Do I need to list my A&P license multiple times?

List it prominently in your 'Certifications' section and mention it in your professional summary. It is the single most important keyword for compliance.

Should I list every aircraft I've worked on?

Yes! Recruiters search for specific airframes (e.g., 'Boeing 737NG', 'Airbus A320', 'Gulfstream G650'). Use a dedicated 'Aircraft Experience' section.

What is the difference between Line Maintenance and Base Maintenance keywords?

Line Maintenance keywords focus on 'swift turnaround,' 'troubleshooting,' and 'scheduled service.' Base Maintenance focuses on 'overhaul,' 'heavy checks (C/D checks),' and 'modifications.'

How do I show I'm safety-conscious?

Use keywords like 'SMS (Safety Management Systems),' 'Lockout/Tagout,' 'FOD (Foreign Object Debris) control,' and 'OSHA compliance.'

Will an ATS read my resume if it's a PDF?

Modern ATS systems can read PDFs, but keep the formatting simple. Avoid columns or graphics. Use ResumeAdapter to test your file readability.

Aircraft Mechanic Resume Keywords (2026): A&P, Avionics & Maintenance Skills

🚨 The Aviation Industry is Facing a Massive Technician Shortage.

Boeing forecasts a need for 690,000 new technicians over the next 20 years to support the global fleet. Major airlines like Delta, United, and American are competing fast, often offering signing bonuses ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 for qualified A&P mechanics.

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What Are Aircraft Mechanic (AMT) Resume Keywords?

Aircraft Mechanic (or Aviation Maintenance Technician / AMT) resume keywords are the technical terms that prove you are qualified, certified, and safety-conscious.

Recruiters don't just look for "mechanic." They look for "A&P Licensed," "Avionics troubleshooting," "Hydraulic systems," and specific "Airframe" experience.

In 2026, with safety regulations tighter than ever, showcasing your adherence to FAA regulations and Safety Management Systems (SMS) is just as critical as your mechanical skills.

The 2026 AMTs Shortage: By The Numbers

The gap between supply and demand is your leverage.

Shortage: A projected 10% shortfall of mechanics in commercial aviation by 2026.
Unfilled Jobs: ~9% of workforce positions currently unfilled.
Boeing Forecast: Global demand for 710,000 new technicians through 2044.

Core Certification & Regulatory Keywords

These are non-negotiable. If you have them, they must be on your resume.

Category	Keywords
Licenses	FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P), FCC GROL (Avionics), IA (Inspection Authorization)
Regulations	FAR Part 121 (Airlines), FAR Part 145 (Repair Stations), FAR Part 91/135 (General/Corporate Aviation)
Safety	SMS (Safety Management System), OSHA, HAZMAT, FOD Control, Lockout/Tagout
Documentation	Logbook Entries, Maintenance Manuals (AMM), IPC (Illustrated Parts Catalog), Service Bulletins (SBs), Airworthiness Directives (ADs)

Technical Skills by System

Break down your skills so the ATS can "see" your versatility.

1. Powerplant (Engines)

Category	Keywords
Engine Types	Turbofan, Turboprop, Reciprocating, APU (Auxiliary Power Unit)
Tasks	Borescope Inspection, Engine Change, Thrust Reversers, Fuel Systems, Ignition Systems

2. Airframe & Hydraulics

Category	Keywords
Systems	Landing Gear, Pneumatics, Environmental Control Systems (ECS), Flight Controls, Pressurization
Materials	Sheet Metal Repair, Composites, Corrosion Control, NDT (Non-Destructive Testing)

3. Avionics & Electrical

Category	Keywords
Tasks	Troubleshooting, Wiring, Soldering, LRU (Line Replaceable Unit) Replacement
Tools	Multimeter, Oscilloscope, Wiring Diagrams, Pitot-Static Testing

Essential Soft Skills for Mechanics

You might work with machines, but you work in a team.

Attention to Detail (Critical for safety)
Time Management (Critical for Turnaround Time / TAT)
Troubleshooting / Problem Solving
Team Collaboration

How to List Aircraft Experience

Don't bury your experience. Create a section or bullet points that list specific models.

Format:

"Perfomed heavy maintenance (C-check) on Boeing 737NG, 757, and 777 airframes."

Keywords to use: Wide-body, Narrow-body, Regional Jet, Rotary Wing (Helicopter), General Aviation.

Resume Bullet Examples: Weak vs. Strong

❌ Weak (Vague):

"Fixed broken parts on airplanes and filled out paperwork."

✅ Strong (ATS Optimized):

"Conformed to FAR Part 145 standards while performing troubleshooting and repair on B737 hydraulic and landing gear systems, maintaining a 100% safety record with zero FOD incidents."

Why the second one wins:

Regulation: FAR Part 145
Aircraft: B737
Systems: Hydraulic, Landing Gear
Safety Keyword: FOD

❌ Weak:

"Inspected engines."

✅ Strong:

"Conducted 100-hour inspections and borescope analysis on CFM56 engines, identifying stress fractures and ensuring compliance with Airworthiness Directives (ADs)."

Final Thoughts: Safety & Precision

Your resume is the first inspection you need to pass. Ensure it is airworthy.

A generic resume suggests a mechanic who cuts corners. A detailed, keyword-rich resume suggests a professional who follows the manual.

Don't fly blind.

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Ensure your resume meets the standards of modern aviation hiring.