There are three options to choose from to get the experience you need to become
an aircraft mechanic. Choose from the options below:
•
Aviation
Maintenance Technician Schools
There are approximately 200 postsecondary schools (colleges, universities,
community colleges, and trade schools) that offer F.A.A. approved Part
147 Aviation Maintenance Technician programs. These programs range in length
from 18 to 24 months and educate students in all aspects of aviation maintenance.
They include classroom theory and hands-on training through extensive shop
experience. The cost of attending a school that offers an Aviation Maintenance
Technician program will vary from one school to another, in which costs
are based on several factors such as school reputation, location, state
residency, etc. In addition, many schools offer the option of an Associate
of Applied Science Degree, in which you can then transfer to a four-year
institution to complete your Bachelors Degree requirements.
Upon successful completion of the required
FAA coursework for the Aviation Maintenance
Technician Program, you can take the FAA written,
oral, and practical tests for the Airframe & Powerplant
certificate.
•
Airframe & Powerplant
Mechanic Apprentices
Airframe & Powerplant mechanic apprentices are paid trainees who work
under the supervision of a certified Airframe & Powerplant mechanic
who must sign approval of their work before the aircraft or its equipment
is considered airworthy. Apprentices can work 18 months for each certificate
(Airframe or Powerplant), or 30 months for both (Airframe & Powerplant)
certificates.
Airframe & Powerplant mechanic apprentices
are authorized to work on engines and to do
limited work on propellers. Apprentices are
usually employed by small repair shops in which
they perform all the duties of a mechanic.
However, some apprentices are employed with
large airlines or other large employers in
which they have specialized work assignments.
As an apprentice, you must document your experience
with pay receipts, a log book signed by your
supervising mechanic, a notarized statement
from your employer, or other proof that you
worked the required time.
•
Military
Training
The US Armed Forces (Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard) have
about 70,000 aircraft mechanics. Each year, they need new mechanics due
to changes in personnel and the demands of the field. Military job training
consists of 3 to 17 weeks of classroom instruction including inspection
and repair of aircraft engines and equipment. Training length varies depending
upon the specialty. Course content typically includes engine disassembly
and repair; repair of hydraulic, fuel, and avionics and electrical systems;
and repair of aluminum, steel, and fiberglass airframes and coverings.
Further training occurs on the job and through advanced courses. The Army,
Navy, and Marine Corps offer certified apprenticeship-training programs
for some specialties in this occupation. After job training, mechanics
are assigned to an aircraft maintenance unit, where they perform routine
maintenance and simple repair jobs. For more information visit Today's
Military online.
AvScholars.com: Aviation Maintenance is your one-stop source to information on aviation maintenance schools and how to become an aviation maintenance technician, aircraft mechanic, or avionics technician. Search MyAvScholars: Aviation Colleges Directory to find aviation maintenance schools and aviation colleges offering aviation maintenance programs.
