Do the airplanes roaring above inspire you?
If you have a passion for aviation and an obsession with how things work, there’s a rewarding career path just for you – becoming an Aircraft Mechanic.
In a world increasingly reaching for the skies, the role of the Aircraft Mechanic is vital and recognized as such.
Embarking on this exciting course is not just about tinkering with engines or tweaking the flight control rigging.
It is about safety, precision, and a thorough understanding of complex mechanical structures.
But don’t let these all intimidate you; I’m here to guide you through this journey.
In this article, I’ve detailed out three critical steps for how to become an aircraft mechanic.
What is an Aircraft Mechanic?
So, the FAA aviation mechanic certificate actually has two ratings – the Airframe (A) and the Powerplant (P). If you decide to seek both ratings, this is commonly referred to as an “A&P Certificate”.
This certificate (or license or ticket) gives you the privilege to work on – or supervise the work on – an aircraft, and also return it to service.
It may seem obvious, but the “A” part means you can only work on things like wings, control surfaces, sheet metal repairs, and landing gear.
The “P” part means you can only work on things like engines, propellers, or any other powerplant-related parts or appliances like propeller governors and digital engine controllers.
Keep in mind that you do not need to have both the A and the P to be an aircraft mechanic, but there are limitations to what you can do with one or the other.
Having both ratings will make you a more well-rounded and versatile mechanic, though!
Other Options
I also wanted to mention a lesser-known aircraft mechanic certificate: the Repairman Certificate.
This certificate allows you to perform aircraft maintenance as long as you work for an employer that is an FAA-certified Repair Station, commercial operator.
Additionally, an air carrier that has recommended you for the certification, or completing the FAA-approved training program qualifies you for becoming a repairman.
This certificate has the most limitations but is also a fast way to start working on aircraft as an FAA-certificated mechanic.
If you’re interested in becoming an Avionics Technician, you’ll only need the Airframe certificate.
In case you want to read the fine print about the FAA regulations for becoming an aircraft mechanic, I recommend checking out (14 CFR) part 65, subpart D, Mechanics.
Ok, let’s fly into the details of how to become an aircraft mechanic!
Step-by-Step Instructions for How to Become an Aircraft Mechanic
Here are some basic steps for becoming an aircraft mechanic:
- Meet the basic requirements.
- Get practical experience.
- Pass the tests.
Remember, the most important thing – and the thing that takes the longest amount of time – is the practical experience. So make sure you document all of your work diligently!
Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements
The first step has just a few straight-forward initial requirements:
- You must be at least 18 years old to be issued an A&P certificate.
- You don’t have to be 18 years old to get the required practical experience (see step 2) from a Part 147-approved school, employment, or a volunteer program.
- You must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.
- If you don’t meet the language requirements, but you work outside of the United States for a U.S. air carrier, you can still get your A & P. It will not be valid for working within the U.S., though.
Step 2: Get Practical Experience
There are 2 different ways that you can gain the required practical experience to continue to step 3: On-the-Job Training or Academic Training.
Getting all of the necessary practical experience requires the most time and effort in the certification process, and only gives you eligibility to take the required A&P tests.
This process is also a bit confusing as there are many different options available to get your practical experience, and you can use a combination of some of them.
The On-the-Job Training (OJT) Route – Cheapest
OJT is practical, hands-on experience that comes with doing the actual work of an aircraft mechanic, not just academic training.
You have to have this work documented to show the FAA that you have complied with the OJT requirements.
Keep in mind that you’ll have to get OJT for both airframe and powerplant-related work to get both ratings.
There are 2 “sub-paths” you can take to complete the OJT requirements: the civilian route or the military route.
You can also use a combination of the two depending on your situation!
Before you begin OJT, it’s very important to make sure that you document all of your work.
Documentary evidence of your work can be any record you could provide to the FAA such as:
- An AMT logbook signed by your supervising mechanic(s).
- Aviation-related course completion certificates.
- Training records.
- A statement from your employer that you earned the necessary experience for the required time along with a letter of recommendation.
- For military folks:
- DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty.
- Evidence of additional military qualifications (for example, Collateral Duty Inspector (CDI), Quality Assurance Representative (QAR), Assignment to the Quality Assurance Department; Engine Turn Qualification Endorsement, etc.
