UK dataswitch to US
Aircraft maintenance and related trades
detecting and diagnosing faults in aircraft systems to ensure safety and compliance, interpreting maintenance manuals to assess repair feasibility and interpreting service bulletins to determine repair or replacement methods. If that's your week, this page is about your job.
The honest answer
AI changes the edges of this job, not the middle: carrying out regular maintenance and repairs is work software can't reach.
What shifts is interpreting flight test data to diagnose malfunctions and systemic performance problems: the paper around the work, not the work.
Your week, as this page understands it
Aircraft maintenance and related trades fit, service, repair and overhaul aircraft engines and assemblies. Licensed aircraft engineers are coded to Unit Group 3113. The job title says “aircraft maintenance” or “related trades”: officially one job, two names. The real job is the part underneath: carrying out regular maintenance and repairs. That is the thing someone has to be right about.
The exposed part of this job is specific, and we won’t pretend it is coming back. But aircraft maintenance and related trades is not one task. It is 56 scored ones, and they are nowhere near equally exposed. The most durable of them, on this evidence, is carrying out regular maintenance and repairs, and the ledger below shows exactly why.
Where the work sits, by task weight
- shifting to AI
- 2%
- changing shape
- 9%
- staying human
- 89%
These bars are tasks changing hands, not people being counted out. The ledger below shows which.
Whole-job exposure score 11 out of 100 (8–16 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, across 56 scored tasks. The number is the support for the sentence above it, not a headline about anyone’s future.
How we know this
What is measured: Every published task statement for aircraft maintenance and related trades is rated on five dimensions: can a model produce the output, does the work need a body in a room, does it need a legally accountable person, does it depend on a person being trusted in the moment, and how much data exists. A published formula turns those five ratings into the score; the model never writes the number.
How the bar is built: Each task’s share of the bar is its published importance weight, so a task you do all day counts for more than one you do twice a year.
Release: 2026-q4.1, scores computed 2026-08-05. Read the full method.
Your job, task by task
These are the official task statements for this occupation, in plain English, sorted by what the evidence says is happening to each one. The official wording sits under every line so you can check the rewrite against it.
- One task scored differently between repeat runs, so its range on this page is wider. We would rather show the wobble than hide it.
- 17 of this occupation's scored task statements carry a score that was measured under a different occupation's context, because the statement is shared between jobs and has only been scored once so far. Each one names the occupation it was measured under in the free routes below; none is presented as a measurement for this job.
- Task clusters are not derived in this release, so the task-cluster field is empty and no Collab365 Space routing is attached to this occupation yet.
Shifting to AI
1 taskTasks today’s tools can already do most of. This is the part we will not soften: where these rows are the bulk of your week, the week changes.
Interpreting flight test data to diagnose malfunctions and systemic performance problems
This is reading one thing and writing another: flight test data in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 80 · 5234/00Source: “Interpret flight test data to diagnose malfunctions and systemic performance problems.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 66 out of 100 (62–70 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Reading flight test data to work out what is wrong is analysis work software does well, with findings passed on for certification.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Changing shape
5 tasksTasks where the machine takes the producing and a person keeps the checking, the deciding, or the answering-for-it. For most jobs this is the biggest group, and it is where "transformation, not termination" is literally visible.
