Unlicensed Aircraft Mechanic

Job Description

Job Description

Unlicensed Aircraft Mechanics Entry level

Position Summary

The Unlicensed Mechanic performs aircraft maintenance, servicing, and ground support tasks under the direct supervision of an FAA-certificated Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Mechanic or Inspector. This position supports the safe and efficient operation of aircraft maintained and serviced by Mountain Air Cargo, Inc. in compliance with all applicable FAA regulations, company policies, and procedures. Work performed in this role may not be returned to service by the incumbent; all return-to-service authority is retained by certificated personnel.

This position is specifically structured to allow employees to accumulate the qualifying practical experience required under 14 CFR § 65.77 to become eligible to apply for an FAA Airframe and/or Powerplant (A&P) Mechanic Certificate. Upon satisfying all applicable experience, knowledge, and skills requirements under 14 CFR Part 65, Subpart D, the employee becomes eligible to apply for FAA A&P certification.

The following duties are representative but not all-inclusive. Other duties may be assigned as operational needs require.

• Assist certificated A&P mechanics with scheduled and unscheduled aircraft maintenance tasks including inspections, component removal and installation, and system servicing.
• Perform aircraft services including fueling, oil servicing, tire inflation, hydraulic fluid checks, and lavatory servicing under the direction of certificated personnel.
• Assist with aircraft washing, cleaning, lubrication, and preservation activities.
• Tow, position, and marshal aircraft in accordance with company procedures and safety standards.
• Operate ground support equipment (GSE) including tugs, ground power units (GPU), air start units, and other authorized equipment.
• Perform shop maintenance tasks including parts cleaning, tool organization, and work area housekeeping.
• Assist with the receipt, inspection, and stocking of aircraft parts, materials, and supplies.
• Accurately complete required maintenance documentation in accordance with company and FAA recordkeeping requirements.
• Maintain a personal experience log, provided by the company, documenting hours worked, tasks performed, aircraft registration numbers, and supervising certificated mechanic — as required to support future A&P certification under 14 CFR § 65.77.
• Adhere to all Foreign Object Debris/Damage (FOD) prevention policies and practices.
• Comply with all safety, security, and access control requirements including SIDA badge regulations where applicable.
• Report any unsafe conditions, discrepancies, or concerns immediately to supervising certificated personnel.

Employment in this position is designed to satisfy the practical experience requirements of 14 CFR § 65.77, which govern eligibility to apply for an FAA Airframe and/or Powerplant (A&P) Mechanic Certificate. Once an employee has met all applicable requirements under 14 CFR Part 65, Subpart D, they may apply for FAA A&P certification.

14 CFR § 65.77 — Experience Requirements

To be eligible for an FAA Mechanic Certificate, each applicant must present evidence of one of the following:

• Option A — AMTS Graduate: An authenticated document from an FAA-certificated Aviation Maintenance Technician School (AMTS) under 14 CFR Part 147; OR
• Option B — Single Rating (Airframe OR Powerplant): At least 18 months of practical experience with the procedures, practices, materials, tools, and equipment used in constructing, maintaining, or altering airframes or powerplants appropriate to the rating sought; OR
• Option C — Both Ratings (A&P): At least 30 months of practical experience concurrently performing the duties appropriate to both the Airframe and Powerplant ratings.

Reference: 14 CFR § 65.77 (as amended, Amdt. 65-63, 87 FR 31415, May 24, 2022)

Employee Responsibilities for Experience Documentation

Employees intending to use their employment at Mountain Air Cargo's to satisfy 14 CFR § 65.77 experience requirements are responsible for:

• Maintaining a contemporaneous personal experience log documenting: dates worked, specific tasks performed, type of work (airframe and/or powerplant), aircraft make/model and registration number, and the name and certificate number of the supervising certificated A&P mechanic.
• Ensuring entries are signed and verified by the supervising certificated mechanic at the time work is performed.
• Retaining all pay stubs, work records, and other documentation satisfactory to the FAA Administrator as evidence of practical experience.
• Notifying the Director of Maintenance and Human Resources when the applicable experience threshold has been reached and certification is being pursued.

Company Commitment

• Mountain Air Cargo, Inc. will assign work in a manner that provides exposure to both airframe and powerplant maintenance tasks to support employees pursuing the full A&P rating under Option C of 14 CFR § 65.77 (30-month concurrent experience).

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or GED equivalent required.
• Prior experience in aviation maintenance, military aircraft maintenance, or a related mechanical field preferred but not required.
• No FAA A&P certificate required; this position is designed for individuals actively working toward FAA A&P certification through the § 65.77 experience pathway.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Basic understanding of tools and maintenance principles.
• Mechanical aptitude with proficiency in the use of hand tools and measuring equipment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality and airworthiness.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions precisely and completely.
• Effective communication skills and ability to work as part of a team.
• Basic computer skills sufficient to access maintenance tracking and documentation systems.

Licenses & Certifications

• Valid driver's license required.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid airport security badge (SIDA) where required.
• FAA A&P certificate not required for this position; employees will become eligible to apply for FAA A&P certification upon satisfying all requirements of 14 CFR Part 65, Subpart D, including the experience requirements of § 65.77.

REGULATORY & COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS

This position is subject to the following regulatory requirements:

• DOT/FAA Drug and Alcohol Testing: This is a safety-sensitive position subject to DOT drug and alcohol testing requirements under 14 CFR Part 120 and 49 CFR Part 40, including pre-employment, random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, return-to-duty, and follow-up testing.
• Must comply with all applicable FAA regulations and Mountain Air Cargo, Inc. policies and procedures.
• Subject to background investigation as required by TSA and airport authority regulations.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.

• Frequently required to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, and climb.
• Must be able to regularly lift and carry up to 50 pounds; occasionally lift up to 75 pounds with assistance.
• Required to work in confined spaces, at heights, and on aircraft surfaces.
• Must be able to work outdoors in varyied weather conditions including extreme heat, cold, and inclement weather.
• Frequent use of hands and fingers for tool operation, grasping, and fine manipulation.
• Vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.
• Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) including hearing protection, safety glasses, and other protective gear as required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work is performed in hangar, ramp, and shop environments with exposure to aircraft fuel, oils, hydraulic fluids, solvents, and other chemicals.
• Exposure to noise, vibration, and moving mechanical parts; appropriate PPE required.
• Schedule may include day, evening, night, weekend, and holiday shifts based on operational needs.
• Overtime may be required as operational demands dictate.

Mountain Air Cargo, Inc is an equal employment employer.