1. Civilian Employment or Volunteer Work
Option A: 18 Months of OJT (for Airframe OR Powerplant) – practical experience with procedures, practices, materials, hand tools, machines, and equipment generally used in constructing, maintaining, or altering an airframe or powerplant, appropriate to the rating you want to get, OR
Option B: 30 Months of OJT (for Airframe AND Powerplant) – concurrent practical experience with procedures, practices, materials, tools, machines, and equipment generally used in constructing, maintaining, or altering both airframes and powerplants.
After you complete the required OJT for either of these options:
- Take all documentation of your work experience to your local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO).
- The Aviation Safety Inspector (ASI) will review your records, thoroughly interview you, and determine whether or not you have fulfilled the requirements needed to move on to the testing section in step 3 of this guide.
Notes:
- Either of these pathways will need to be supervised by a mechanic who holds an Airframe and/or Powerplant certificate.
- If you can find a job, apprenticeship, internship, become a mechanic’s helper, or do volunteer work with someone who already has their A&P, this is a great path to take.
2. Military Service (18 Months for A or P; 30 Months for A and P)
Option A: Joint Service Aviation Maintenance Technician Certification Council (JSAMTCC) Program – the JSAMTCC program delivers civil aviation training courses to military personnel through a partnership with the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF).
This program is designed to allow you to proceed to A&P testing after completion.
The JSAMTCC also evaluates aviation-related specialties for all U.S. Military Branches of Service (BOS).
After you complete the JSAMTCC program:
- You’ll receive a Certificate of Eligibility (COE).
- Continue to step 3.
Check out this article with even more details on how to get your A&P with military experience.
Notes:
- This is the most straightforward way for military folks to get their A&P, as the program was specifically designed to cover the practical experience required to get your A&P.
- You’ll need to enroll in this program while you are on active duty, guard, or reserve.
Option B: Practical Experience Through Your Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) – these requirements for both time and experience are the same as the civilian ones in section 1, but the only difference is that you get the experience and documentation of it in the military.
If you did not complete a JSAMTCC program and are prior-military, you’ll have to provide documentation of your practical experience to an FSDO.
Again, make sure you document all of your practical experience!
Here are the steps you can follow to make sure you have what you need:
- Look for your Branch of Service (BOS) and Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) to find out which rating your MOS applies to. These specialties are listed in FAA Order 8900.1, (Figure 5-135 – MOS Codes).
- *If your MOS does not cover either the airframe or the powerplant requirements and you have done work that covers either of those areas, you can have the required supervisor sign off on the work you did outside of your MOS to satisfy the missing requirements.
- Make sure your BOS documents and files your training and experience records for you. You can ask your supervisor about how to get this information.
- Get a letter from your Executive Officer, Maintenance Officer, or Classification Officer that certifies:
- Your length of military service;
- The amount of time you worked in each MOS, NEC, or AFSC;
- The make and model of aircraft and/or engine on which you acquired the practical experience; and
- Where you obtained the experience.
After you complete the required OJT for this option:
- Take all documentation of your work experience to your local FSDO.
- The Aviation Safety Inspector (ASI) will review your records, thoroughly interview you, and determine whether or not you have fulfilled the requirements needed to move on to the testing section in step 3 of this guide.
Notes:
- If you are an active duty military member and have chosen this route, you can apply to move on to testing at your local FSDO while you are still active.
- You may have to “scramble” to get proper documentation of your experience if you’re prior military and decide you want to get your A&P. Planning ahead to make sure you’re not missing any experience can help in the long run.
- Items you’ll need to take to the FSDO if you have foreign military experience:
- A detailed original statement from a Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of the country where you gained the experience.
- A detailed statement from an advisor of the ICAO that will validate the experience.
- If the CAA refuses to provide this information, the FSDO inspector will take appropriate action to determine that the experience is valid.
Academic Training Route
The FAA approves certain schools through Part 147 of the FARs as Aviation Maintenance Technician Schools (AMTS).
These schools are eligible training programs you can use to gain the practical experience required before you can take the A&P tests. Here are the basic steps:
- Get your high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED).
- Find an FAA-approved Part 147 school and enroll.
- Graduate from the FAA-approved school.
- After you finish your curriculum you’ll receive either a graduation certificate or certificate of completion.
- Continue to step 3.
Notes:
- This route can take anywhere from 18 to 24 months to complete.
- These approved schools may or may not provide some sort of degree, like an associate’s or bachelor’s.
