How to Become an Aircraft Mechanic

An aircraft mechanic is responsible for the repair, replacement, and maintenance of aircraft components and parts. They also cover the craft for various function checks and system issues. 

The job entails a large amount of responsibility and rightfully so. When it comes to working on complex aircraft, proper safety and function correlate to the work you do.

So what separates aircraft mechanics from everyday shop mechanics? Keep reading to learn about how to become an aircraft mechanic. 

How to Become an Aircraft Mechanic

Whether it’s an aircraft mechanic school or on-the-job training, mechanics need some form of professional experience. 

The guidelines that pilots follow are quite similar to that of a mechanic. First, you must pass an FAA written exam and the accompanying oral and practice sessions. There are also additional requirements for inspectors and avionics technicians. 

This process usually takes one to five years or more but could lead to hundreds of avenues. 

Certification and Training

Certification and training are important when becoming an aircraft mechanic. 

Starting your career begins after graduating high school and applying for a course, but non-licensed mechanics have restrictions. Without a license, an aircraft mechanic can’t approve aviation articles for a return to service and can only work under some form of supervision.

In order to get hired, you have to be 18 years old and able to understand, write, and speak English. When it comes to the actual work, you’re required to graduate from an FAA-approved school or have received 18 months of on-the-job experience. 

Certifications come after the fact and usually stretch over 30 months. Graduating from these schools results in higher pay than those individuals who are only on-the-job certified. 

Pass the Test

Passing both the written exams and practical tests a necessity in how to become an aircraft mechanic.

There are three written tests, AMT-General Test, AMT-Airframe Test, and the AMT-Powerplant Test, each of which depends on your career focus. These tests challenge your general knowledge to make sure you’re ready for the job.

The practical test highlights the skills, abilities, and knowledge needed for the job. It’s made up of an oral and practical portion. Each of these takes about 8 hours and covers 43 subject areas. 

Military Background 

It’s no secret that most aircraft mechanics have a military background. 

Experience in the military results in paid training. The FAA recognizes this and provides service members a credit of sorts based on occupation specialties. These occupations should involve some sort of aviation maintenance. 

Even colleges and training programs offer advantages to military members. Credit will be provided for those in the service as an aviation mechanic as well. 

These are all great examples and avenues showing what it takes to be an aircraft mechanic. It takes a certain level of work that goes into a lucrative/rewarding career like this. 

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When it comes to your future and determining how to become an aircraft mechanic, there are hundreds of different routes. 

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