Ace Your Aviation Technician Interview
Master technical, safety, and behavioral questions with proven answers and real‑world examples.
- Comprehensive technical and behavioral question bank
- Step‑by‑step STAR model answers
- Actionable interview tips and red‑flag warnings
- Practice pack with timed mock rounds
- ATS‑aligned keyword guidance
Technical Knowledge
During my shift at XYZ Maintenance, I was assigned a routine hydraulic inspection on a Cessna 172 scheduled for a charter flight.
Ensure the hydraulic system met all safety and performance standards before release.
I consulted the FAA AC 43‑4B checklist, inspected all hydraulic lines for wear, checked fluid levels, used a calibrated pressure gauge to test system pressure, verified valve operation, and recorded each step in the maintenance log.
I discovered a minor leak in a hose, replaced it, re‑tested the system, and cleared the aircraft for flight with zero delays.
- What specific tools do you use for hydraulic pressure testing?
- How do you prioritize inspections when time is limited?
- Use of official checklist
- Attention to safety and detail
- Clear documentation
- Effective problem resolution
- Vague description of steps
- No mention of safety protocols
- Review applicable FAA checklist
- Visually inspect hoses, fittings, and reservoirs
- Check fluid level and condition
- Measure system pressure with gauge
- Test valve operation
- Document findings and corrective action
At ABC Aviation, a twin‑engine turboprop refused to start during a pre‑flight check on a scheduled cargo flight.
Diagnose the cause quickly to minimize turnaround time while ensuring safety.
I first verified fuel quantity and quality, checked battery voltage, inspected ignition switches, consulted the engine start checklist, used a multimeter to test spark plugs, and reviewed recent maintenance records for any recent work on the fuel system. I identified a faulty fuel pump relay, replaced it, and re‑ran the start sequence.
The engine started on the second attempt, the flight departed on schedule, and I logged the fault and corrective action per FAA regulations.
- How do you decide when to abort a start attempt?
- What documentation is required after such a fault?
- Systematic approach
- Use of checklists and tools
- Safety awareness
- Accurate documentation
- Skipping checklist steps
- Unclear fault identification
- Confirm fuel quantity and quality
- Check battery voltage and connections
- Inspect ignition switches and safety interlocks
- Run engine start checklist step‑by‑step
- Use multimeter to test spark and fuel pump voltage
- Review recent maintenance logs for related work
- Identify faulty component and replace
- Re‑attempt start and verify engine performance
Safety & Regulations
In my role at SkyWorks Maintenance, I handle daily line maintenance on regional jets.
Maintain full compliance with all applicable FAA regulations and company SOPs.
I reference the latest FAA Advisory Circulars and the aircraft’s Maintenance Manual before each task, complete the required FAA Form 337 for major repairs, update the aircraft logbook after each service, and conduct a post‑maintenance inspection with a senior technician to verify compliance.
Our team consistently passes FAA audits with zero findings, and we maintain a 100% on‑time release rate.
- What steps do you take if you discover a discrepancy with the maintenance manual?
- How do you stay updated on regulatory changes?
- Awareness of FAA documentation
- Accurate record‑keeping
- Proactive compliance checks
- No mention of documentation
- Reference current FAA ACs and aircraft manuals
- Complete required FAA forms (e.g., 337)
- Update logbooks and maintenance records promptly
- Perform peer inspection before release
While inspecting a Boeing 737, I noticed a loose safety harness strap on the crew seat that could have failed during turbulence.
Ensure the harness was repaired before the aircraft returned to service.
I immediately reported the issue to the lead technician, secured the aircraft to prevent dispatch, sourced the correct part from inventory, replaced the strap following the manufacturer's procedure, and documented the incident in the safety log. I also briefed the crew on the corrective action taken.
The aircraft was cleared for flight without delay, and the incident was used in the next safety meeting to reinforce inspection vigilance.
- How do you prioritize hazards when multiple issues are found?
- What documentation is required for safety incidents?
- Prompt reporting
- Correct corrective action
- Thorough documentation
- Effective communication
- Delaying reporting
- Skipping documentation
- Identify hazard during inspection
- Report immediately to lead technician
- Secure aircraft from dispatch
- Obtain correct part and replace per procedure
- Document in safety log
- Communicate corrective action to crew
Problem Solving
During a routine check on a Gulfstream G550, the navigation display intermittently froze.
Diagnose and resolve the avionics issue to meet the flight schedule.
I consulted the aircraft’s wiring diagram, performed a voltage check on the display’s power supply, identified a loose connector, reseated it, and ran a built‑in test (BIT) to verify functionality. I then updated the avionics log and informed the flight crew of the resolution.
The navigation system operated normally for the remainder of the flight, and the aircraft departed on time with no further issues.
- What steps do you take if the BIT fails after reseating the connector?
- How do you ensure the issue does not recur?
- Logical diagnostic flow
- Use of aircraft documentation
- Effective testing
- Skipping BIT
- Review avionics fault logs
- Check power supply voltage
- Inspect connectors and wiring
- Run built‑in test (BIT)
- Document findings and corrective action
Teamwork & Communication
Our hangar was handling three aircraft turnovers in a 12‑hour window.
Synchronize tasks to meet all departure times without compromising safety.
I held a brief huddle with pilots, lead technicians, and ground crew to outline priorities, used a shared digital board to track task status, communicated any delays instantly via radio, and adjusted crew assignments based on real‑time progress.
All three aircraft were released on schedule, and post‑flight debriefs highlighted improved communication flow.
- How do you handle a sudden equipment failure that impacts the schedule?
- What tools do you use for real‑time task tracking?
- Clear communication
- Proactive coordination
- Flexibility
- Lack of specific communication tools
- Conduct pre‑shift briefing
- Use shared task board
- Maintain real‑time radio updates
- Adjust crew assignments as needed
A new hire joined our team with a background in automotive repair but no aviation experience.
Bring the technician up to speed on FAA‑approved aircraft maintenance procedures.
I paired the new hire with a senior technician for on‑the‑job training, walked through the aircraft maintenance manual, demonstrated proper use of torque wrenches, reviewed the FAA 14 CFR Part 43 requirements, and assigned supervised tasks with immediate feedback. I also provided a checklist of key procedures and scheduled weekly progress reviews.
Within six weeks, the technician performed independent inspections with a 98% compliance rate, and the supervisor noted his rapid skill acquisition.
- What metrics do you use to assess a trainee’s readiness?
- How do you handle mistakes made during training?
- Structured training plan
- Safety focus
- Progress tracking
- No mentorship or feedback
- Assign mentor
- Review maintenance manual and FAA regulations
- Demonstrate tools and procedures
- Assign supervised tasks
- Provide feedback and checklists
Documentation
During a quarterly FAA audit, our maintenance logs were scrutinized for completeness.
Maintain accurate, audit‑ready records for every aircraft serviced.
I entered all work performed into the electronic logbook immediately after completion, attached digital copies of inspection checklists, cross‑checked entries against the aircraft’s logbook, and performed a weekly internal audit to catch discrepancies. I also ensured signatures from the responsible technician and inspector were captured electronically.
The audit resulted in zero findings, and our maintenance department received commendation for record‑keeping excellence.
- How do you handle retroactive entries if a task was logged late?
- What backup procedures are in place for electronic records?
- Timeliness
- Completeness
- Verification steps
- Delayed entry
- Enter data promptly after work
- Attach digital checklists
- Cross‑check against aircraft logbook
- Conduct weekly internal audits
- Capture electronic signatures
- aircraft maintenance
- FAA regulations
- troubleshooting
- preventive maintenance
- technical documentation