Will AI replace Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians?

Not as a job, but it is already doing parts of the work. Across the 38 official task statements scored for Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians (United States, SOC 49-3011), 3% of the importance-weighted core work is made of tasks today's AI could already do most of. The overall exposure score is 8 out of 100 (range 7–13, 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 Mechanics and Service Technicians” stay human?

About 87% 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: “Remove, inspect, repair, and install in-flight refueling stores and external fuel tanks” (0/100, minimal); “Accompany aircraft on flights to make in-flight adjustments and corrections” (0/100, minimal); “Listen to operating engines to detect and diagnose malfunctions, such as sticking or burned valves” (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 Mechanics and Service Technicians” do about AI?

Start from the ledger rather than the headline: 3% of this job's weighted core work is exposed, and roughly 87% 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 Mechanics and Service Technicians 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 38 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.

US dataswitch to UK

Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians

inspecting completed work to certify that maintenance meets standards and that aircraft are ready, testing operation of engines and other systems and reassembling engines following repair or inspection and reinstall engines in aircraft. If that's your week, this page is about your job.

The honest answer

AI changes the edges of this job, not the middle: replacing or repairing worn, defective or damaged components, using hand tools, gauges and testing equipment is work software can't reach.

Your move: what you can actually do about this ↓

Where the work sits, by task weight

shifting to AI: 3%
changing shape: 10%
staying human: 87%

These bars are tasks changing hands, not people being counted out. The ledger below shows which.

Whole-job exposure score 8 out of 100 (7–13 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, across 38 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 mechanics and service technicians 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 2026-08-04. Read the full method.

What shifts is inventorying and requisitioning or ordering supplies: the overhead at the edges, not the middle you trained for.

Your week, as this page understands it

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul aircraft engines and assemblies, such as hydraulic and pneumatic systems. The job title says “aircraft mechanics” or “service technicians”: officially one job, two names. The real job is the part underneath: replacing or repairing worn, defective or damaged components, using hand tools, gauges and testing equipment. 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 mechanics and service technicians is not one task. It is 38 scored ones, and they are nowhere near equally exposed. The most durable of them, on this evidence, is replacing or repairing worn, defective or damaged components, using hand tools, gauges and testing equipment, and the ledger below shows exactly why.

Where the work sits, by task weight

shifting to AI: 3%
changing shape: 10%
staying human: 87%

These bars are tasks changing hands, not people being counted out. The ledger below shows which.

How we know this

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 2026-08-04. 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.

3 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 task

Tasks 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.

Inventorying and requisitioning or ordering supplies
This is reading one thing and writing another: supplies in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Inventory and requisition or order supplies, parts, materials, and equipment.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 69 out of 100 (65–73 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: Counting stock and raising orders for parts and materials is routine purchasing and record work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · 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.

Changing shape

3 tasks

Tasks 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.

Reading and interpreting maintenance manuals
The software now makes the first pass at maintenance manuals, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Read and interpret maintenance manuals, service bulletins, and other specifications to determine the feasibility and method of repairing or replacing malfunctioning or damaged components.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 49 out of 100 (45–53 allowing for uncertainty): partial 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: Working out how to fix something from manuals, bulletins and specifications is document research software does well.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Maintaining repair logs, documenting all preventive and corrective aircraft maintenance
The software now makes the first pass at repair logs, 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 4 · Core
Source: “Maintain repair logs, documenting all preventive and corrective aircraft maintenance.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 52 out of 100 (48–56 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, high 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 logs are structured records software handles well, though the licensed mechanic signs each entry.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · 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.
Reading and interpreting pilots' descriptions of problems to diagnose causes
The software now makes the first pass at pilots' descriptions of problems, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Read and interpret pilots' descriptions of problems to diagnose causes.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 49 out of 100 (45–53 allowing for uncertainty): partial 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: Turning a pilot's description of a problem into a likely cause is exactly the kind of reasoning software does well.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

Staying human

34 tasks

Tasks 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.

