Airplane Assemblers

At a Glance

Read blueprints and diagrams
Usually work as part of a team
May work days, nights, or weekends
Train through formal training programs or on the job

Career summary

Airplane assemblers build airplanes, space vehicles, and satellites.

#No Alternate titles or job duty info used

Airplane assemblers usually specialize in one area such as:

Frames or fuselages
Rigging and control equipment
Wiring and cables
Landing gears
Heating and ventilation

Aircraft structure assemblers join and align the pieces of the frame or fuselage. Aircraft systems assemblers fit together the smaller assemblies such as landing gears. Aircraft rigging assemblers fabricate and install the wiring harnesses, cables, and hydraulic lines. These lines and cables connect the flight controls, navigation systems, and other parts of the aircraft.

When assembling airplanes, assemblers read and follow detailed plans and diagrams. They inspect and measure parts prior to assembly. They make sure that parts are free of defects.

Assemblers may cut, grind, or trim parts to fit properly. They use tools such as drills, wrenches, and rivet guns. They also weld and chemically bond pieces together. They recycle or contain waste from assembly to protect the environment.

All airplane assemblers work as part of a team. On automated assembly lines, airplane assemblers control robots that assemble aircraft.

At each stage, workers test the aircraft to determine if parts are installed properly. Assemblers sometimes work with inspectors to run tests. They make adjustments or replace parts when needed. They must have up-to-date knowledge of assembly methods in order to produce safe aircraft.

Assemblers also build experimental aircraft designed to use less fuel and create less pollution.

Related careers

This career is part of the Manufacturing cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

Military careers

Aircraft Mechanics

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to airplane assemblers.

Read and interpret blueprints and diagrams. Determine layout, assembly sequence, and relationship of parts.
Align and fit structures by hand or by signaling crane operators.
Install units, parts, equipment, and components in structural assembly.
Examine parts for defects. Cut, trim, and file parts to the correct size.
Assemble parts to make subassemblies, such as flaps or landing gears.
Recycle or contain waste from construction to prevent pollution.
Monitor aircraft construction robots on the assembly line.
Weld, bolt, rivet, or chemically bond parts together.
Inspect and test installed parts and equipment.
Adjust, repair, or replace malfunctioning units or parts.
Use hand tools and power tools.
Clean aircraft parts using methods and products that reduce pollution.
Attend training sessions to update skills and knowledge.
Build experimental aircraft to show new ways to reduce aircraft pollution.

Common work activities

Airplane assemblers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

Control machines and processes
Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
Get information needed to do the job
Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
Document and record information
Handle and move objects
Update and use job-related knowledge
Organize, plan, and prioritize work
Think creatively
Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
Make decisions and solve problems
Establish and maintain relationships
Evaluate information against standards
Process information
Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
Judge the value of objects, services, or people
Identify objects, actions, and events
Analyze data or information
Teach others
Perform activities that use the whole body
Provide information or drawings about devices, equipment, or structures
Schedule work and activities
Use computers
Coordinate the work and activities of others
Communicate with people outside the organization

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, airplane assemblers:

Interpersonal relationships

Are responsible for the safety of airline passengers.
Have a medium level of social contact. They work primarily with tools and test equipment but also interact with coworkers and supervisors, usually in face-to-face conversations.
Are responsible for the work done by others.
Are placed in conflict situations where they may have to deal with angry or unpleasant people on a weekly basis.
Usually work as part of a team.

Physical work conditions

Are often exposed to hazardous equipment, conditions, and situations. As a result, they may experience minor cuts and scrapes.
Are regularly exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting and uncomfortable. Assemblers often wear ear protection to avoid hearing damage.
Usually work indoors in large assembly buildings. However, some final testing, adjustment, and repair work is done outdoors.
Always wear protective attire, such as safety glasses, gloves, hard hats, and welding hoods.
Work somewhat near other assemblers, usually with a few feet.
Sometimes wear specialized protective gear.
Occasionally are exposed to hot or cold temperatures.
Sometimes have to get into awkward positions to reach cramped work places.
Are exposed to contaminants on a daily basis.

Work performance

Must fully complete their work so that airplanes function properly.
Must avoid errors and be exact in their work so that people are transported safely. An error could cause a crash.
Repeat the same physical and mental activities.
Sometimes must keep up pace with the speed of equipment.
Often make decisions that impact the final result of their work. They make most of their decisions independently, but consult supervisors with very complex problems.
Usually set daily tasks and goals in cooperation with a supervisor.
Must meet strict daily deadlines.

Hours/travel

Generally work 40-hour weeks. However, they sometimes work overtime to meet production deadlines.
May work day, evening, or night shifts.