Interpreting maintenance manuals to assess repair feasibility
The software now makes the first pass at maintenance manuals, but someone has to be answerable for the result, and it cannot be the software. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 80 · 5234/00Source: “Interpret maintenance manuals to assess repair feasibility.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 56 out of 100 (49–63 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Reading maintenance manuals and judging whether a repair is allowed is document work a licensed engineer owns.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Interpreting service bulletins to determine repair or replacement methods
The software now makes the first pass at service bulletins, but someone has to be answerable for the result, and it cannot be the software. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 80 · 5234/00Source: “Interpret service bulletins to determine repair or replacement methods.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 56 out of 100 (49–63 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Working out what a service bulletin requires is careful reading of technical documents.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Maintaining records of completed work to ensure aircraft safety
The software now makes the first pass at records of completed work, but someone has to be answerable for the result, and it cannot be the software. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 80 · 5234/00Source: “Maintain records of completed work to ensure aircraft safety.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 56 out of 100 (49–63 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Maintenance records are structured paperwork, kept to strict aviation rules.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Reporting faults identified during aircraft maintenance activities
The software now makes the first pass at faults identified during aircraft maintenance activities, but someone has to be answerable for the result, and it cannot be the software. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 80 · 5234/00Source: “Report faults identified during aircraft maintenance activities.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 42 out of 100 (35–49 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Writing up faults found during maintenance is documentation work a qualified engineer must stand behind.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Monitoring and maintaining records of daily facility operations
The software now makes the first pass at records of daily facility operations, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 70 · 5234/00Source: “Monitor and maintain records of daily facility operations.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 56 out of 100 (49–63 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Operational records are largely automatic once data is collected, though some checks are made around the site.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Staying human
50 tasksTasks that stay with a person, because they happen in the physical world, because the rules need someone accountable, or because the value is that a specific person does them.
Detecting and diagnosing faults in aircraft systems to ensure safety and compliance
This work happens in the physical world: faults, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 5234/00Source: “Detect and diagnose faults in aircraft systems to ensure safety and compliance.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 22 out of 100 (15–29 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Diagnostic data helps a lot, but confirming a fault means hands and eyes on the aircraft under strict approvals.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Ensuring aircraft comply with flight safety regulations
This work happens in the physical world: aircraft, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 5234/00Source: “Ensure aircraft comply with flight safety regulations.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 15 out of 100 (8–22 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: In this trade the aircraft is prepared and checked by approved staff, but the final airworthiness release is signed by a licensed engineer.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Carrying out regular maintenance and repairs
This work happens in the physical world: regular maintenance, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 5234/00Source: “Carry out regular maintenance and repairs as scheduled.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 5 out of 100 (1–9 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Scheduled maintenance and repair is physical work on the aircraft.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Determining repair limits for engine hot section parts
The rules require a named, qualified person to answer for repair limits, and that person cannot be a piece of software.
importance 85 · 5234/00Source: “Determine repair limits for engine hot section parts.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 32 out of 100 (25–39 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Repair limits come from the manual, which software reads well, but the judgement is made by approved staff on measured damage.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Show the other 46 tasks
Stocktaking and requisitioning or ordering supplies
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: supplies, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5234/00Source: “Stocktake and requisition or order supplies, parts, materials, and equipment.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 38 out of 100 (31–45 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Stock counts and ordering are routine record-and-reorder tasks that systems handle well.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Identifying faults using computerised diagnostic tools
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: faults, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5234/00Source: “Identify faults using computerised diagnostic tools.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 29 out of 100 (22–36 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Diagnostic tools produce codes that can be interpreted automatically, but you must be at the machine to plug in.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Coordinating the repair of damaged equipment to ensure operational efficiency
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: the repair of damaged equipment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5234/00Source: “Coordinate the repair of damaged equipment to ensure operational efficiency.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 21 out of 100 (14–28 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Arranging a repair can be organised digitally, but the machine still needs people beside it.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Monitoring and testing operations of engines or other equipment so that malfunctions and their causes
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: operations of engines, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5234/00Source: “Monitor and test operations of engines or other equipment so that malfunctions and their causes can be identified.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 20 out of 100 (13–27 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Software can help read the data, but running and monitoring the engine happens at the aircraft.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Inspecting airframes for wear or other defects
