How
Do I Become an Aircraft Mechanic
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.