Aircraft Mechanic

What kind of training is needed to become a Aircraft Mechanic? Certificates, degrees, on the job training, and what ever else would be needed and recommended?

Asked by Perry over 4 years ago

To start off, you must be 18 (at the time of your examinations), and be able to read/write/understand English.

If you are coming into this with no previous documented aircraft maintenance experience, then you can go one of two ways: 

1) Go to an aviation maintenance school for about 2 years (I've seen some intensive programs as short as 14 months though).  There are lots of schools out there, that will put you through their aviation mx program.  After getting enough class, shop, and lab time; you'll have to take three different written exams:  The General, The Airframe, and The Powerplant.  The written exams shouldn't be a problem if you have performed well in your classes.  After you take your written test, you will take your Oral & Practical Examination.  This consists of one to two days usually, where you get to be with a Designated Mechanic Examiner (DME); while they ask you a battery of oral questions, which you must answer with no references or notes.  After that, they will have a set of tasks laid out for you in their shop area.  And you will be observed while you perform them.  If all goes well, you will leave your oral and practicals with your signed temporary license.

2)  You can also go another way, where you go to work as a mechanic's helper, or apprentice, and you document all of your training tasks, and time spent doing so.  You must have 18 months of practical, documented, experience with either power plants or airframes; or 30 months of practical experience working on both at the same time. After you have enough documented time on the job being trained; you must contact one of your local FAA representatives, and they will look at all of your paperwork, and give you a yes or no, on permission to take your tests.  After that, you take your written tests, and your oral & practicals, just like in situation 1).

If you are coming into this with previous documented experience, mostly this will happen with people who have military experience; you would go to the FAA person, and they will look at what you have, and tell you what you need to do in order to get permission to take the tests.

Or, you can just go work at a repair station, and they can get a Repairman's Certificate issued to you.  This will allow you to work and sign off very specific things, while you are working for that specific employer only.

Or, you can go to work as a mechanic's helper, and never get your license (I've seen people do this, for years).  

If you are young, and getting into this (like in your 20's or 30's); I would HIGHLY recommend you going to a school that has a program where you would get your A&P license, and also a Bachelor's Degree in something adjacent (like management, or engineering).  Doing so, will really open up some unique opportunities for you in the future.  

Don't be like Fred; who is now a 50 year old A&P inspector, and wishes he could get some of those really cool sounding jobs in management, at really reputable companies.  But he can't, because he didn't get his Bachelor's; and it doesn't make financial sense to do it now.....

But that's just my take on it.  I took the school route, and got an Associate Degree in the process as well.  It was a Community College program, and it was very reasonably priced (at least it was back in 1990 - 1992).

This is a good place to go and read some more: http://www.airframeandpowerplant.com/Eligibility.html 

This is also a good resource, the electronic code of federal regulations, Chapter 65.71 thru 65.95: https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/retrieveECFR?gp=&SID=9a13597aec0b9d7d4065b922843b6850&mc=true&n=sp14.2.65.d&r=SUBPART&ty=HTML

Why do you get so mad at people asking legitimate questions? It says Ask Me Anything doesn’t it

Asked by Woah over 4 years ago

Because this is not a literal Ask Me Anything, is it?

This is “ask me anything about my job”.

There is a difference.

I answer questions here pertaining to my job, which is a licensed aircraft technician and inspector.

I’m not here to debate Boeing corporate policy regarding executive bonuses; or airline passenger mask policies, and I’m definitely not here to troubleshoot your cousin’s Cessna 150 that won’t start.

So when I say to people, do you have a job related question to ask me? I’m trying to get people to focus on the intent of this Q&A.

If you where not a aircraft mechanic what would you do

Asked by Mr Earl over 4 years ago

Lawyer.

I had an opportunity to be guided down that path at a former employer, but I saw my first aviation job opening instead.

Do you think it was wrong to kick that guy off a plane for simply asking a flight attendant to put her mask on?

Asked by Martinia over 4 years ago

I don’t know the details of this situation, therefore I have no opinion on it.

This Q&A is not here to critique airline policies.

I recently got my first DUI, with zero priors and am in an FAA certified school going for my Airframe license next month. How would this affect geting my A&P licenses and finding work after for a commercial airline? Thank you.

Asked by Jeremy almost 3 years ago

It should not effect getting your A&P. Lots of licensed mechs running around (literally, because their drivers license has been revoked) with DUIs and such. I have worked with many mechs like that.

As far as getting jobs; that’s up to the company and their policies. Usually, in order to drive around ground vehicles and such, they want you to have a valid drivers license.

But, you’ll have to inquire with people from whichever company you are applying to. Maybe they’ll know what policy is there.

I know my company would hire you.

In your opinion, whitch aircraft navigation method would airlines pick if they had one choice: Barometric(pressure) altimeters or Radio(VORTAC)

Asked by LucaKD 9 months ago

Hi Fred. Im in mechanic school right now and Im hoping to find a job where I work alone. What aircraft mechanic jobs with my A&P can I get that I work alone for the most part?

Asked by Warlord over 2 years ago