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: airframes, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5234/00Source: “Inspect airframes for wear or other defects.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 18 out of 100 (14–22 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Wear and damage is found by getting to the airframe and looking, with the findings passed to the licensed engineer.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Conducting special inspections as required by regulations
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: special inspections, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5234/00Source: “Conduct special inspections as required by regulations.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 15 out of 100 (8–22 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: The inspection is carried out on the aircraft by staff the maintenance organisation has authorised for it.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Inspecting work of aircraft engineers to ensure maintenance and repairs meet standards
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: work of aircraft engineers, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5234/00Source: “Inspect work of aircraft engineers to ensure maintenance and repairs meet standards.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 13 out of 100 (6–20 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Checking others' work means examining the actual aircraft, and the checker must be an approved inspector within the maintenance organisation.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Ensuring a safe working environment in the workplace
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: a safe working environment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5234/00Source: “Ensure a safe working environment in the workplace.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 10 out of 100 (6–14 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Written safety rules are easy to produce; a safe hangar depends on how people work in it.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Following maintenance manuals, technical specifications and regulations to ensure compliance and safety
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: maintenance manuals, technical specifications and regulations, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5234/00Source: “Follow maintenance manuals, technical specifications, and regulations to ensure compliance and safety.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 9 out of 100 (5–13 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Manuals and regulations are documented, but following them means doing the work correctly on the aircraft.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Understanding and following standard operating procedures for aircraft maintenance
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: standard operating procedures, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5234/00Source: “Understand and follow standard operating procedures for aircraft maintenance.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 9 out of 100 (5–13 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Standard procedures are written down; following them is a person doing the job that way every time.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Planning and conducting scheduled maintenance and inspections within allotted times to ensure aircraft safety and integrity
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: scheduled maintenance, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5234/00Source: “Plan and conduct scheduled maintenance and inspections within allotted times to ensure aircraft safety and integrity.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 8 out of 100 (1–15 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Planning can be drafted, but the scheduled maintenance and inspection is physical work by approved staff.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Inspecting or testing damaged machine parts and marking defective areas
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: damaged machine parts, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5234/00Source: “Inspect or test damaged machine parts and mark defective areas.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 8 out of 100 (1–15 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Testing damaged parts and marking defects is done with the part in hand, guided by approved procedures.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Supervising the installation of engines
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: the installation of engines, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5234/00Source: “Supervise the installation of engines, instruments, and other equipment in aircraft.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 6 out of 100 (0–13 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Supervising engine and equipment fitting is done on the hangar floor by an approved person.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Performing routine maintenance and inspections on aircraft using specialized tools and equipment
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: routine maintenance, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5234/00Source: “Perform routine maintenance and inspections on aircraft using specialized tools and equipment.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 5 out of 100 (1–9 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Routine aircraft maintenance is done with tools on the aircraft itself.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Repairing aircraft structures and functional components
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: aircraft structures, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5234/00Source: “Repair aircraft structures and functional components such as wings and fuselage.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 4 out of 100 (0–8 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Repairing wings and fuselage is skilled hands-on work carried out to an approved repair scheme.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Adjusting carburettor float levels
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: carburettor float levels, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5234/00Source: “Adjust carburettor float levels.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Adjusting carburettor float levels is hands-on engine work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Changing oil in line service aircraft
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: oil, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5234/00Source: “Change oil in line service aircraft.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Changing oil is physical servicing work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Dismantling aircraft engines to access defective parts
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: aircraft engines, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5234/00Source: “Dismantle aircraft engines to access defective parts.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Stripping an engine down to reach defective parts is heavy hands-on work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Reassembling engines after part replacement
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: engines after part replacement, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5234/00Source: “Reassemble engines after part replacement.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Rebuilding an engine after parts are replaced is skilled hands-on work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Reinstalling aircraft engines after repairs
