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How exposed to AI is a Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assembler?

Of the 30 tasks O*NET lists for aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems assemblers, 0 could be done in half the time with a chat window today. 29 cannot be sped up at all. Here is which.

Exposure means published research judged an AI could halve the time a task takes, at the same quality. It does not mean the task stops needing a person. How to read this

Also called
A&P Technician (Airframe and Powerplant Technician)Aircraft Line AssemblerAssemblerAssembly RiveterHelicopter TechnicianSheet Metal Assembler and Riveter (SMAR)Sheet Metal MechanicStructures MechanicStructures Technician
Reachable today Needs software built first Cannot be sped up
30
tasks rated for this occupation
16%
hold a degree, from a survey of 33
33k
people do this job in the US
93 of 107
least protected in production

Every task, and what AI can do with it

These are O*NET's task statements for this occupation, exactly as written, sorted into the three bands by the ratings behind this report. Nothing has been reworded.

Only with software built on top

1
  • Read blueprints, illustrations, or specifications to determine layouts, sequences of operations, or identities or relationships of parts

Cannot be sped up

29
  • Assemble parts, fittings, or subassemblies on aircraft, using layout tools, hand tools, power tools, or fasteners, such as bolts, screws, rivets, or clamps
  • Attach brackets, hinges, or clips to secure or support components or subassemblies, using bolts, screws, rivets, chemical bonding, or welding
  • Inspect or test installed units, parts, systems, or assemblies for fit, alignment, performance, defects, or compliance with standards, using measuring instruments or test equipment
  • Adjust, repair, rework, or replace parts or assemblies to ensure proper operation
  • Cut, trim, file, bend, or smooth parts to ensure proper fit and clearance
  • Fabricate parts needed for assembly or installation, using shop machinery or equipment
  • Layout and mark reference points and locations for installation of parts or components, using jigs, templates, or measuring and marking instruments
  • Clean, oil, or coat system components, as necessary, before assembly or attachment
  • Assemble prefabricated parts to form subassemblies
  • Set, align, adjust, or synchronize aircraft armament or rigging or control system components to established tolerances or requirements, using sighting devices and hand tools
  • Join structural assemblies, such as wings, tails, or fuselage
  • Position and align subassemblies in jigs or fixtures, using measuring instruments and following blueprint lines and index points
  • Assemble prototypes or integrated-technology demonstrators of new or emerging environmental technologies for aircraft
  • Swage fittings onto cables, using swaging machines
  • Manually install structural assemblies or signal crane operators to position assemblies for joining
  • Align, fit, assemble, connect, or install system components, using jigs, fixtures, measuring instruments, hand tools, or power tools
  • Set up or operate machines or systems to crimp, cut, bend, form, swage, flare, bead, burr, or straighten tubing, according to specifications
  • Place and connect control cables to electronically controlled units, using hand tools, ring locks, cotter keys, threaded connectors, turnbuckles, or related devices
  • Monitor robotic assembly equipment, such as snake-arm robots, used to assemble, seal, or swage aircraft structures
  • Install mechanical linkages and actuators, using tensiometers to verify tension of cables
  • Clean aircraft structures, parts, or components, using aqueous, semi-aqueous, aliphatic hydrocarbon, or organic solvent cleaning products or techniques to reduce carbon or other harmful emissions
  • Install accessories in swaging machines, using hand tools
  • Mark identifying information on tubing or cable assemblies, using etching devices, labels, rubber stamps, or other methods
  • Verify dimensions of cable assemblies or positions of fittings, using measuring instruments
  • Weld tubing and fittings or solder cable ends, using tack welders, induction brazing chambers, or other equipment
  • Splice cables, using clamps and fittings, or reweave cable strands
  • Fit and fasten sheet metal coverings to surface areas or other sections of aircraft prior to welding or riveting
  • Capture or segregate waste material, such as aluminum swarf, machine cutting fluid, or solvents, for recycling or environmentally responsible disposal
  • Cut cables and tubing, using master templates, measuring instruments, and cable cutters or saws
What this does not say

This is not a prediction about your job

Nobody surveyed an employer. Tasks are counted equally, so a percentage here is a share of the list rather than a share of your week. And the ratings were made in 2023, which makes every figure a floor rather than a ceiling.

It must never be used to select anyone for redundancy. The full limits are here.

Where to go next

This is the standard task list for the title. The useful next question is which of the tasks you actually do should go near AI, and which should not.

Sort your own tasks Read the full report

Exposure ratings from Eloundou, Manning, Mishkin and Rock, GPTs are GPTs: Labor market impact potential of LLMs, Science 384, 1306–1308, 2024, used under the MIT licence. This page includes information from the O*NET Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. People Team AI has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. Employment figures from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.