Flight foreman

What does a Flight Maintenance Supervisor do? – Job tasks and work environment

A Flight Maintenance Supervisor is responsible for leading and coordinating the technical maintenance of aircraft and ground equipment. The role involves planning and supervising both preventive and corrective maintenance, as well as ensuring all work is performed according to current safety regulations and aviation standards. The work environment is often located in hangars and workshops where technical expertise and leadership skills are crucial. Flight Maintenance Supervisors work closely with aircraft technicians, engineers, and sometimes pilots, and job duties may vary depending on the size of the airline and the type of aircraft fleet.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, salaries for Flight Maintenance Supervisors within the aircraft technician group have shown a clear upward trend. In 2022, the average salary was 48,700 SEK per month, followed by a slight decrease to 48 200 SEK in 2023. Subsequently, the salary increased significantly to 51 200 SEK in 2024, representing an increase of approximately 6.2 percent compared to the previous year. This development can partly be explained by increased demand for skilled technical personnel in the aviation industry, as well as technological innovations and higher requirements for maintenance safety. The market has also been affected by recovery after the pandemic, leading to greater investments in the aviation sector and improved salary conditions for key roles like Flight Maintenance Supervisors.

Flight Maintenance Supervisor salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 51 200 SEK/month
• Lowest/Highest salary: Data unavailable (only average salary available)
• Hourly wage: 308 SEK/hour
• Gender differences: Men earn 51 100 SEK/month, data for women is unavailable
• Regional differences: Specific data unavailable

Education and qualifications

To work as a Flight Maintenance Supervisor, a solid technical education in aeronautics and several years of practical experience in aircraft or helicopter maintenance are required. Many have a background as certified aircraft technicians and further specialize in leadership and maintenance management. Certifications according to EASA regulations are often a prerequisite, and employers value both formal education and documented industry experience.

• Formal education: Aeronautical technical training at high school or post-secondary level, typically 3–4 years
• Certifications: EASA Part-66 or equivalent certificate
• Practical experience: Several years as an aircraft technician required
• Leadership training: Often advantageous or required
• Prerequisites: Good knowledge of English and technical documentation

Common benefits and compensations

Flight Maintenance Supervisors are often offered benefits such as occupational pension, extra vacation days, wellness allowances, and sometimes bonuses linked to performance or special efforts. Many employers also provide training opportunities, health insurance, and discounted flights as part of the employment package.

Challenges and competition

The profession of Flight Maintenance Supervisor has a relatively small job market compared to other technical professions, which can mean tough competition for the most attractive positions. Challenges include staying updated on technological changes, regulations, and digitalization in aircraft maintenance. The industry demands high precision and responsibility, and ongoing training is necessary to meet new technical standards. Because safety is always central, even small mistakes can have serious consequences, making the profession demanding but also highly responsible.

Tips for aspiring Flight Maintenance Supervisors

To succeed as a Flight Maintenance Supervisor, it’s beneficial to combine technical knowledge with strong leadership and responsibility skills. Attention to detail is critical in troubleshooting and planning, and analytical ability helps to quickly identify and solve problems during maintenance. Flexibility is important since tasks can shift rapidly, especially during urgent situations or changing schedules. Good communication facilitates teamwork with technicians and other professionals, while stress tolerance is essential for managing tight deadlines and unforeseen challenges. It’s also valuable to stay updated on new technological solutions and regulations, as the industry evolves quickly. Finally, actively seeking internships and networking with experienced colleagues can help build knowledge and trust in the role.

Key facts about Flight Maintenance Supervisors

• Educational level: Aeronautical high school or post-secondary education
• Certification requirements: EASA Part-66 or equivalent
• Work environment: Hangar and workshop, often shift work
• Demand: 564 job openings in the profession (May 2024)
• Typical employment: Permanent position with technical leadership responsibilities

Career paths and future prospects

After gaining several years of experience as a Flight Maintenance Supervisor, opportunities exist to advance to roles such as technical manager, maintenance director, or specialized project leader within the aviation industry. Some choose to work internationally or further specialize in aviation safety and quality management. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate that there is currently no precise assessment for Flight Maintenance Supervisors, but within aircraft technology, there is steady demand with over 500 job openings in Sweden. Since the profession requires both technical expertise and leadership skills, demand is expected to remain strong, especially with larger airlines and within the defense sector.

Frequently asked questions about Flight Maintenance Supervisors

• What does a Flight Maintenance Supervisor earn?
  - A Flight Maintenance Supervisor has an average salary of 51 200 SEK per month in 2024.
• What education is required to become a Flight Maintenance Supervisor?
  - It requires aeronautical technical training and certification according to EASA Part-66, along with several years of experience as an aircraft technician.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Salaries for men are 51 100 SEK per month, but data for women is unavailable.
• What are the job responsibilities of a Flight Maintenance Supervisor?
  - Responsibilities include leading and planning maintenance, supervising technical work, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
• What is the job market like for Flight Maintenance Supervisors?
  - Currently, there are 564 job openings within the aircraft technician profession.
• What personal qualities are important in this profession?
  - Attention to detail, stress tolerance, leadership skills, and good communication are essential qualities.
• What benefits can be offered?
  - Common benefits include occupational pension, wellness allowances, training, and sometimes bonuses or discounted flights.