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: aircraft engines after repairs, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5234/00Source: “Reinstall aircraft engines after repairs.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Refitting an engine to the aircraft is heavy physical work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Replacing defective components or parts using hand tools and precision instruments
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: defective components, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5234/00Source: “Replace defective components or parts using hand tools and precision instruments.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Replacing parts with hand tools and precision instruments is physical work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Cleaning aircraft structures, parts or components using aqueous or semi-aqueous cleaning products
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: aircraft structures, parts or components, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5234/00Source: “Clean aircraft structures, parts, or components using aqueous or semi-aqueous cleaning products.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Cleaning aircraft structures and parts is physical work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Cleaning engines, sediment bulk and screens
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: engines, sediment bulk and screens, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5234/00Source: “Clean engines, sediment bulk, and screens.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Cleaning engines, sediment and screens is hands-on.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Cleaning structural surfaces and materials to prepare them for bonding
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: structural surfaces, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5234/00Source: “Clean structural surfaces and materials to prepare them for bonding.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Cleaning surfaces ready for bonding is physical preparation work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Coordinating fitting and alignment of heavy parts with other workers
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: alignment of heavy parts, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5234/00Source: “Coordinate fitting and alignment of heavy parts with other workers.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Fitting and aligning heavy parts takes several people physically handling them.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Fitting and welding replacement parts into place
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: replacement parts, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5234/00Source: “Fit and weld replacement parts into place, using spanners and welding equipment.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Fitting and welding parts onto a vehicle is hands-on workshop work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Inspecting engines through specially designed openings while working from ladders or scaffolds
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: engines, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5234/00Source: “Inspect engines through specially designed openings while working from ladders or scaffolds.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Inspecting engines from ladders and scaffolds means being up there looking.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Listening to engines to determine the nature and extent of malfunction
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: engines, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5234/00Source: “Listen to engines to determine the nature and extent of malfunction.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Listening to a running engine means being beside it.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Refueling aircraft engines to ensure operational readiness
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: aircraft engines, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5234/00Source: “Refuel aircraft engines to ensure operational readiness.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Refuelling aircraft engines is physical work on the apron.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Removing or cutting out defective parts using drills and punches
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: defective parts, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5234/00Source: “Remove or cut out defective parts using drills and punches.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Cutting out defective parts with drills and punches is hands-on.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Curing bonded structures using portable or stationary curing equipment
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: bonded structures, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5234/00Source: “Cure bonded structures using portable or stationary curing equipment.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Curing bonded structures is done with the equipment on the part.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Cutting and taping plastic separating film to repair areas to protect surrounding surfaces
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: plastic separating film, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5234/00Source: “Cut and tape plastic separating film to repair areas to protect surrounding surfaces.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Masking a repair area is done by hand around the panel.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Cutting parts to ensure proper fit and clearance
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: parts, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5234/00Source: “Cut parts to ensure proper fit and clearance.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Cutting parts to fit is physical work at the bench.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Forming metal parts
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: metal parts, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5234/00Source: “Form metal parts using snips, power brakes, shears, files, and mallets.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Forming metal with snips, brakes and mallets is physical shaping work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Installing in-flight refuelling stores and external fuel tanks
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: in-flight refuelling stores, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5234/00Source: “Install in-flight refuelling stores and external fuel tanks.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Fitting refuelling stores and external tanks is heavy physical work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Installing mechanical linkages and actuators
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: mechanical linkages, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5234/00Source: “Install mechanical linkages and actuators, using tensiometers to verify tension of cables.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–7 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence, and it moved between repeat runs, so the range is widened.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Installing linkages and checking cable tension is precise hands-on work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Installing various components, including electrical and plumbing, using hand or power tools
