In the process of aircraft and component assembly and fabrication, the blueprint primarily dictates the worker's instruction. In reading and interpreting the blueprints and work order, the assemblers and fabricators determine the sequence of operations, their skills will be of use in determining the size, and the quantity of fittings that is required of the specified finished aircraft or aircraft component dimensions. Their mechanicals skills will be of use on installing the jigs, dies, shims and other necessary accessories in swaging machines. In the maintenance end of the job, these workers are to apply lubricants and protective coatings to aircraft components. With the use of hydraulics and test equipment, they routinely perform tests to the functional performance of the aircraft. In conformance to the aircraft's design and safety specifications, they will reword, replace, realign, and adjust every component to meet the standards set by the employers.
The main responsibility of aircraft assemblers and fabricators is to fabricate and fit parts to for the aircraft segment while meeting the precise aircraft plan and design specifications. They are usually employed to complete or fabricate and aircraft or aircraft components. With their understanding in the inner workings of a standard aircraft, they are the best people to hire for aircraft maintenance and repairs, overhaul and for doing some modifications to an aircraft's design. With the advent of more sophisticated computers and electronic devices that are specifically designed for aircraft applications, these people's technical knowledge will be of use in the installation process. Hence, this leg of aviation jobs can perform a variety of duties, ranging from easy to complex.
Because aircraft assembler jobs require sufficient skills in putting together complex machines that may integrate computer applications, there are certain standards and qualifications that the job requires. To become a good assembler means constantly meeting the careful quality control that is implemented in the component fabrication and aircraft assembly process. In this segment of aviation careers, workers are subject to work on teams. Other than excellent communication skills, an assembler needs to also have great communication skills. Usually, a high school diploma is sufficient for most assembly and fabrication jobs; however, experience and extra training is needed for more advanced assembly jobs. The qualifications with which worker may be hired as an aircraft assembler of fabricator depends on the company's specifications. However, equally opportunity for career growth is maintained. For qualified individuals, opportunities in aviation careers are excellent.
Just like in other fields, an individual who has an aircraft assembler job also enjoys equally opportunity for career growth. As he becomes more and more experienced in field work, he will eventually be given more responsibilities. He may either get a managerial and supervisory position or a quality control position. Also, experienced workers in this field can eventually be put in the company's research and development teams, working with engineers and project designers to become highly trained in any of the aviation trades. Those whose educational background include computer and some technical skills may later on be assigned to work with the company's automated operating systems or as programmers and computer maintenance officers.
The salaries of aircraft assemblers and fabricators vary depending on the industry, geographic region, educational level, and complexity of the job. Understandably, an individual who have the most skills, qualification and grasp of the professional skills and knowledge that is required of the job will be paid higher than plain workers. In 2006, the median hourly wage for team assemblers was $13.50. Aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging and systems assemblers get $21.83, Engine and other machine assemblers get $15.99, structural metal fabricator and fitters get $14.56, timing device assemblers, adjusters and calibrators get $13.86, electromechanical equipment assemblers get $13.25, coil winders-tapers-finishers get $12.64, and fiberglass laminators and fabricators $12.49.
Although some economists project a slow decline on the demand for aircraft assembly jobs, it is reflecting a productivity growth and strong foreign competition in the aircraft and aircraft component manufacturing segment. However, if this is the case, these jobs would require more skills and training from among the qualified applicants. Economists have determined a decline of 4% in the employment of this segment of aviation careers. This is primarily due to the advent of mechanized and automated assembly lines that are adapted by more and more companies. However, this concerns only the assembly jobs.
On the other hand, more hope was given in the maintenance aspect of aircrafts. Since the military and the airline companies will be of constant need of taking care of their aircrafts within strict safety and industry standards, employment for highly skilled assemblers will be no problem. Since robots and other automated machines are of no use in handling sensitive airplane fuselages or gearboxes, nobody can replace a skilled aircraft assembler or fabricator on board.
