Two passengers on board a SkyWest Airlines flight were seriously injured after the aircraft experienced “severe turbulence” on Aug. 28, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed.

SkyWest flight 5971 was en route from Aspen, Colo., to Houston on the evening of Thursday, Aug. 28. But the Embraer E175 diverted to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and “landed safely” around 8 p.m. local time, per the FAA.

According to flight data from FlightAware, about 90 minutes into the trip, the plane dropped nearly 4,000 feet in less than 60 seconds. The aircraft continued to lose altitude for about 10 minutes before it was diverted to Austin.

As the plane made its approach, the pilot informed air traffic control of the condition of the injured passengers.

“We will need a stretcher,” she says in an audio recording obtained by LiveATC.net. “I know that there is bleeding as well.”

The air traffic controller then confirmed emergency services would be present for the landing.

A SkyWest official confirmed the incident to PEOPLE in a statement: “The flight landed safely and was met with medical personnel upon arrival. Our highest priority is the safety and well-being of all onboard, and we are working with our partner United to assist customers.”

A spokesperson for the airport told PEOPLE that Austin-Travis County EMS (ATCEMS) “evaluated 39 passengers and 4 crew members for potential injuries. Two adult patients were transported to area hospitals out of an abundance of caution.”

They added: “ATCEMS reported to the airport that no injuries are expected to be life-threatening.”

PEOPLE has reached out to Austin-Travis County EMS for comment.

Lost month, 25 passengers on a Delta Air Lines flight were hospitalized after their aircraft “encountered significant turbulence” on July 30, according to an airline press release.

Delta flight DL56 was en route to Amsterdam from Salt Lake City when it had to be diverted to Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP). The Airbus A330-900 landed safely, and medical personnel then evaluated the customers and crew.

The BBC reported that there were 275 passengers and 13 crew members on board the flight at the time of the incident.

Turbulence, according to the FAA, is the regular and frequent movement of air that can affect an aircraft — often occurring unexpectedly and without warning. It is caused by atmospheric pressure, jet streams, cold or warm weather fronts, and thunderstorms. It even happens when skies appear completely clear.

According to a study published by the American Geophysical Union in 2023, the skies are 55% bumpier today than they were 40 years ago. The study also predicts that clear-air turbulence (CAT), a particularly dangerous type of turbulence, will be more frequent in the future.

“The increases in turbulence are consistent with the effects of climate change, according to previous research,” a press release stated at the time. “Warmer air as a result of carbon dioxide emission is increasing wind shear in the jet streams, strengthening clear-air turbulence in the North Atlantic and globally.”

“Turbulence makes flights bumpy and can occasionally be dangerous. Airlines will need to start thinking about how they will manage the increased turbulence, as it costs the industry $150 to $500 million annually in the United States alone,” Mark Prosser, a meteorologist at the University of Reading in England, said in the 2023 release.

Credits: SkyWest

The post 2 Passengers Injured After SkyWest Flight Hits Severe Turbulence, Pilot Confirms ‘There Is Bleeding’ first appeared on AircrewNews.com.

Job Description: Airline Mechanic

Overview

Airline mechanics perform maintenance, inspections, repairs, and troubleshooting on aircraft to ensure they meet safety and performance standards set by regulatory bodies like the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) or EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency). They work on various aircraft systems, including engines, avionics, hydraulics, and airframes, and are critical to maintaining flight safety and operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

The duties of an airline mechanic vary based on specialization (e.g., airframe, powerplant, or avionics) but generally include:

1. Maintenance and Inspections:

• Conduct routine and non-routine maintenance checks, including pre-flight, post-flight, and scheduled inspections (e.g., A-checks, C-checks).
• Perform preventive maintenance to identify and address potential issues before they affect aircraft performance.
• Inspect aircraft structures, systems, and components for wear, damage, or defects.