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: this work, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5234/00Source: “Install various components, including electrical and plumbing, using hand or power tools.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Fitting electrical and plumbing components with hand tools is physical installation.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Locating and marking dimensions and reference lines on parts
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: dimensions, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5234/00Source: “Locate and mark dimensions and reference lines on parts using templates, scribes, compasses, and steel rules.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Marking reference lines onto parts is done with instruments on the part itself.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Measuring parts for wear, using precision instruments
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: parts, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5234/00Source: “Measure parts for wear, using precision instruments.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Measuring a part for wear means holding it and the gauge.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Performing emergency repairs on electrical systems following call-outs
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: emergency repairs, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5234/00Source: “Perform emergency repairs on electrical systems following call-outs.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: An emergency call-out repair is hands-on at the aircraft, wherever it happens to be.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Preparing and refinishing metal, plastic and pre-painted surfaces
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: metal, plastic and pre-painted surfaces, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5234/00Source: “Prepare and refinish metal, plastic, and pre-painted surfaces.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Preparing and refinishing surfaces is hands-on preparation and spraying.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Securing forms and structures in place using various fastening materials
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: forms, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5234/00Source: “Secure forms and structures in place using various fastening materials.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Fixing forms and structures in place is hands-on site work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Selecting and safely using hand and mechanical tools and equipment for aircraft maintenance
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: using hand, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5234/00Source: “Select and safely use hand and mechanical tools and equipment for aircraft maintenance.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Choosing and using hand and machine tools on an aircraft is physical work throughout.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Taking samples to assess the amount and quality of oil
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: samples, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5234/00Source: “Take samples to assess the amount and quality of oil.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Taking oil samples means physically drawing them from the aircraft.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Trimming and shaping replacement body sections to specified sizes and fits
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: replacement body sections, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5234/00Source: “Trim and shape replacement body sections to specified sizes and fits.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Trimming and shaping replacement body sections is skilled hand work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Using hoists or lifts to remove the entire engine from an aircraft
staying humanThis work happens in the physical world: hoists, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5234/00Source: “Use hoists or lifts to remove the entire engine from an aircraft.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Lifting an engine out with hoists is physical work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
What this job pays, and how many people do it
- Median pay
- £45,800a year, before tax, the middle of the range, so half earn more and half earn less.ashe-t14, 2025 · ASHE 2025 provisional (reference April 2025)Provisional, because the ONS revises this figure in the autumn.
How we know this
Source: ashe-t14
Reference period: ASHE 2025 provisional (reference April 2025)
Rounding: Shown to the nearest £100. The exact published figure is in the downloadable dataset. We do not render pounds the survey cannot support.
- People doing this job
- 17,600in the UK, 2026.nomis-aps · Apr 2025-Mar 2026 (latest APS 12-month period)This headcount comes from a survey, not a census, so treat it as a good estimate rather than an exact count.
What is deliberately not here: a forecast of how many of these jobs exist in ten years. Where an official projection exists for a market we publish it with its vintage; where it does not, we leave the space empty rather than borrow the other country’s number.
Why this is shifting
The reason is boringly specific. Most of what is shifting here is reading one thing and writing another: flight test data in, a record out. The rows above are exactly that shape: interpreting flight test data to diagnose malfunctions and systemic performance problems and interpreting maintenance manuals to assess repair feasibility. What it cannot do is be there in the room, and that is still where regular maintenance gets done. Which is why this page talks about your tasks changing, not your job ending.
Your move
Over a pint: what I’d tell you if you were my friend
Start with what does not change: carrying out regular maintenance and repairs is the middle of this job, and the evidence on this page says it stays with a person.
So, given all that: 2% of this job's task weight sits in rows the software is already learning, 9% in rows that change shape rather than disappear, and 89% in rows it is nowhere near. That is the position, measured across 56 scored tasks. It is not a forecast about you.
So the thing worth your attention is not the job going away. It is the layer around it. Interpreting flight test data to diagnose malfunctions and systemic performance problems is the part turning into software, and being the person who understands that layer is worth money.
This week: one thing
Ask the one question. Find whoever is bringing new software into your workplace (the manager, the office, whoever runs the system) and ask them what it is meant to do to flight test data, and what it is not meant to touch. Ten minutes, this week, before anyone decides it for you.
- What you end up holding
- a straight answer about what is actually being rolled out, and when
- How long it takes
- ten minutes
If there’s nobody obvious to ask, or you’d rather not ask your manager: Put the same question to your union rep, your shift lead or the person who has been there longest, in person, over a break. Same ten minutes, same answer, and you will usually get a straighter one. Write down what they say. The note is the artifact, and it tells you whether regular maintenance is in scope or not. Nothing to log into, no licence needed.