Replacing or repairing worn, defective or damaged components, using hand tools, gauges and testing equipment
This work happens in the physical world: worn, defective or damaged components, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Replace or repair worn, defective, or damaged components, using hand tools, gauges, and testing equipment.” (O*NET 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: Replacing worn or damaged components with hand tools 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.
Conducting routine and special inspections as required by regulations
This work happens in the physical world: routine and special inspections, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Conduct routine and special inspections as required by regulations.” (O*NET 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: Regulation inspections are carried out on the aircraft itself by a licensed mechanic.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Examining and inspecting aircraft components
This work happens in the physical world: aircraft components, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Examine and inspect aircraft components, including landing gear, hydraulic systems, and deicers to locate cracks, breaks, leaks, or other problems.” (O*NET 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: Finding cracks, leaks and breaks in landing gear and hydraulics means examining the parts by hand and eye.
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.
Inspecting completed work to certify that maintenance meets standards and that aircraft are ready for operation
This work happens in the physical world: completed work, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Inspect completed work to certify that maintenance meets standards and that aircraft are ready for operation.” (O*NET 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: Signing off that maintenance meets standards means a licensed mechanic inspecting the actual aircraft.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Assembling and installing electrical, plumbing, mechanical, hydraulic and structural components and accessories, using hand or power tools
This work happens in the physical world: this work, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Assemble and install electrical, plumbing, mechanical, hydraulic, and structural components and accessories, using hand or power tools.” (O*NET 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: Assembling and installing electrical, hydraulic and structural parts is hands-on work with tools.
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.
Inspecting airframes for wear or other defects
This work happens in the physical world: airframes, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Inspect airframes for wear or other defects.” (O*NET 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: Checking airframes for wear and defects means going over the structure in person.
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.

