While the Aviation Structural Mechanic (Safety Equipment), or AME, is primarily concerned with the aircrewmen’s operating environment, Intermediate- and Organizational-Level Aviatrion Structural Mechanics (AMs) are focused more on the external systems and components of the aircraft. Performing daily inspections in addition to inspections before and after flights, they are responsible for the maintenance and repair of a host of systems: hydraulic and pneumatic (usually associated with braking and landing gear), auxiliary power, and unit actuating subsystems.
Ordinary wear and tear can take an extreme toll on military aircraft, necessitating the need replace or repair fuselages, wings, airfoils, tires and wheels, and other exposed parts. Should the need arise, AMs are capable of fabricating metal components for installation on aircraft, as well as making small repairs to an aircraft’s “skin,” so welding skills are at a premium for this rating.
Generally, these types of repairs are handled by Intermediate Level AMs; it’s the job of Organizational Level AMs to perform preventive maintenance to reduce the frequency that these procedures have to be carried out. Keeping fresh paint on an aircraft’s surface can help reduce damage caused by friction, and applying corrosion-preventative materials ensures operability and safety. Organizational Level AMs conduct constant maintenance and troubleshooting on many of the systems I-Level AMs are tasked with repairing, including Flight Control and Utility, Landing Gear, and Hydraulics and Pneumatics.
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