What is a aircraft mechanic job like?

Aircraft Mechanics work in hangars, out on the field on the "flight lines" where airplanes park, or in repair stations. You use hand and power tools as well as sophisticated test equipment. Maintenance is performed around the clock, seven days a week. New aircraft mechanics and technicians should expect to work nights and weekends. The noise level both indoors and on the flight line could be very high. Sometimes your work requires physical activity, from climbing ladders to crawling under deadline to make sure an airplane was ready to fly a scheduled flight.

Do I need a license to be an aircraft mechanic?
Not necessarily. However, if you don't have a mechanic's certificate from FAA, you can work only when supervised by someone who does have an aircraft maintenance certificate. You could not approve equipment for return to service. Without an aircraft maintenance certificate, you are less likely to advance to the top of the career field.

The FAA issues aircraft mechanics and repairman certificates. Aircraft Mechanics can get either an airframe certificate or a power plant certificate--most aircraft mechanics get both. Repairman get certificates to perform only one or two specific tasks, and they must be supervised by FAA-approved Repair Stations, commercial operators, or air carriers where these specific tasks are done daily.

Do I need any experience to become a certified aircraft mechanic?
Yes. You can get the required experience through civilian or military on-the-job training, or by attending a special school for aircraft mechanics.

Do I have to take any tests to become a certified mechanic?
Yes. You have to take both oral and practical tests. There is a fee for the test. The oral and practical tests cover 43 technical subjects. Typically tests for one certificate--airframe or power plant--takes about 8 hours.

I'm a US Citizen. What requirements must I meet to get a mechanic's certificate?

1. You must be
   • at least 18 years old;
   • able to read, write, speak, and understand English.
2. You must get 18 months of practical experience with either power plants or airframes, or 30 months of practical experience working on both at the same time. As an alternative to this experience requirement, you can graduate from an FAA-Approved Aviation Maintenance Technician School.
3. You must pass three types of tests;
   • a written examination
   • an oral test
   • a practical test

I'm not a US Citizen, and I live outside the United States. How do I get a mechanic's certificate?
You must meet all the requirements listed above for United States citizens. You must also meet the following requirements:

1. Demonstrate you need a mechanic certificate to maintain U.S.-registered civil aircraft and you are neither a U.S. citizen nor a resident alien.
2. Show the examiner your passport.
3. Provide a detailed statement from your employer saying what specific types of maintenance you preformed on each aircraft, and how long you performed it.
4. Provide a letter from the foreign airworthiness authority of the country in which you got your experience, or from an advisor of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), validating your maintenance experience.
5. Make sure all the documents you provide are signed and dated originals.
6. Pay the fee for the document review.

What if I can't meet the English language requirements?
We may waive the language requirement if you live outside the United States. We would stamp your certificate "Valid only outside of the U.S."

Do I need any other certificate to work on avionics equipment?
If you have an airframe certificate you don't need any other certificate, but you must be properly trained and qualified and have the proper tools and equipment. You can even work on avionics equipment without a certificate if you have avionics repair experience from the military or from working for avionics manufacturers and related industries.

How do I get a repairman's certificate?
To get a repairman's certificate, you must be recommended by a repair station, commercial operator, or air carrier. You must

• be at least 18 years old;
• be able to read, write, speak, and understand English
• be qualified to perform maintenance on aircraft or components
• be employed or a specific job requiring special qualifications by an FAA-certified Repair Station, commercial operator, or air carrier.
• be recommended for the repairman certificate by your employer
• have either 18 months practical experience in the specific job or complete a formal training course acceptable to FAA.

You can get the experience you need to become a certified power plant or airframe mechanic in one of three ways.

1. You can attend one of the 170 FAR part 147 Aviation Maintenance Technician Schools nationwide. These schools offer training for one mechanic’s certificate or both. Many schools offer avionics courses that cover electronics and instrumentation.

   You need a high school diploma or a General Education Diploma (GED) to get in to most schools. The schooling lasts from 12 months and 24 months, generally less than required by FAA for on-the-job training. When you graduate, you are qualified to take FAA's exams. Graduates often get higher starting salaries than individuals who got their required experience in one of the other two ways.

2. You can work an FAA Repair Station or FBO under the supervision of a certified mechanic for 18 months for each certificate, or 30 months for both. 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 you worked the required time.

3. You can join one of the armed services and get training and experience in aircraft maintenance. Make sure you are in a military occupational specialty for which FAA gives credit. You can get a current list of acceptable specialties from the local FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO).

   You must present an official letter from your military employer certifying your length of service, the amount of time you worked in each specialties, the make and model of the aircraft or engine on which you got practical experience, and where you got the experience. You cannot count time you spent training for the specialty, only the time you spent working in the specialty.

With both types of on-the-job training you should set aside additional study time to prepare for the written and oral/practical tests. The FAA will give you credit for your practical experience only after we review your paperwork and you have a satisfactory interview with an FAA Airworthiness inspector.

To become an aircraft mechanic, you must take oral and practical tests as well as written tests. There is a fee for the test. A Designated Mechanic Examiner gives you the oral and practical test. You can get a list of these examiners at the local FAA office. The oral and practical tests cover 43 technical subjects. Typically tests for one certificate--airframe or power plant--takes about 8 hours.

To apply to take the written test, you must present your proof of exrience to an FAA inspector at the local FAA office. There are separate tests for airframe and power plant mechanic certificates, as well as a general test covering both. If the inspector decides you meet the requirements to take one of the tests, you may make an appointment for testing at one of the many computer testing facilities (PDF) world-wide. You can get a list of sample general, airframe, and power plant test questions.

If you fail part of a test, you have to wait 30 days before you can take it again, unless you give a letter to the Examiner showing you've gotten additional training in the areas you failed.

You must pass all the tests within a 24-month period. The FAA will then issue you your aircraft maintenance certificate.