JOB TITLE: HELICOPTER MECHANIC

JOB CODE: 93235

DEFINITION: This is highly skilled mechanical work in the inspection, maintenance, and repair of rotary-wing aircraft within the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP).

An employee in this job performs inspections and scheduled maintenance of helicopters as prescribed by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and aircraft manufacturer requirements. Work involves troubleshooting problems associated with helicopter systems and components; reading and interpreting highly technical maintenance manuals and service bulletins; performing necessary repair, adjustments, and part replacements that are of a highly technical and precise nature; and completing and submitting official inspection and maintenance records in compliance with FAA regulations. Work may also involve maintenance and repair of fixed-wing aircraft. An important aspect of this work involves inspecting and certifying aircraft for airworthiness to protect pilots and citizens from loss of life or injury due to mechanical failure, while ensuring the availability of aircraft for critical law enforcement operations. Work is performed with considerable independence and requires using judgment regarding the need and method of maintenance and repair. Work is reviewed by a supervisor for results obtained.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.):

• Conducts scheduled inspections and maintenance of helicopters and component parts for compliance with FAA and manufacturer regulations, requirements, specifications, and alert service bulletins.

• Receives and interprets pilots’ descriptions of aircraft performance problems.

• Diagnoses mechanical problems by testing the operation of component parts and interpreting maintenance manuals, schematics, and manufacturer specifications.

• Repairs, adjusts, balances, modifies, and lubricates component parts such as those involving airframe fuselage, main and tail rotor systems, engine combustion sections, hydraulic systems, and electrical wiring.

• Removes, replaces, assembles, and installs component parts such as those involving engines, transmissions, rotor masts, swash plate assemblies, flight instrumentation, radio equipment, and components with limited service life designations.

• Removes, replaces, adjusts, and installs law enforcement equipment such as camera systems, speaker systems, police radio systems, rappelling fixtures, searchlight systems, and wire strikes.

• Prepares, submits, and maintains inspection and maintenance records that document work performed and meet FAA, manufacturer, and department requirements.

• Certifies completed work by attesting that maintenance meets requirements and helicopters can fly safely.

• Determines when an aircraft should be removed from flight operations due to mechanical concerns that are identified.

• Provides recommendations regarding inspection, maintenance, and repair work that should be performed by a vendor.

• Identifies and recommends the ordering of required parts, materials, and equipment.

• Travels in-flight to observe aircraft performance and make mechanical adjustments and corrections.

• Travels by air to locations of grounded aircraft to diagnose problems, repair, and return aircraft to service.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of helicopter systems and components and the methods, materials, tools, and standard practices of the helicopter mechanic trade.

• Knowledge of the practices and procedures associated with meeting and maintaining federal regulations and aircraft manufacturer requirements.

• Knowledge of troubleshooting and diagnostic practices used in helicopter components, sections, and systems.

• Knowledge of safety-related principles and practices of the aircraft and helicopter mechanic trade.

• Skill in operating aviation maintenance computer systems to enter, navigate, and retrieve information efficiently and accurately.

• Ability to read and interpret schematics, manufacturer specifications, and maintenance requirements.

• Ability to inspect aircraft and certify their return to service.

• Ability to analyze and interpret regulations and laws.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities):

• Four years of experience as a rotary-wing aircraft mechanic;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• All positions require possession of an active Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification as issued by the Federal Aviation Administration.

• All positions require possession of an active Inspection Authorization (IA) certification as issued by the Federal Aviation Administration.