Show the other 28 tasks

Determining repair limits for engine hot section parts
staying human
The rules require a named, qualified person to answer for repair limits, and that person cannot be a piece of software.
importance 4 · Supplemental
Source: “Determine repair limits for engine hot section parts.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 28 out of 100 (21–35 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Repair limits come from manufacturer manuals, but judging a specific worn part needs an experienced eye.
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 2/4.
Communicating with other workers to coordinate fitting and alignment of heavy parts
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: other workers, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Communicate with other workers to coordinate fitting and alignment of heavy parts, or to facilitate processing of repair parts.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 11 out of 100 (4–18 allowing for uncertainty): minimal 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: Coordinating with colleagues to fit heavy parts happens on the hangar floor while the work is done.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Maintaining, repairing and rebuild aircraft structures, functional components and parts
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: rebuild aircraft structures, functional components and parts, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Maintain, repair, and rebuild aircraft structures, functional components, and parts, such as wings and fuselage, rigging, hydraulic units, oxygen systems, fuel systems, electrical systems, gaskets, or seals.” (O*NET 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: Repairing and rebuilding wings, fuselage, hydraulics and fuel systems 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.
Measuring the tension of control cables
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: the tension of control cables, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Measure the tension of control cables.” (O*NET 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 control cable tension is done by hand on the aircraft.
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 human
This work happens in the physical world: parts, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Measure parts for wear, using precision instruments.” (O*NET 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.
Testing operation of engines and other systems
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: operation of engines, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Test operation of engines and other systems, using test equipment, such as ignition analyzers, compression checkers, distributor timers, or ammeters.” (O*NET 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: Running engines and systems on test equipment happens at the aircraft.
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.
Obtaining fuel and oiling samples and checking them for contamination
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: fuel, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Obtain fuel and oil samples and check them for contamination.” (O*NET 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: Taking fuel and oil samples and checking them for contamination 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.
Reassembling engines following repair or inspection and reinstall engines in aircraft
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: engines following repair, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Reassemble engines following repair or inspection and reinstall engines in aircraft.” (O*NET 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: Rebuilding an engine and refitting it to the aircraft 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 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Modifying aircraft structures, space vehicles, systems or components, following drawings, schematics, charts, engineering orders and technical publications
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: aircraft structures, space vehicles, systems or components, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Modify aircraft structures, space vehicles, systems, or components, following drawings, schematics, charts, engineering orders, and technical publications.” (O*NET 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: Modifying aircraft structures and systems to drawings is 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 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Installing and aligning repaired or replacement parts for subsequent riveting or welding
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: repaired, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Install and align repaired or replacement parts for subsequent riveting or welding, using clamps and wrenches.” (O*NET 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 parts ready for riveting or welding 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.
Locating and marking dimensions and reference lines on defective or replacement parts
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: dimensions, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 3 · Core
Source: “Locate and mark dimensions and reference lines on defective or replacement parts, using templates, scribes, compasses, and steel rules.” (O*NET 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 dimensions and reference lines on parts with templates and rules 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 strip, prime and sanding structural surfaces and materials to prepare them for bonding
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: strip, prime and sanding structural surfaces and materials, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 3 · Core
Source: “Clean, strip, prime, and sand structural surfaces and materials to prepare them for bonding.” (O*NET 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, stripping, priming and sanding surfaces for bonding is physical preparation.
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.
Servicing and maintaining aircraft and related apparatus by performing activities
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: aircraft, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Service and maintain aircraft and related apparatus by performing activities such as flushing crankcases, cleaning screens, and or moving parts.” (O*NET 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: Flushing crankcases and cleaning screens and moving parts is hands-on servicing.
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.
Examining engines through specially designed openings while working from ladders or scaffolds
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: engines, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Examine engines through specially designed openings while working from ladders or scaffolds, or use hoists or lifts to remove the entire engine from an aircraft.” (O*NET 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: Peering into engines from ladders or lifting them out 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 1/4.
Removing or installing aircraft engines
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: aircraft engines, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Remove or install aircraft engines, using hoists or forklift trucks.” (O*NET 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 engines in and out with hoists 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 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Fabricating defective sections or parts
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: defective sections, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 3 · Core
Source: “Fabricate defective sections or parts, using metal fabricating machines, saws, brakes, shears, and grinders.” (O*NET 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: Fabricating parts on saws, brakes, shears and grinders is machine-shop 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.
Removing or cutting out defective parts or drilling holes to gain access to internal defects or damage
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: defective parts, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Remove or cut out defective parts or drill holes to gain access to internal defects or damage, using drills and punches.” (O*NET 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 out defective parts and drilling access holes is 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 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Cleaning refuel and change oil in line service aircraft
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: refuel, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Clean, refuel, and change oil in line service aircraft.” (O*NET 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, refueling and changing oil is physical line service.
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.
Trimming and shaping replacement body sections to specified sizes and fits and securing sections in place
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: replacement body sections, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 3 · Supplemental
Source: “Trim and shape replacement body sections to specified sizes and fits and secure sections in place, using adhesives, hand tools, and power tools.” (O*NET 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 fitting replacement body sections is hands-on work with tools.
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 and carburetors, adjusting carburetor float levels
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: engines, sediment bulk and screens and carburetors, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Clean engines, sediment bulk and screens, and carburetors, adjusting carburetor float levels.” (O*NET 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, screens and carburetors and setting float levels is 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 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Preparing and painting aircraft surfaces
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: aircraft surfaces, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 3 · Supplemental
Source: “Prepare and paint aircraft surfaces.” (O*NET 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 painting aircraft surfaces 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 1/4.
Spreading plastic film over areas to be repaired to prevent damage to surrounding areas
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: plastic film over areas, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 3 · Core
Source: “Spread plastic film over areas to be repaired to prevent damage to surrounding areas.” (O*NET 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: Spreading protective film over an area before repair 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 1/4.
Checking for corrosion, distortion and invisible cracks in the fuselage, wings and tail
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: corrosion, distortion and invisible cracks, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Check for corrosion, distortion, and invisible cracks in the fuselage, wings, and tail, using x-ray and magnetic inspection equipment.” (O*NET 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: Running x-ray and magnetic inspection gear over the fuselage and wings is hands-on work.
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.
Disassembling engines and inspecting parts
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: engines, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · Supplemental
Source: “Disassemble engines and inspect parts, such as turbine blades or cylinders, for corrosion, wear, warping, cracks, and leaks, using precision measuring instruments, x-rays, and magnetic inspection equipment.” (O*NET 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: Stripping engines and inspecting blades and cylinders with precision and x-ray equipment is 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 0/4 · 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 human
This work happens in the physical world: bonded structures, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 3 · Supplemental
Source: “Cure bonded structures, using portable or stationary curing equipment.” (O*NET 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: Curing bonded structures with curing equipment 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 1/4.
Listening to operating engines to detect and diagnosing malfunctions
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: operating engines, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Listen to operating engines to detect and diagnose malfunctions, such as sticking or burned valves.” (O*NET 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: Diagnosing a fault by the sound of a running engine depends on a trained ear on site.
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.
Accompanying aircraft on flights to make in-flight adjustments and corrections
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: aircraft, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Accompany aircraft on flights to make in-flight adjustments and corrections.” (O*NET 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: Making adjustments during a flight means being on board the aircraft.
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.
Removing, inspecting, repairing and installing in-flight refueling stores and external fuel tanks
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: in-flight refueling stores, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · Supplemental
Source: “Remove, inspect, repair, and install in-flight refueling stores and external fuel tanks.” (O*NET 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: Removing and refitting refueling stores and external tanks 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.

