The aviation aircraft painter will also have to make sure the proper procedures are followed when using the paint sprayers, sanders, lifts, and any other tools that are part of the paint process. There are procedures that must be followed when using the paint strippers, chemicals to prevent corrosion, and any other tools that are required.
Aircraft painters are solely responsible for all aspects of painting using paint, enamel, and decorative paint. Their job requires mixing the paint and getting the right colors. The plane they are assigned to paint can be anything from a small one-person plane to a passenger jet. The painter receives a set of instructions that are very precise on how the plane is supposed to be painted. This is more important today as there are security levels that must be passed.
Their position will require the stripping of the old paint and rust and smoothing the plane with sandpaper just like any other object to be painted. Aviation careers in painting will also include the cleaning of the aircraft with a special solvent and coating the outside in preparation for painting. When choosing this career, the painter must be able to perform detailed jobs when there is the need for logos or different brands.
The ability to be detail oriented is very important. The aviation painter is also considered an artist and the pride felt in the work they do shows. The painter needs to have two years experience in a field related to this type of painting. The knowledge of the different types of paint and lacquers is another essential quality. The prospective aviation painter will need a good command of the English language, be able to read blueprints and understand them, and pass a pulmonary function test so they can get their respirator certification.
They must be able to climb, stoop, and work in tight areas. The ability to lift 40 pounds and work most any shift will be a couple more of the qualifications needed by an aviation painter. There are many of these positions that require the painter to work at heights so this is definitely one fear they cannot have. This is a very demanding job when it comes to physical abilities. The person considering this job should be in excellent physical health.
When advancing to the position of aircraft painter lead master craftsman, you will need not only the skills mentioned above but advanced certification and at least seven years of experience in this field.
The salary of the aircraft painter in the US, according to the latest statistics in October 2008, was $37,000 per year. More is possible depending upon the area of the country in which you are seeking a job as well as the years of experience that you may have.
There are many other types of aviation jobs in the field. The following are just a few of the many types of positions for which you can check on if you have an interest in airplanes. Many people have started a career in aviation simply because they were interested in airplanes from the time they were small.
- Aerospace Engineer
- Air traffic controller
- Aircraft assembler
- Aircraft design
- Aircraft inspector
- Airport manager
- Aviation hardware engineer
- Aviation director
- Aviation safety
- Cahokia, Illinois
- Grand Rapids, Michigan
- Corpus Christi, Texas
- Fort Worth, Texas
- Greenville, Texas
- Huntsville, Alabama
- Wichita, Kansas
While many jobs are suffering from cuts and the economy, aviation is expected to do well over the next several years though the best job opportunities will be at the smaller regional airlines and in general aviation. The jobs will be made available as many leave this field for jobs in others or for higher income possibilities. There is a need for this field due to the general aircraft taking on a whole new look and sophistication. This increases the need for more workers in this field.
