Do Plane Mechanics Know How to Fly a Plane?

In the world of aviation, there is often a divide between those responsible for maintaining aircraft and those who operate them.

During my tenure as a plane mechanic for 40 years, I was involved in a unique experiment at the RAF College Cranwell. Our team was working on a project called 'the MK 1 Eyeball,' aiming to gather data on what pilots could or could not see during an attacks on ground targets. We thought we could use video footage to analyze the effectiveness of our attacks and improve targeting accuracy. However, we realized that to get reliable data, we needed to control the conditions under which the video was recorded.

We conducted several attempts using various recording equipment. One of the most amusing yet audacious was a run in a Jet Provost with a 30 lb recorder on my lap and a 15 lb camera strapped to my chest. Fortunately, this attempt was quickly abandoned, as it posed a significant risk of causing issues during ejection. Another experiment involved connecting our video recorder to a Phantom mission simulator, which yielded much more promising results.

However, the real test came when we needed a pilot who could fly the aircraft as requested. During one session, the Chief instructor suggested Chief XXX, a Chief Technician NCO from the maintenance team. Strapping him into the aircraft, we found that he was the only one capable of reproducing the desired aircraft attitude and handling the unusual situations that arose. When I inquired about his skill with the Royal Flight Commander, I was informed that he was indeed exceptional in handling odd situations at strange aircraft attitudes.

Do Some Mechanics Have Pilot Licenses?

It's important to clarify that not all plane mechanics require a pilot's license to do their job. In fact, many do not have a pilot's license at all. The necessity of having a pilot's license among mechanics varies depending on the role and environment. However, many mechanics do have some form of pilot training or a license, as it can be advantageous for them to be able to conduct test flights after making repairs or modifications to the aircraft. This skill set can help ensure that the aircraft operates efficiently and safely.

My personal experience was that I learned to fly before acquiring my Advanced Rating part of my Aircraft Engineer (AP) License. I felt it was a wise decision, as owning and maintaining my own aircraft would necessitate a comprehensive understanding of its mechanical and operational aspects. Understanding the mechanics of an aircraft and its systems can greatly enhance one's ability to diagnose and resolve issues more quickly and effectively.

Conclusion

In the aviation industry, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of whether plane mechanics know how to fly a plane. While some mechanics do have pilot ratings, it is not a universal requirement. What is true, however, is that many mechanics possess a deep understanding of how an aircraft works, which is essential for maintaining and repairing the aircraft.