1. Repairs and Troubleshooting:

• Diagnose mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic issues using technical manuals, diagnostic tools, and test equipment.
• Repair or replace defective parts, such as engines, landing gear, brakes, or avionics systems.
• Troubleshoot complex systems, including propulsion, navigation, and communication equipment.

1. Compliance and Documentation:

• Ensure all maintenance and repairs comply with FAA, EASA, or other regulatory standards.
• Document all work performed in maintenance logs, ensuring accurate records for audits and inspections.
• Verify that aircraft meet airworthiness standards before returning to service.

1. Equipment and Tool Management:

• Operate specialized tools and equipment, such as hydraulic test stands, diagnostic computers, and precision measuring devices.
• Maintain tools and work areas to ensure a safe and organized environment.

1. Collaboration and Communication:

• Work closely with other mechanics, engineers, and ground crew to coordinate maintenance activities and minimize aircraft downtime.
• Communicate technical issues and repair statuses to supervisors, pilots, and maintenance control teams.
• May assist in training or mentoring junior mechanics or apprentices.

Key Skills and Qualifications

• Education and Certification:
• A high school diploma or GED is required; an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in aviation maintenance or a related field is preferred by some employers.
• FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification is typically required in the U.S. (or equivalent certifications like EASA Part-66 in Europe). Avionics technicians may need additional certifications.
• Completion of an FAA-approved aviation maintenance technician school or equivalent training is common.
• Experience:
• Entry-level positions may require no prior experience if A&P certified, but 1–3 years of experience is preferred for specialized or senior roles.
• Familiarity with specific aircraft types (e.g., Boeing 737, Airbus A320) is a plus.
• Skills:
• Strong mechanical and technical aptitude with knowledge of aircraft systems (engines, hydraulics, avionics, etc.).
• Problem-solving skills to diagnose and resolve complex issues under time constraints.
• Attention to detail to ensure compliance with strict safety and regulatory standards.
• Physical stamina to work in confined spaces, lift heavy parts, and stand for extended periods.
• Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, schematics, and blueprints.
• Effective communication for teamwork and documentation.
• Other Requirements:
• Ability to pass a criminal background check and obtain airport security clearance.
• Valid driver’s license for operating ground equipment in some roles.
• Willingness to work shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime, as maintenance operations run 24/7.
• Comfort working at heights, in confined spaces, and in various weather conditions.

Work Environment

• Airline mechanics work in hangars, repair shops, or on the tarmac at airports, often in noisy and fast-paced environments.
• The job can be physically demanding, requiring lifting heavy components, climbing ladders, and working in tight spaces.
• Mechanics may work outdoors in all weather conditions or in climate-controlled hangars, depending on the task.
• Safety is paramount, requiring adherence to strict protocols and use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Career Path and Benefits

• Career Advancement: Mechanics can advance to lead mechanic, supervisor, or maintenance manager roles with experience and additional certifications. Some pursue specialized roles in avionics or quality control.
• Benefits: Airlines typically offer:
• Competitive salaries, with hourly wages ranging from $25–$40 for entry-level mechanics, and higher for experienced or specialized roles (e.g., $60,000–$100,000+ annually, depending on location and employer).
• Free or discounted travel for employees and families.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, often with no-cost preventative care.
• 401(k) plans with company matching, life/disability insurance, and paid time off.
• Overtime opportunities and shift differentials.
• Training: Many airlines provide on-the-job training and opportunities for additional certifications or type-specific training (e.g., Boeing or Airbus systems).

How to Apply

• Check airline career websites (e.g., American Airlines, Delta, United) or job boards like Indeed, JSfirm.com, or Aviation Job Search for open positions.
• Highlight A&P certification, relevant experience, and technical skills on your resume.
• Be prepared for technical interviews or assessments testing mechanical knowledge and problem-solving.

Example Employers

• Major airlines: American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines.
• Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) companies: AAR Corp, StandardAero, HAECO.
• Cargo carriers: FedEx, UPS Airlines.

You can also check JSfirm.com for mechanic roles across airlines and MROs.

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