Aircraft painters maintain and protect planes using industrial coating applicators and hazardous chemicals. They must have fine art and color mixing experience and follow safety procedures. Entry-level positions are available, but an associate degree in industrial technology is an advantage. Salaries are higher due to specialized experience.
Aircraft painters are responsible for maintaining plane skins and other flying equipment, which protect the structure from the outside elements. In-depth knowledge of equipment, safety procedures and color mixing is required in this position. An aircraft painter must be in good shape to perform the necessary physical work and will need to be familiar with handling hazardous chemicals. Most training is available on the job.
Someone who works as an aircraft painter usually works from a manual that specifies what the plane should look like. Airlines have their own distinctive logos and colors known as decor. Due to brands and trademarks, they must be rendered as accurately as possible. Logos must also be recognized internationally so that an airplane can instantly be identified as legitimate for security reasons.
Painters will need some experience with fine art and color mixing to ensure the paint tones are correct. For pigment application, the aircraft painter will use industrial coating applicators that are powerful and potentially dangerous. Other equipment may include hand tools for sanding and priming surfaces prior to application of coatings.
Airports and hangars may have security procedures such as the use of ID badges or check-in, so the aircraft painter may need to follow requirements specific to their job site. Painters follow safety regulations for working inside and outside aircraft to avoid accidents. A dropped tool would be dangerous to those on the ground, and the aircraft painter may need power lifts to reach elevated surfaces. Harnesses and other safety devices are designed to prevent them from falling. A painter needs to be in good physical condition to lift, hold sprayers and climb.
An aircraft painter will be working with many types of solvents to remove old paint from an airplane body. The job also requires familiarity with different types of coatings so that the best can be chosen for altitude and weather protection. These chemicals can cause poisoning, breathing problems or burns; therefore, painters must know how to use the personal protective equipment (PPE) necessary for working with hazardous substances. Flashpoints and other hazards must also be considered.
High school graduates interested in becoming aircraft painters can seek entry-level employment in equipment refinishing, such as in an auto repair shop. Techniques are typically taught on the job, but an associate degree in industrial technology from an accredited technical school is an advantage. Salaries for aircraft painters are generally higher than other transportation painters because of the specialized experience needed to paint an airplane.
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