Definition
A person certificated by the FAA to inspect, service, repair, and approve aircraft and aircraft components for return to service, within the scope of their ratings (typically Airframe and/or Powerplant).
Plain English
A trained, licensed professional who works on aircraft -- checking them over, fixing problems, and signing off that the aircraft is safe to fly again.
Context Anchor
You will encounter this term when reading about aircraft inspection, damage, repairs, maintenance records, and deciding whether a part of the airplane needs professional attention before flight.
Derivation
Mechanic' comes from the Greek 'mekhanikos,' meaning 'skilled in machines.' An aircraft mechanic is the aviation specialist version -- skilled specifically in the machines that fly.
Why Pilots Care
Aircraft mechanics ensure the airplane remains airworthy so the pilot can operate it legally and safely.
Intuition Check
Do not read aircraft mechanic as simply “someone who is handy with airplanes.” In this context, it means a trained maintenance person who has the proper authorization for the aircraft work being done.
Example Sentence 1
After noticing the oil leak during preflight, the pilot grounded the airplane and called an aircraft mechanic to inspect it.
Example Sentence 2
An aircraft mechanic signed off the maintenance log before the airplane was released for flight.