How to Become an Aircraft Mechanic

How to Become an Aircraft Mechanic

Aircraft maintenance technicians (AMTs) are responsible for performing repairs, preventative and routine maintenance on all types of aircraft and helicopters. FAA certified aircraft mechanics (also called Airframe & Powerplant mechanics, or A&P mechanics) are in high demand right now. The military, airlines, government, and many other companies are hiring aircraft mechanics.

Aircraft maintenance technicians need specific training, an eye for detail, and a basic understanding of how things work.

And they bear a large amount of responsibility when it comes to maintaining and inspecting aircraft for service, so being professional and diligent is important for aircraft mechanics.

Prospective aircraft mechanics can go to a technical school or receive on-the-job training to become an AMT. An AMT student can choose to be an Airframe or Powerplant mechanic, or both. An A&P mechanic can also work on avionics with the appropriate training and can move up to become an inspector authorization (IA). Similar to a pilot's training, an AMT must pass an FAA written exam, as well as the accompanying oral and practical exams. Authorized inspectors and avionics technicians require additional training and testing.

Time Required: One to five years or more

Here's How:

Meet the Prerequisites

If you're considering a career as an A&P mechanic, you will need to be able to read, write, speak and understand English, and you must be at least 18 years old.

To be an AMT, you must graduate from an FAA-approved school for maintenance or gain at least 18 months of on-the-job experience working on either Airframes or Powerplants, or to get both certifications, at least 30 months of experience on both airframes and power plants.

Finally, all applicants for an A&P certificate must satisfactorily pass the FAA's written, oral and practical exams.

Enter a Training Program

There are three basic routes you can take for AMT training:

1. Attend and graduate from one of the FAA-approved AMT training schools. These schools usually offer the full package, including both the Airframe & Powerplant certification as well as avionics training.
2. If the formal education environment isn't for you, consider an on-the-job training program, where you complete a minimum of 18 months of training under the supervision of a qualified mechanic for either the Airframe or Powerplant Certificate. Or, for both the A&P certifications, you would complete 30 months of training under the supervision of a qualified mechanic.
3. Many AMTs originate from the military. Military experience is looked highly upon in the civilian world, and the training is paid. And many people find that earning a paycheck while serving their country is a fulfilling way of life. The FAA gives service members credit for time spent in certain occupational specialties that involve aviation maintenance. Colleges and other AMT training programs will give credit for military service as an aviation mechanic, as well.

Take the Required Tests

• The Written Exams: There are three possible written exams. They include the AMT-General Test, the AMT-Airframe Test, and the AMT-Powerplant Test. The General test is 60 questions. The Airframe and Powerplant tests are each 100 questions. All tests are multiple-choice and allow 2 hours for completion. A 70% or better is required to pass all of the tests.
• The Practical Test: To demonstrate to the FAA that you have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to be an AMT, you must pass a practical test made up of both an oral portion (discussion) and a practical portion (demonstration). A test must be done for each certification requested (the General, Airframe or Powerplant Certificate) and each test takes approximately eight hours. The test is given by an FAA Designated Examiner and includes 43 subject areas.

Top Aviation Maintenance Schools

1-Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

2-Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics

3-Broward College