Become An Aircraft Mechanic

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Working As An Aircraft Mechanic

Getting Information
Documenting/Recording Information
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment

Stressful
Make Decisions
$61,314
Average Salary

What Does An Aircraft Mechanic Do

An Aircraft Mechanic maintains and repairs avionic and mechanical equipment in order to ensure the safe operation of planes and helicopters. They work in the fields of aviation, aircraft, maintenance, and services.

How To Become An Aircraft Mechanic

Many aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians learn their trade at an FAA-approved aviation maintenance technician school. Others enter with a high school education or equivalent and are trained on the job. Some workers enter the occupation after getting training in the military. Aircraft mechanics and avionics technicians typically are certified by the FAA. See Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 65, subparts D and E, for the most current requirements for becoming a certified mechanic.

Education and Training

Aircraft mechanics and service technicians often enter the occupation after attending a Part 147 FAA-approved aviation maintenance technician school. These schools award a certificate of completion that the FAA recognizes as an alternative to the experience requirements stated in regulations. The schools also grant holders the right to take the relevant FAA exams.

Some aircraft mechanics and service technicians enter the occupation with a high school diploma or equivalent and receive on-the-job training to learn their skills and to be able to pass the FAA exams. Other workers enter the occupation after getting training in the military. Aviation maintenance personnel who are not certified by the FAA work under supervision until they have enough experience and knowledge and become certified.

Avionics technicians typically earn an associate’s degree before entering the occupation. Aircraft controls, systems, and flight instruments have become increasingly digital and computerized. Maintenance workers who have the proper background in aviation flight instruments or computer repair are needed to maintain these complex systems.

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

Although aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians are not required to get licenses or certifications, most do, because these credentials often improve a mechanic’s wages and chances for employment. The FAA requires that aircraft maintenance be done either by a certified mechanic with the appropriate ratings or authorizations or under the supervision of such a mechanic.

The FAA offers separate certifications for bodywork (Airframe mechanics, or “A”) and engine work (Powerplant mechanics, or “P”), but employers may prefer to hire mechanics who have both Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) ratings. The A&P ratings generally certify that aviation mechanics meet basic knowledge and ability standards.

Mechanics must be at least 18 years of age, be fluent in English, and have 30 months of experience to qualify for either the A or the P rating or both (the A&P rating). If only one rating is sought by the mechanic, 18 months’ experience is required to take either the Airframe or the Powerplant exam. However, completion of a program at a Part 147 FAA-approved aviation maintenance technician school can substitute for the experience requirement and shorten the time requirements for becoming eligible to take the FAA exams.

Applicants must pass written, oral, and practical exams that demonstrate the required skills. Candidates must pass all the tests within a timeframe of 2 years.

To keep their certification, mechanics must have completed relevant repair or maintenance work within the previous 24 months. To fulfill this requirement, mechanics may take classes from their employer, a school, or an aircraft manufacturer.

Avionics technicians typically are certified through a repair station for the specific work being done, or else they hold the Airframe rating to work on an aircraft’s electronic and flight instrument systems. An Aircraft Electronics Technician (AET) certification is available through the National Center for Aerospace & Transportation Technologies (NCATT). It certifies that aviation mechanics have a basic level of knowledge in the subject area, but it is not required by the FAA for any specific tasks. Avionics technicians who work on communications equipment may need to have the proper radiotelephone operator certification issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

Other licenses and certifications are available to mechanics who wish to increase their skill set or advance their careers. The Inspection Authorization (IA) is available to mechanics who have had their A&P ratings for at least 3 years and meet other requirements. These mechanics are able to sign off on many major repairs and alterations. Mechanics can get numerous other certifications, such as Repairmen of light-sport aircraft and Designated Airworthiness Representative (DAR).

Important Qualities

Strength and agility. Mechanics and technicians may need to carry or move heavy equipment or aircraft parts. They may need to climb on airplanes, balance, and reach without falling.

Detail oriented. Mechanics and technicians need to adjust airplane parts to exact specifications. For example, they often use precision tools to tighten wheel bolts to an exact tension.

Dexterity. Mechanics and technicians must possess dexterity to coordinate the movement of their fingers and hands in order to grasp, manipulate, or assemble parts.

Observational skills. Mechanics and technicians must recognize engine noises, read gauges, and collect other information to determine whether an aircraft’s systems are working properly.

Troubleshooting skills. Mechanics and technicians diagnose complex problems, and they need to evaluate options to correct those problems.

Work Experience in a Related Occupation

Avionics technicians may begin their careers as aircraft mechanics and service technicians. As aircraft mechanics and service technicians gain experience, they may study independently, attend formal classes, or otherwise choose to pursue additional certifications that grant privileges to work on specialized flight instruments. Eventually, they may become dedicated avionics technicians who work exclusively on flight instruments.

Advancement

As aircraft mechanics gain experience, they may advance to lead mechanic, lead inspector, or shop supervisor. Opportunities are best for those who have an inspection authorization (IA). Many specialist certifications are available that allow mechanics to do a wider variety of repairs and alterations.

Mechanics with broad experience in maintenance and repair might become inspectors or examiners for the FAA.

Additional business and management training may help aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians open their own maintenance facility.

