1

Light Aircraft Maintenance Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$50.15/hr

Performing aircraft maintenance, including, but not limited to, aircraft servicing, repair ... light bulbs. * Troubleshoot and assist with the repair, replacement, and rebuild of aircraft ...

Aircraft Mechanics A&P

Peoria, IL · On-site

$25 - $40/hr

... maintenance repairs on general aviation piston singles, twins, turboprops and/or light jets. * Inspect, service, troubleshoot, repair and/or replace, overhauls aircraft components & parts, hydraulic ...

... maintenance repairs on general aviation piston singles, twins, turboprops and/or light jets. * Inspect, service, troubleshoot, repair and/or replace, overhauls aircraft components & parts, hydraulic ...

Aircraft Mechanics A&P

Peoria, IL · On-site

$25 - $40/hr

... maintenance repairs on general aviation piston singles, twins, turboprops and/or light jets. * Inspect, service, troubleshoot, repair and/or replace, overhauls aircraft components & parts, hydraulic ...

Be familiar with all maintenance instruction manuals. * Launch and recover aircraft in support of ... light carts and engine starting units; check for fuel contamination by draining samples from low ...

Aircraft Worker

San Diego, CA · On-site

$24 - $31.50/hr

Be familiar with all maintenance instruction manuals. * Launch and recover aircraft in support of ... light carts and engine starting units; check for fuel contamination by draining samples from low ...

The position requires prioritizing workload to maintain schedules and compliance with site ... Finance, Professional, Light Industrial, etc.) further makes Compunnel a wider and preferred ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Light Aircraft Maintenance information

See salary details

$19

$34

$46

How much do light aircraft maintenance jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for light aircraft maintenance in the United States is $34.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.05 and $38.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Light Aircraft Maintenance vs Aircraft Maintenance Technician?

AspectLight Aircraft MaintenanceAircraft Maintenance Technician
CertificationsFAA Part 43, A&P license (basic)FAA Part 65, A&P license (comprehensive)
Work EnvironmentSmall aircraft, general aviationCommercial, private, or corporate aircraft
Job ScopeRoutine inspections, minor repairsMajor repairs, overhauls, detailed inspections

Light Aircraft Maintenance typically involves servicing small, general aviation aircraft with basic certifications and a focus on routine tasks. Aircraft Maintenance Technicians handle a broader range of aircraft, including larger and more complex models, often requiring more extensive certifications. Both roles are essential in the aviation industry, but they differ mainly in scope, certification requirements, and the size of aircraft maintained.

What are the most common challenges faced by Light Aircraft Maintenance technicians, and how can they be addressed?

Light Aircraft Maintenance technicians often encounter challenges such as diagnosing complex mechanical or electrical issues with limited documentation, balancing tight turnaround times, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Working in small teams or independently requires strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail. Staying updated with the latest maintenance protocols and regularly attending training sessions can help address these challenges. Effective communication with pilots and other crew members also plays a crucial role in ensuring aircraft safety and minimizing downtime.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Light Aircraft Maintenance Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Light Aircraft Maintenance Technician, you need a solid understanding of aircraft systems, mechanical aptitude, and typically an FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification or equivalent. Familiarity with diagnostic tools, maintenance software, and technical manuals is crucial for accurately assessing and repairing aircraft. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and strong organizational skills help technicians manage complex maintenance tasks efficiently. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure the safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance of light aircraft operations.

What is light aircraft maintenance?

Light aircraft maintenance refers to the inspection, servicing, repair, and overall upkeep of smaller airplanes, typically those with a maximum takeoff weight under 12,500 pounds. This includes routine checks, troubleshooting issues, and replacing or repairing components to ensure the aircraft is safe and airworthy. Maintenance tasks are performed according to strict aviation regulations and guidelines, and may be done by licensed aircraft maintenance engineers or mechanics. Regular maintenance is crucial to prevent accidents and to comply with aviation authority requirements.
More about Light Aircraft Maintenance jobs
Infographic showing various Light Aircraft Maintenance job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $72,115 per year, or $34.7 per hour.
F-16 Aircraft Mechanic III

$50.15/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


AAR Corp rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 54 rated aviation services


Job description

** $10,000 sign-on bonus offered for Andrews AFB site **

The F-16 Aircraft Mechanic is responsible for:  Aircraft recovery, parking, safing, and preparing for depot induction and delivery; safe towing operations; aircraft post-flight and preflight inspections, aircraft refueling, engine run, launch, and recovery operations; assisting other team members in aircraft structural and avionic/electrical modifications, upgrades, and repairs; Performing aircraft maintenance, including, but not limited to, aircraft servicing, repair, inspection; status reporting, technical, and logistical support. 

 What you will be responsible for: 

  • Reads, interprets, and adheres to technical orders, manuals, blueprints, service bulletins, and other related documentation.
  • Perform applicable F-16 related maintenance tasks, including special certification & qualification tasks, e.g., engine runs, servicing or aircraft towing in accordance with applicable F-16 technical orders.
  • Complete scheduled and unscheduled F-16 maintenance, parts ordering, and other aircraft functions.
  • Perform routine duties within the first echelon of aircraft supervision, such as: aircraft servicing, including hydraulics, engine oil, lubrication, fuel, canopy cleaning, wheel/tire replacement, brakes, light bulbs.
  • Troubleshoot and assist with the repair, replacement, and rebuild of aircraft structures and components.
  • Perform flight control and other component rigging and calibration.
  • Service aircraft as prescribed in applicable F-16 Technical Orders.
  •  Determine airworthiness of aircraft and associated components.
  • Interact with company Maintenance Operation Center (MOC), the customer, and other program representatives in matters concerning aircraft airworthiness, operational readiness, and aircraft systems troubleshooting.
  • All other duties as assigned.

What you will need to be successful in this role: 

  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Clearance is required. 
  • Must meet one of the following requirements:
    • A Bachelor's degree plus 3 years of related experience in aircraft maintenance.
    • An Associate's degree plus 4 years of related experience in aircraft maintenance.
    • High School Diploma plus 8 years of related experience in aircraft maintenance.
  • F-16 experience is strongly preferred, but other fighter jet experience may be considered.
  • Must have experience with working from blueprint drawings, diagram, specifications, service manuals, sketches, templates, and other incomplete data. 

 The rewards of your career at AAR go far beyond just your salary: 

  • Competitive salary and bonus package
  • Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company match
  • Generous paid time off program
  • Professional development and career advancement opportunities

 Physical Demands/Work Environment:
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be regularly required to sit, stand, bend, reach and move about the facility.
  • The environmental characteristic for this position is an office setting.
  • Candidates should be able to adapt to a traditional business environment.
  • Must be able to work 1st or 2nd shifts as needed.

AAR provides accommodation in accordance with applicable laws through all stages of the hiring process. If you require accommodation for any part of the application and/or hiring process, please advise Human Resources. 

Compensation: 

The anticipated salary for this position is $50.15 hourly. This range reflects the base pay for candidates who meet the requirements of the role, including experience, education, and location. AAR offers a competitive benefits package, including medical/dental/vision/life/and AD&D insurance, 401(k) savings plan with employer match, paid time off and holiday pay, as well as opportunities for professional development and growth.

#LI-PI1 #LI-ONSITE


What AAR Corp employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom