Aviation structural mechanics

The primary duty of aviation structural mechanics was to maintain aircraft structural components such as flight surfaces and controls, hydraulic and pneumatic control, landing gear systems, air conditioning, pressurization and other utility systems, including seat and canopy ejection systems and components. Because they would often handle asbestos products directly, without protective equipment, their exposure was moderate and they are now at significant risk of developing a serious disease such as lung cancer.

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The rating of aviation structural mechanic was initially known as aviation metalsmith, having been established in 1921, but was changed in 1948 to what it is today. There are 3 categories of aviation structural mechanics in the U.S. military: aviation structural mechanics structures (AMS), aviation mechanics hydraulics (AMH), and aviation mechanics safety equipment (AME). Each of these branches would have specific responsibilities while on service.

Aviation structural mechanics structures (AMS) were in charge of removing, repairing and replacing hydraulic system pumps, auxiliary power systems, and unit actuating subsystems, as well as maintaining aircraft landing gear systems, brakes, and related pneumatic systems. They would work on emergency actuating devices, pumps, gaskets, valves, regulators, cylinders, lines, and fittings, numerous of which contained asbestos.

Aviation structural mechanic hydraulics (AMH) were responsible for replacing gaskets, packing and wipers in hydraulic components and also with removing and repairing aircraft fuselage, wings, fixed and movable surfaces, airfoils, regular seats, wheels, tires, controls, and mechanisms. This military rating would encounter asbestos on a regular basis too, as many of the components they had to work on were manufactured with the toxic mineral for fire resistance and durability.

Aviation structural mechanics safety equipment (AME) had to perform duties such as maintaining aircraft systems including seat and canopy ejection, gaseous and liquid oxygen, life raft ejection, fire extinguishing, air conditioning, cabin and cockpit heat, pressurization, and ventilation. They also had to remove and install oxygen system valves, gauges, converters, and regulators and to install rig ejection seats, shoulder harnesses, and lap belts.

Aviation mechanics also served in other military branches like the Air Force and Army.

Relevant job titles

  • aircraft mechanics and service technician
  • aircraft structure and systems assembler
  • aerospace engineering and operations technician
  • aviation metalsmith
  • flight mechanic
  • helicopter mechanic
  • heavy equipment mechanic
  • aircraft mechanic
  • flight engineer
  • rigger

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We also represent the close relatives of aviation structural mechanics that handled asbestos and are now sick or have passed away.

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Asbestos-related cancer eligible for filing a claim

If you developed one of the following cancers as a result of occupational exposure, you are eligible for compensation. If you are too ill, a family member can help you with the legal process. In the unfortunate event that you pass away before recovering compensation, your surviving family members will receive compensation on your behalf.

Lung Cancer Mesothelioma Throat Cancer Esophageal Cancer Bronchial Cancer Gastrointestinal Cancer Colorectal Cancer

If, however, you struggle with non-cancerous pleural diseases such as asbestosis, pulmonary fibrosis, pleural plaques, pleural effusion, diffuse pleural thickening, COPD (emphysema & chronic bronchitis), pleurisy, lung nodules, lung spots, asthma, pneumonitis, tuberculosis, rounded atelectasis or lung scarring, please seek a second or even a third opinion as the rate of misdiagnosis is very high among the victims of asbestos exposure.

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Aviation structural mechanics on the Job

We also Represent U.S. Veterans Exposed to Asbestos while Serving their Country 

Asbestos Exposure & Veterans

Asbestos Products Aviation structural mechanics May Have Been Exposed To

There are a large number of asbestos products aircraft structural mechanics have been exposed to during their service before 1980. While the U.S. military was knowledgeable with regard to the health dangers of asbestos exposure, it still employed the carcinogenic mineral, thereby endangering the lives of personnel. Below are the most common products aircraft structural mechanics would encounter on the job.

How can we help aircraft structural mechanics who were exposed to asbestos?

Our law firm specializes in asbestos cases and has been providing quality legal assistance to veterans injured by asbestos exposure for the last 30 years. If you had the rating of aircraft structural mechanic and developed a disease as a result of military asbestos exposure, please do not hesitate to contact us. We will promptly assess your situation and help you gather additional information to support your case. It is important to know that your involvement in the legal process will be minimal, as our team of experts will carefully take care of every aspect on your behalf. You will eventually recover the maximum compensation available for your physical and emotional distress, which our attorneys will obtain from asbestos trust funds and the VA.

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