How to Become an Aircraft Mechanic

Before one can become an aircraft mechanic, there are prerequisites, in the form of training, tests, etc., thus we bring you steps on how to become an aircraft mechanic.

What Does an Aircraft Mechanic Do?

Aircraft mechanic technicians (AMTs) are responsible for performing repairs, as well as preventative and routine maintenance on all kinds of aircraft and helicopters.

FAA certified aircraft mechanics also referred to as Airframe and Powerplant mechanics, or A&P mechanics have a high demand rate. The military, airlines, government, as well as many other companies, are hiring aircraft mechanics.

Specific training is required for aircraft maintenance technicians, they include an eye for detail and a basic understanding of how things work. These technicians are also responsible for maintaining and inspecting aircraft for service, thus being professional and diligent is essential for aircraft mechanics…

Those who wish to become an aircraft maintenance technician, can go to a technical school or receive on-the-job training to become an AMT. An AMT student can decide to be an Airframe or Powerplant mechanic, or even both. An A&P mechanic can also work on avionics with the appropriate training and move upwards to become an inspector authorization (IA).

Akin to a pilot’s training, and AMT must pass an FAA written exam, and the accompanying oral and practical exams. Authorized inspectors and avionics technicians need additional training and testing. The time needed to become an aircraft mechanic is usually one to five years or more.

Meet the Criteria

If you are thinking of having a career as an A&P mechanic, you must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English, and you must be at least 18 years of age.

To get qualified to work as 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. But if you want both certifications, you will need at least 30 months of experience in both Airframes and Powerplants.

Lastly, all applicants for an A&P certificate must satisfactorily pass the FAA’s written, oral, as well as practical exams.

Enter a Training Program

Apart from formal education, you can also consider an on-the-job training program, where you’ll be required to complete a minimum of 18 months of training under the supervision of a qualified mechanic for either the Airframe or Powerplant Certificate. For both the A&P certifications, you would have to complete 30 months of training under the supervision of a qualified mechanic.

Numerous AMTs stems from the military, and military experience is looked highly upon in the civilian world and comes with paid training. Most people find that earning a paycheck while serving their country is a fulfilling way of life.

The FAA offers service members credit for time spent in certain occupational specialties which involve aviation maintenance. Colleges, as well as other AMT training programs, give credit for military service as an aviation mechanic also.

Attend and graduate from one of the FAA-approved AMT training schools, which usually offer the full package, including the Airframe &Powerplantcertification and avionics training.

Take the Necessary Tests

Written Exams –There may be three possible written exams: the AMT – General Test, the AMT-Airframe Test, and the AMT-Powerplant Test. The general test encompasses 60 questions. TheAirframe Test and thePowerplanttesteach contain 100 questions and all tests are multiple-choice and allow 2 hours for completion. You’ll need 70 percent or more to pass all of the tests.

Practical Test– You must pass a practical test made up of both an oral portion(discussion) as well as a practical portion (demonstration) to prove to the FAA that you have knowledge, skills, and abilities.

A test must be done for each certification requested (the General, Airframe or Powerplant Certificate) and each test spans for approximately eight hours. The test is given by an FAA Designated Examiner and encompasses 43 subject areas.

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