Over the next 90 days
Get inside the tool rollout rather than waiting for it. Over the next ninety days, ask to be in the group that tests, checks or signs off whatever new system arrives near interpreting maintenance manuals to assess repair feasibility. It is usually an unglamorous seat that nobody fights for, and it is the one that decides how the software is used on your job rather than to it.
Over the next 12 months
On this evidence I would not retrain out of this job, and I will say that plainly rather than hedge it. The task list here is dominated by work that stays with a person. What I would do with a year is get formally recognised for the layer around it (the systems, the compliance, the planning), so you are the one who understands the software instead of the one it is done to. Before you pay for anything, spend an hour with National Careers Service. It is free and government-funded, and it is listed below with the rest of the free routes.
The roads out of here, and why I am not sending you down them
I looked at the obvious moves out of this job, and here is what I found.
I checked the 12 nearest UK occupations to aircraft maintenance and related trades (nearest by the work that AI is not taking, not by job title), and none of them survived. The closest was electrical and electronics technicians: only about 15% of its durable work is work you already do and it pays 23.3% less. And on the numbers you do not need one. This job scores 11/100 here, with only 2% of the task list in the top band, and “carry out regular maintenance and repairs as scheduled” is not work that hands over cleanly. None of them beats deepening what you already have.
How that was checked: this job was compared against all 412 UK occupations in this release on their official task statements, and the 12 nearest were examined one by one. A move that turns on an industry, an employer or a qualification rather than on the work itself will not show up in a check like that. And this release carries no licence register, so anything you are weighing needs that looked up separately.
3 moves I checked and rejected
These are the obvious-looking jumps. They are here with their reasons rather than quietly dropped, because the ones that fail are worth knowing about. It is one less thing to turn over at night.
Electrical and electronics technicians
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour because one of your tasks is on their list in the same words: “perform routine maintenance and inspections on aircraft using specialized tools and equipment”. Across the whole of both lists that adds up to about 15% of the work in that job the software is not taking.
Why I am not recommending it: You would be starting most of it from nothing: about 15% of the durable work in that job is work you do today, and the rest you would be learning while the bills carried on. It is a pay cut, in those words: £35,126 against your £45,779, 23.3% less (ASHE Table 14.7a, 2025 provisional (both)). Retraining to earn less is a decision, not advice.
Engineering technicians
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour because one of your tasks is on their list in the same words: “repair aircraft structures and functional components”. Across the whole of both lists that adds up to about 11% of the work in that job the software is not taking.
Why I am not recommending it: You would be starting most of it from nothing: about 11% of the durable work in that job is work you do today, and the rest you would be learning while the bills carried on.
Electrical service and maintenance mechanics and repairers
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour on the work AI is not taking: you already perform emergency repairs on electrical systems following call-outs, and their equivalent is to respond to emergency calls to repair electrical faults. Across both published task lists that is about 7% of the durable work in that job.
Why I am not recommending it: Almost none of it is work you already do: about 7% of the durable side of that job. That is a different job, not a next step.
What I’d stop worrying about
A friend tells you what not to spend fear on. This is that list.
The headline number you read somewhere
The big “X% of jobs” figures are about the whole economy, not about you. The number that describes your job is on this page: 2% of its task weight, across 56 scored tasks. Every row behind it is printed above with the source. Check ours; ignore theirs.
The headlines about your trade disappearing
They are usually about the technology, not the timetable. Changes to work like carrying out regular maintenance and repairs arrive through rules, insurance and money, slowly and visibly. This page tracks the task evidence and will move when it moves.
Retraining out of a job that is holding up
On this evidence I would not spend money leaving. Spend it on the layer around the job instead: the tools, the paperwork, the planning. That is where the change actually is.