What this job pays, and how many people do it

Median pay: $79,870a year, the middle of the range, so half earn more and half earn less.bls-oews, 2025 · May 2025 estimates (national_M2025_dl.xlsx)
How we know this
Source: bls-oews
Reference period: May 2025 estimates (national_M2025_dl.xlsx)
Rounding: Shown as published.
People doing this job: 138,090in the US, 2025.bls-oews · May 2025 estimates (national_M2025_dl.xlsx)

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: maintenance manuals in, a record out. The rows above are exactly that shape: inventorying and requisitioning or ordering supplies and reading and interpreting maintenance manuals. What it cannot do is be there in the room, and that is still where worn, defective or damaged components get 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: replacing or repairing worn, defective or damaged components, using hand tools, gauges and testing equipment is the middle of this job, and the evidence on this page says it stays with a person.

So, given all that: 3% of this job's task weight sits in rows the software is already learning, 10% in rows that change shape rather than disappear, and 87% in rows it is nowhere near. That is the position, measured across 38 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. Inventorying and requisitioning or ordering supplies 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 maintenance manuals, 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 worn, defective or damaged components are in scope or not. Nothing to log into, no license 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 reading and interpreting maintenance manuals. 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, use CareerOneStop - Find local training. It is free, it is the Labor Department's own service, 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 US occupations to aircraft mechanics and service technicians (nearest by the work that AI is not taking, not by job title), and none of them survived. The closest was aircraft service attendants: only about 6% of its durable work is work you already do, it pays 49.4% less and there are far fewer of those jobs than of yours. And on the numbers you do not need one. This job scores 8/100 here, with only 3% of the task list in the top band, and “read and interpret maintenance manuals, service bulletins, and other specifications to determine…” 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 830 US 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.

Aircraft Service Attendants
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour on the work AI is not taking: you already examine and inspect aircraft components, and their equivalent is to inspect aircraft components to locate cracks, breaks, leaks, or other problems. Across both published task lists that is about 6% of the durable work in that job.
Why I am not recommending it: Almost none of it is work you already do: about 6% of the durable side of that job. That is a different job, not a next step. It is a pay cut, in those words: $40,450 against your $79,870, 49.4% less (OEWS May 2025 (both)). Retraining to earn less is a decision, not advice. And it is a narrow door: about 31,300 of those jobs against 138,090 of yours (OEWS May 2025), 23% as many seats.
Look at that job’s page anyway →
Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour on the work AI is not taking: you already replace or repair worn, defective, or damaged components, using hand tools, gauges, and…, and their equivalent is to test and replace electrical components and wiring, using test meters, soldering equipment, and…. Across both published task lists that is about 6% of the durable work in that job.
Why I am not recommending it: Almost none of it is work you already do: about 6% of the durable side of that job. That is a different job, not a next step. It is a pay cut, in those words: $56,550 against your $79,870, 29.2% less (OEWS May 2025 (both)). Retraining to earn less is a decision, not advice.
Look at that job’s page anyway →
Commercial Pilots
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour on the work AI is not taking: you already maintain repair logs, documenting all preventive and corrective aircraft maintenance, and their equivalent is to perform minor aircraft maintenance and repair work, or arrange for major maintenance. Across both published task lists that is about 5% of the durable work in that job.
Why I am not recommending it: Almost none of it is work you already do: about 5% of the durable side of that job. That is a different job, not a next step.
Look at that job’s page anyway →

