Helicopter mechanics must perform a variety of jobs, from maintaining the engine and rotor to working on hydraulic and electronic systems. Military helicopters may require additional mechanics for weapons and radar systems. The complexity of the machine requires multiple individuals to maintain it.
From the main engine and rotor to the tail rotor and hydraulic systems, there are a number of helicopter mechanic jobs that must be performed properly to avoid flying accidents. Other critical jobs in helicopter mechanics focus on instruments, controls, and electronics. On military aircraft, additional mechanics may be required to maintain weapons systems as well as targeting and radar systems.
It is often necessary for multiple individuals to maintain a helicopter due, in part, to the complexity of the machine as a whole and due to the many complex systems incorporated into a single aircraft. The helicopter engine is one of the most critical components of the aircraft. This single component can require a variety of skilled workers in many helicopter mechanic jobs to work on the turbine, fuel system and electronics needed just to run the engine. The main rotor may also require several workers trained in helicopter mechanics jobs to be dedicated to the rotor, the gyro mechanism to which it attaches, and other related parts of the main rotor system. Some mechanics are trained to maintain these systems, while others specialize in removing and replacing the entire engine and rotor system.
With literally hundreds of hydraulic lines on the average helicopter, many helicopter mechanic jobs focus on the hydraulics of this machine. From operating the tilting rotor components to the rear tail rotor, the hydraulic system is critical to the helicopter’s flight and operation. Other areas of the aircraft that require specialized skills to work on the machine include the radio and electronic systems as well as the machine controls. These areas are much more complicated on military helicopters, where weapon controls and radar systems are integrated into the aircraft’s controls.
Some types of mechanical work on helicopters involve general maintenance to the body or fuselage of the aircraft, such as glass, lights, and other similar external features. A helicopter’s lighting system can be very complicated, including not only illuminated indicator lights, but also flashing warning lights. Seemingly minor details like wiper motors and onboard communication systems can ground a helicopter if they aren’t working properly. Certain types of helicopters use retractable landing gear, which also requires a skilled mechanic and tire changer to properly maintain the aircraft’s equipment.
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