The “obvious” next job everyone suggests
I checked the obvious moves and most of them did not survive. The reasons are printed with the routes above, including the pay and the gate. A move that fails on the numbers is worth knowing about so you can stop turning it over at night.
You are reading the United Kingdom figures
The United States splits this work across more than one official group, of which First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers is the closest. The pay and employment figures are not directly comparable, and we do not average them together.
Switch to the United States page →partial match
The other groups this work is counted across:
In US official statistics this job is counted as First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers and Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians. Pay is shown separately for each of those groups (medians cannot be averaged together), while the task list and the scores on this page are for this group only.
Your route through this
Where to go next, and what it costs
Free, and complete
The moves above cost nothing. These are the real services that go with them: public, government-funded, and free at the point of use. Nothing on this page is behind an email address or a payment.
In England:
A free hour with a government-funded careers adviser is worth more than another evening of reading. In England that's the National Careers Service.
Free, government-funded
In England:
National Careers Service - Find a course
Search what's actually running near you before you spend anything.
Free to search; individual courses vary
In England:
Free courses for jobs (Level 3 qualifications)
A free Level 3 qualification you already qualify for beats a paid course you don't need.
Free for eligible adults
In England:
Free, up to 16 weeks, and you get a job interview at the end. In England these are Skills Bootcamps - search what's running near you.
Free for eligible adults in England
In Scotland:
My World of Work (Skills Development Scotland)
In Scotland it's My World of Work, from Skills Development Scotland.
Free, publicly funded
In Wales:
In Wales it's Careers Wales.
Free, Welsh Government-funded
In Northern Ireland:
Careers Service Northern Ireland
In Northern Ireland it's the Careers Service on nidirect.
Free, Department for the Economy-funded
Why there is no community here
Collab365, who build this site, run paid Spaces for a small number of subjects, and none of them is built for this job. We are not going to point you at the nearest one and call it a fit.
So the free services listed on this page are the whole answer, and it is the same answer we would give a friend.
Noted, and thank you. We’ll email you if a Space for aircraft maintenance / related trades launches. Nothing else.
That did not look like an email address, so nothing was saved. Have another go below.
We could not save that. The fault is ours, not yours, and your address was not stored. Please try again later.
No deadline on any of this. The page will still be here, and the data is refreshed on a published schedule rather than when someone wants a headline.
Questions people ask about this job
- Will AI replace Aircraft maintenance and related trades?
- Not as a job, but it is already doing parts of the work. Across the 56 official task statements scored for Aircraft maintenance and related trades (United Kingdom, SOC 5234), 2% of the importance-weighted core work is made of tasks today's AI could already do most of. The overall exposure score is 11 out of 100 (range 8–16, band: minimal). That is a statement about tasks, not about headcount: this measures what AI could do, not whether any employer adopts it, whether the law allows it, or whether doing the routine parts faster creates more demand for the human parts. Figures are from release 2026-q4.1.
- Which tasks in “Aircraft maintenance and related trades” can AI already do?
- The highest-scoring tasks in release 2026-q4.1 are: “Interpret flight test data to diagnose malfunctions and systemic performance problems” (66/100, high); “Interpret maintenance manuals to assess repair feasibility” (56/100, partial); “Interpret service bulletins to determine repair or replacement methods” (56/100, partial). Each score comes from five published 0–4 ratings turned into a number by a published formula, and each carries the model's one-sentence reason on the page.
- Which tasks in “Aircraft maintenance and related trades” stay human?
- About 89% of this job's task weight sits in work that scores low for AI exposure. The lowest-scoring tasks in release 2026-q4.1 are: “Use hoists or lifts to remove the entire engine from an aircraft” (0/100, minimal); “Trim and shape replacement body sections to specified sizes and fits” (0/100, minimal); “Take samples to assess the amount and quality of oil” (0/100, minimal). Low scores usually mean the task needs a body in a room, a legally accountable human, or trust built in real time. Those are the three things the scoring rubric treats as gates rather than obstacles.