- You can continue to A&P testing early if you and a representative at your school feel you’re ready. Fill out FAA Form 8610-2 and talk with an FSDO before taking the written tests.
Step 3: Pass the Tests
You must pass the written knowledge, oral, and practical tests as appropriate for the rating you want to get.
The oral and practical portions of the tests are based on the FAA’s FAA-S-8081-26B Aviation Mechanic General, Airframe, and Powerplant Practical Test Standards (PTS) document.
You have to pass all the tests within 24 months after you start to take them.
- First, you’ll need to study to pass the applicable written knowledge tests:
- General – *must be taken before either the airframe or powerplant tests*
- Airframe
- Powerplant
- Here are a few useful links to the testing standards:
- Next, find an Airmen Knowledge Test Center in your area, then schedule and take the appropriate written tests.
- Once you pass the written tests, find a DME in your area, and schedule a time to take the appropriate oral and practical examinations which will be based on the same content as the written tests.
- Show up, meet your DME, and complete your oral and practical examinations!
Key Considerations for Becoming an Aircraft Mechanic
Here are 3 more key considerations that you should keep in mind to successfully become an aircraft mechanic:
- Always document your practical experience – undocumented experience will only set your timeline to becoming an A&P back.
- Choose your path carefully – it may not make sense to take out a student loan for school for some, while others may not want to dedicate 4 years of their lives to serving in the military.
- Make sure you study for all tests – wasting your time – and money – failing a test is not ideal. There are lots of great study resources available to pass on your first try.
Taking it to the Next Level: Landing Your Dream Job
Now that you’ve gotten your A&P certificate, it’s time to put it to work. Here are a few ideas for what you can do now:
Find a job:
- Airlines
- Repair Stations
- General Aviation
- Contracting
- Specializations:
- Non-destructive testing (NDT)
- Avionics
- Composites
- Engines
- Quality Assurance
- Manufacturing
- Become a certificated FAA inspector: Inspection Authorization (IA)
Alternatives to Being an Aircraft Mechanic
Here are a few ideas for jobs you can do outside of working on aircraft with your airframe and powerplant licenses:
- Research and Development
- Wind Turbines
- Spacecraft
- Railroads
- Amusement Parks
Wrapping Up, and My Experience With Becoming an Aircraft Mechanic
As we conclude this guide on how to become an aircraft mechanic, it’s clear that this career path offers boundless opportunities for those with a passion for aviation and a knack for problem-solving.
By following the steps outlined in this post—completing a relevant education program, gaining practical experience through civilian or military work, obtaining necessary certifications, and staying updated on industry advancements—you can embark on a rewarding journey in aircraft maintenance.
Remember, becoming an aircraft mechanic isn’t just about fixing planes; it’s about ensuring the safety and reliability of aircraft that take to the skies every day.
So, embrace the challenges, continue learning, and let your love for aviation propel you toward a fulfilling and impactful career in aircraft maintenance.
The sky’s the limit!
FAQs
How long does it take to be an aviation mechanic?
Typically, it takes 18-24 months to complete an FAA-approved aviation maintenance technician program.
After that, you need to pass written, oral, and practical exams to obtain your Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license.
Is it hard being an aircraft mechanic?
Being an aircraft mechanic can be challenging.
It requires technical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure.
The job involves physical labor and can have irregular hours.
However, many find it rewarding due to the importance of the work and the variety of tasks involved.
How many years is an aircraft mechanic?
The initial training takes about 2 years.
But…aircraft mechanics continue learning throughout their careers as technology and regulations evolve.
Lots of mechanics work in the field for decades, continually updating their skills and knowledge.
Do aircraft mechanics make 6 figures?
While it’s possible for experienced aircraft mechanics to earn six-figure salaries, especially in specialized roles or management positions, it’s not typical for entry-level mechanics.
Salaries vary based on experience, location, and employer.
The median annual wage for aircraft mechanics was about $65,550 as of 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What disqualifies you from being an aircraft mechanic?
Several factors can disqualify someone from becoming an aircraft mechanic:
- Failing to complete an FAA-approved training program.
- Inability to pass FAA written, oral, and practical exams.
- Certain criminal convictions, especially those related to aviation safety.
- Substance abuse issues.
- Severe vision or hearing impairments that can’t be corrected.
- Inability to obtain necessary security clearances (for some positions).