Physical demands

Airplane assemblers frequently:

Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
Repeat the same movements.
Stand for long periods of time.
Bend or twist their body.

It is important for airplane assemblers to be able to:

See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
Understand the speech of another person.
Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for airplane assemblers to be able to:

Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
Determine the distance between objects.
See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
Move arms and legs quickly.
Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
See objects in very bright or glaring light.
See objects in very low light.
While looking forward, see objects or movements that are off to the side.
Determine from which direction a sound came.

Skills and abilities

Airplane assemblers need to:

Communicate

Listen to others and ask questions.
Understand spoken information.
Understand written information.
Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
Read and understand work-related materials.

Reason and problem solve

Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
Develop rules that group items in various ways.
Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
Recognize the nature of a problem.
Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

Check how well one is learning or doing something.
Manage the time of self and others.

Work with things

Inspect and evaluate the quality of products.
Maintain equipment on a routine basis. Determine when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

Perceive and visualize

Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

Other programs of study to consider

Training

To work as an airplane assembler, you typically need to:

have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
complete moderate-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

Some airplane assemblers learn their skills at a professional-technical school or a two-year college. Aviation maintenance programs are good preparation for this occupation. These programs teach you to repair airplanes. Manufacturing technology programs also can prepare you to work in this occupation.

On-the-job training

Many airplane assemblers learn their skills on the job from experienced workers. You start out doing simple tasks and gradually learn more complex skills as you gain experience. It takes up to one year to learn all skills. Training includes:

blueprint reading;
using tools and equipment; and
making detailed measurements.

Military training

The military trains people to be aircraft mechanics. Training lasts three to 17 weeks, depending on the specialty. Further training occurs on the job and through advanced courses. The experience you gain as a mechanic should transfer to assembling airplanes.

Washington apprenticeships

You can explore apprenticeship opportunities in Washington State aerospace industries by visiting the Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (external link) website.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

Blueprint Reading
Diesel Mechanics and Repair
Electronics
Introduction to Mechanics

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers prefer applicants who have a high school diploma or equivalent. They also look for applicants who have some training in mechanics, electronics, or manufacturing processes.

Airplane assemblers who work on military airplanes may be required to pass a security background check prior to being hired. Many employers also require applicants to pass a drug screening test.

Tips

Formal training at a community or technical college will help in finding entry-level work. Some employers prefer to hire employees who know and can perform all aspects of assembly. The ability to learn quickly and willingness to put in the effort are important. Knowledge of composite materials is important as the use of this technology is increasing in airframe assembly.

Costs to workers

Most workers are required to join a union and pay an initiation fee and monthly dues.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website (external link) .

Wages

Aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems assemblers (SOC 51-2011)

Location	Pay Period
Location	Pay Period	10%	25%	Median	75%	90%
Washington	Wages for this occupation are not available.
United States	Hourly	$15.51	$19.50	$25.64	$33.66	$39.61
	Monthly	$2,688	$3,379	$4,443	$5,833	$6,864
	Yearly	$32,250	$40,570	$53,340	$70,010	$82,390

Wages vary by the assembler's level of skill, training, and responsibility.

Airplane assemblers who work full time usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, health insurance, and a retirement plan.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

In Washington, the outlook depends on general economic conditions, cost control measures taken by manufacturers to remain competitive with other foreign companies, and the demand for military and commercial aircraft.

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers (SOC 51-2011)

		This occupation	All occupations
Location	Current employment	Growth over 10 years		Annual openings
Washington	11,975	-2.3%	16.1%	1,158
Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap Counties	39	10.3%	11.9%	5
Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties	207	-5.3%	14.6%	18
King County	4,201	-1.7%	19.6%	413
Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, and Yakima Counties	578	7.6%	13.8%	71
Pierce County	32	0.0%	15.2%	3
Snohomish County	6,743	-3.5%	12.4%	629
Spokane County	87	28.7%	13.9%	15
United States	45,100	-22.0%	5.2%	2,500

National employment

Major employers:

Plane and parts manufacturing companies

National outlook

Demand for airplane assemblers is expected to decline. Automation is expected to lead to a decrease in job openings as more can be done with fewer workers. Also, some manufacturers are sending work to other countries where labor costs are lower.

Other resources

Federal Aviation Administration
800 Independence Avenue SW
Washington, DC 20591
866.835.5322

IAMAW: Local Chapter, District #751
9125 - 15th Place South
Seattle, WA 98108
206.763.1300

International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers
9000 Machinists Place
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
301.967.4500

Washington Business Week
PO Box 1170
Renton, WA 98057
253.237.3545

Welding.com

References

Career cluster

Manufacturing

Career path

Realistic (Technical)

O*Net occupation

Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers (51-2011.00)

O*Net job zone

Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed.