Aircraft Maintenance Training is a very specialized field.  Let’s face it; you are working on equipment that involves people’s life so it’s vital you must know what you are doing.  This type of training requires months / years of training depending on your specialization. Some training topics includes Airframe Repair, Assemble/Disassemble Parts, Propeller & Engine Systems, Basic Electricity & Electronics, Turbine/Jet Engine Systems, Fuel Metering Systems, Sheet Metal Structures, etc.

Becoming Certified

Most Aircraft Mechanics are certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) which requires mechanics to be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, be fluent in English and have the required technical skills. Most Aircraft Mechanics learn their technical skills from 1 of the 170 FAA certified Aviation Maintenance Technical School.

By law, the FAA requires that certified maintenance mechanic schools offer students a minimum of 1,900 class hours.  The training programs last 12 to 24 months providing tools and equipment used on the job.  Approximately, 1/3 of training programs award 2-year and 4-year degrees in aviation maintenance management, aviation technology and avionics.

Due to advances in aircraft maintenance technology, a strong background in computers and electronics is extremely important to get and keep work in this field.  Aircraft trade schools are placing more importance on technologies such as aviation electronics, turbine engines and composite materials.

Some aircraft mechanics get on the job training by working closely with experienced mechanics.  However, their work must be supervised and documented by certified mechanics until they become FAA certified.

All maintenance work performed on aircrafts must be performed by certified aircraft mechanics or under the close supervision of a certified mechanic.  As a result, most airlines will only hire aircraft mechanics who are FAA certified.  The FAA offer certifications for powerplant and airframe mechanics, however, most airlines prefer to hire aircraft mechanics who are Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certified.

Aircraft maintenance mechanics need a minimum of 18 months relevant work experience before they can apply for an airframe or powerplant certificate and 30 months of relevant work experience working with both airframes and engines for a combined A&P certificate.  Completion of a training program at a FAA-certified school may be substituted for work experience requirements.

Applicants must also pass a written, oral and practical test that proves they can do the work authorized by the certificate.  Written tests can be takes at one of the many computer testing facilities around the world.  The oral and practical tests are given by a Designated Mechanic Examiner of the FAA.  All exams must be passed within 24 months to receive certification.

For mechanics to keep their certification valid, they must have current work experience by having at least 1,000 hours of work experience in the past 24 months or take a refresher course.  Additionally, mechanics must take a minimum of 16 hours of training every 2 years to keep their certificates current.  Many employers of aircraft mechanics will offer training, usually facilitatd by outside contractors.

FAA certified airframe mechanics are allowed to work on avionics equipment but avionic technician who have military experience or have worked for avionic manufacturers are not required to be FAA certified.  Avionics technicians who work on communications equipment must have a restricted radio-telephone operator license from the Federal Communications Commission.