- What should someone working in “Aircraft maintenance and related trades” do about AI?
- Start from the ledger rather than the headline: 2% of this job's weighted core work is exposed, and roughly 89% is not. The practical move is to spend more of your week on the tasks that score low, the ones above, and to get fluent at directing AI through the tasks that score high, because those are the parts that change whether or not you are ready for them. This page does not predict your job, and nothing here is career advice tailored to you: the score describes the occupation, not the person.
- How is the AI exposure score for Aircraft maintenance and related trades calculated?
- Each official task statement for the occupation is rated on five published 0–4 dimensions (output replicability, physical embodiment, licensed accountability, real-time human trust, and data availability) by claude-opus-5 using scoring prompt task_scoring_v1.0. The model never writes the score; a published formula turns the five ratings into a 0–100 number, so every score can be recomputed by hand. The occupation figure is the importance-weighted mean across 56 scored tasks. The prompt, the rubric, the formula and the full dataset are published at https://futureproof.collab365.com/method and https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1 under CC BY 4.0.
Where these numbers come from
About the data on this page
- Provisional, because the ONS revises this figure in the autumn.
- This headcount comes from a survey, not a census, so treat it as a good estimate rather than an exact count.
- One task scored differently between repeat runs, so its range on this page is wider. We would rather show the wobble than hide it.
- The match between this job and its counterpart in the other country is partial, so the two pages count slightly different groups of people.
- 17 of this occupation's scored task statements carry a score that was measured under a different occupation's context, because the statement is shared between jobs and has only been scored once so far. Each one names the occupation it was measured under in the free routes below; none is presented as a measurement for this job.
- Task clusters are not derived in this release, so the task-cluster field is empty and no Collab365 Space routing is attached to this occupation yet.
- Task statements
- gaisi-indexProcessing: catalogue-bridge → ssc-relatedness-weighting → task-scoring → score-aggregation
- Task weights
- gaisi-index (relatedness)
- Scores
- Rubric task_scoring_v1.0, model claude-opus-5, computed 2026-08-05.
- Pay and employment
- ashe-t14 (ASHE 2025 provisional (reference April 2025))nomis-aps (Apr 2025-Mar 2026 (latest APS 12-month period))
Figures on this page come from release 2026-q4.1, published 2026-08-05. Every release keeps its own permanent address, so a figure you cite in March is still there, unchanged, in November.
The plain-English wording on this page is assembled directly from the task statements and the published ratings, not written by hand for this occupation. That is why it is specific, and it is also why we say so.
The routes and free resources further up are today’s, not the release’s (last reviewed 2026-08-05). A route is an offer, not a historical fact, so it moves on its own clock.
Using these figures?
Cite this
Everything on this site is published under CC BY 4.0. Quote it, chart it, sell something built on it. Just say where it came from, and cite the dated release rather than the site, so the figure you quote stays checkable.
Plain text
Collab365 (2026). Collab365 Futureproof: task-level AI exposure for US and UK occupations, release 2026-q4.1 (methodVersion 2.0.0, promptVersion task_scoring_v1.0). https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1. Licensed CC BY 4.0. Built with O*NET data (USDOL/ETA, CC BY 4.0); ONS data (Open Government Licence v3.0); GAISI task framework (arXiv:2507.22748, MIT); BLS data (public domain).
BibTeX
@misc{collab365futureproof2026q41,
title = {Collab365 Futureproof: task-level AI exposure for US and UK occupations, release 2026-q4.1},
author = {{Collab365}},
year = {2026},
url = {https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1},
note = {Release 2026-q4.1, methodVersion 2.0.0, promptVersion task_scoring_v1.0, CC BY 4.0}
}Data as of release 2026-q4.1, published . Releases never change after publication; when the figures move, a new dated release is published beside this one and this one stays exactly where it is.