechanic, you help keep that system functional so the air stays cool and the passengers stay away from the windows.

Most Aircraft Air Conditioning Mechanics work for major airports and deal with extremely large pieces of equipment. Some Aircraft Air Conditioning Mechanics work with smaller planes, however, and they may operate out of smaller, regional airports.

When an airplane arrives for service, you run a series of tests to determine how effectively the system is cooling the air. You listen for scratching, screeching, or whining that indicates loose belts, and you watch for dust or sparks that indicate misaligned components. Other Airplane Mechanics step in if you determine that the hot air isn’t caused by a faulty air conditioning system.

Making the repair means replacing worn parts, lubricating moving components, filling the compressor with fluid, and connecting hoses. When your repairs are complete, you start the system once more and run more tests to ensure that it’s working properly. While it would be ideal to take the plane on a test drive to make sure it works, most Pilots won’t allow you to steer their machinery into the clouds.