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: 3% of its task weight, across 38 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 replacing or repairing worn, defective or damaged components, using hand tools, gauges and testing equipment 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 States figures

The United Kingdom splits this work across more than one official group, of which Aircraft maintenance and related trades is the closest. The pay and employment figures are not directly comparable, and we do not average them together.

Switch to the United Kingdom page →partial match

In UK official statistics this job is counted as Aircraft maintenance and related trades. Pay and employment stay on this page’s own group; the task list and the scores do not cross over.

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.

Anywhere in the US:
CareerOneStop - Find local training
Search what's running near you, from the Labor Department's own database, before anyone sells you a course.
Free to search; individual programs vary, and some are funded
Anywhere in the US:
American Job Center locator
An American Job Center will sit down with you for free. Find yours by ZIP code.
Free
- CareerOneStop local help hub
Anywhere in the US:
CareerOneStop - Licensed occupations finder
Check what your state actually requires before you pay for anything.
Free
Anywhere in the US:
CareerOneStop
Free

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 mechanics / service technicians 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 Space for aircraft mechanics / service technicians yet. Should there be one?

Collab365 Spaces is built by the same people as this site. We find the problems that AI and automation are creating inside one kind of work, then solve them as short courses, briefings and Blueprints. Each Space is the community too, so the research and the people doing your job are in the same place.

What a Space actually is, in full

Collab365 launches new communities where the need is real. If one for aircraft mechanics / service technicians existed, with researched problems, courses and people in the same boat, would you want in?

Your email

We use your email address for one thing: to tell you if a Space for aircraft mechanics / service technicians launches. We never sell it, never use it for unrelated marketing, and every email has a one-click unsubscribe. Our privacy policy has the full version.

This unlocks nothing. Every figure, every row and every step on this page is already yours, whether you fill this in or not.

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 Mechanics and Service Technicians?: Not as a job, but it is already doing parts of the work. Across the 38 official task statements scored for Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians (United States, SOC 49-3011), 3% of the importance-weighted core work is made of tasks today's AI could already do most of. The overall exposure score is 8 out of 100 (range 7–13, 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 Mechanics and Service Technicians” can AI already do?: The highest-scoring tasks in release 2026-q4.1 are: “Inventory and requisition or order supplies, parts, materials, and equipment” (69/100, high); “Maintain repair logs, documenting all preventive and corrective aircraft maintenance” (52/100, partial); “Read and interpret maintenance manuals, service bulletins, and other specifications to determine the feasibility and method of repairing or replacing malfunc…” (49/100, 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 Mechanics and Service Technicians” stay human?: About 87% 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: “Remove, inspect, repair, and install in-flight refueling stores and external fuel tanks” (0/100, minimal); “Accompany aircraft on flights to make in-flight adjustments and corrections” (0/100, minimal); “Listen to operating engines to detect and diagnose malfunctions, such as sticking or burned valves” (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 Mechanics and Service Technicians” do about AI?: Start from the ledger rather than the headline: 3% of this job's weighted core work is exposed, and roughly 87% 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 Mechanics and Service Technicians 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 38 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

Worth knowing about these figures

The match between this job and its counterpart in the other country is partial, so the two pages count slightly different groups of people.
3 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: onet-dbProcessing: catalogue-bridge → onet-im-rt-weighting → task-scoring → score-aggregation
Task weights: onet-db (im-rt)
Scores: Rubric task_scoring_v1.0, model claude-opus-5, computed 2026-08-04.
Pay and employment: bls-oews (May 2025 estimates (national_M2025_dl.xlsx))bls-oews (May 2025 estimates (national_M2025_dl.xlsx))

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.

How we score a job Download this release Look up another job

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}
}

Permalink

https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1

Data as of release 2026-q4.1, published 2026-08-05. 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.