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Aircraft Mechanic jobs

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Aircraft Mechanic Career Paths

Aircraft Mechanic

Aircraft Maintenance Technician

Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor

5 Yearsyrs

Maintenance Technician Maintenance Director

Airport Maintenance Chief

5 Yearsyrs

Technician Electrical Technician Avionics Technician

Avionics Manager

12 Yearsyrs

Maintenance Technician Electrical Technician Avionics Technician

Avionics Supervisor

5 Yearsyrs

Mechanic Technician Maintenance Technician

Lead Mechanic

7 Yearsyrs

Aircraft Maintenance Technician Line Maintenance Technician

Line Maintenance

7 Yearsyrs

Service Technician System Technician Avionics Technician

Maintenance Controller

6 Yearsyrs

Quality Inspector Forklift Operator Automotive Technician

Master Technician

6 Yearsyrs

Accounts Payable Clerk Technician Mechanical Technician

Mechanics Supervisor

6 Yearsyrs

Technician Shop Foreman Technical Inspector

Repair Supervisor

5 Yearsyrs

Mechanic Maintenance Technician

Senior Maintenance Technician

8 Yearsyrs

Average Length of Employment

Aircraft Maintenance Technician 6.4 years
Pneudraulic Systems Mechanic 6.3 years
Aircraft Engine Mechanic 6.1 years
Aircraft Structure Mechanic 5.7 years
Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor 5.7 years
Master Mechanic 5.6 years
Aviation Maintenance Technician 5.2 years
Aircraft Electrician 5.2 years
Aircraft Armament Mechanic 5.2 years
Aircraft Technician 5.0 years
Aircraft Mechanic 5.0 years
Avionics Technician 4.7 years
Plant Mechanic 4.6 years
Jet Mechanic 4.5 years
Aircraft Engineer 4.5 years
Aviation Mechanic 4.3 years
Helicopter Mechanic 4.3 years
Structures Mechanic 4.0 years
Airframe Mechanic 4.0 years
Hydraulic Mechanic 4.0 years
Engine Mechanic 3.8 years
Line Mechanic 3.8 years
Airframe And Powerplant Mechanic 3.7 years
Aircraft Inspector 3.6 years
Aircraft And Powerplant Mechanic 3.5 years
Mechanic 3.5 years
Aircraft Accessories Mechanic 1.5 years

Top Careers Before Aircraft Mechanic

Top Careers After Aircraft Mechanic

Aircraft Mechanic Demographics

Gender

Male
90.6%
Female
8.1%
Unknown
1.4%

Ethnicity

White
79.8%
Hispanic or Latino
11.8%
Asian
6.1%
Unknown
1.6%
Black or African American
0.6%

Languages Spoken

Spanish
52.3%
French
6.9%
German
6.2%
Cherokee
5.4%
Russian
3.8%
Korean
3.1%
Navajo
3.1%
Carrier
3.1%
Arabic
3.1%
Italian
1.5%
Croatian
1.5%
Comanche
1.5%
Portuguese
1.5%
Chinese
1.5%
Polish
1.5%
Sami
0.8%
Lakota
0.8%
Mandarin
0.8%
Hmong
0.8%
Indonesian
0.8%

Aircraft Mechanic

Unfortunately we don’t have enough data for this section.

Aircraft Mechanic Education

Schools

Community College of the Air Force
25.8%
University of Phoenix
12.1%
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Daytona Beach
11.3%
Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology
8.9%
The Academy
5.2%
Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics
4.3%
Central Texas College
3.8%
Alabama Aviation College
3.4%
North Central Institute
3.1%
National Aviation Academy A & P School
2.6%
Redstone College
2.3%
Ashford University
2.3%
Del Mar College
2.1%
Hallmark University-College of Aeronautics
2.0%
Trident Technical College
1.8%
Pima Community College
1.8%
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
1.8%
Wichita State University
1.8%
Columbia Southern University
1.7%
Park University
1.7%

Majors

Aviation 28.4%
Business 14.5%
Automotive Technology 14.0%
Aerospace Engineering 6.3%
Management 4.0%
Electrical Engineering 3.9%
Criminal Justice 3.2%
General Studies 2.8%
Electrical Engineering Technology 2.6%
Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians 2.5%
Education 2.2%
Information Technology 2.1%
Accounting 2.1%
Mechanical Engineering 2.0%
Computer Science 1.8%
Engineering 1.7%
Mechanical Engineering Technology 1.6%
Computer Information Systems 1.6%
Liberal Arts 1.5%
Project Management 1.3%

Degrees

Other
34.9%
Bachelors
24.3%
Associate
20.5%
Certificate
9.3%
Masters
6.2%
License
2.4%
Diploma
2.0%
Doctorate
0.4%

Aircraft Mechanic

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Real Aircraft Mechanic Salaries

Job Title	Company	Location	Start Date	Salary
Operations Manager of Aircraft Mechanics	Us Technicians, Inc.	Des Plaines, IL	Sep 04, 2013	$78,534
Operations Manager of Aircraft Mechanics	Us Technicians, Inc.	Des Plaines, IL	Nov 12, 2013	$78,534
Aircraft Mechanic and Maintenance Analyst	Professional Aviation Marketing, Inc.	NY	Jun 25, 2013	$69,638
Aircraft Mechanic and Maintenance Analyst JFK	Professional Aviation Marketing, Inc.	NY	Oct 01, 2011	$69,638
Aircraft Mechanic	Thrust-Tech Aviation, Inc.	Fort Lauderdale, FL	Jan 11, 2016	$66,269 - $66,275
Aircraft Mechanic	CR Aviation, Inc.	Miami, FL	Mar 29, 2016	$66,040
Aircraft Mechanic	Thrust-Tech Aviation, Inc.	Fort Lauderdale, FL	Sep 27, 2015	$63,294 - $63,300
Forgein Aircraft Mechanic and Instructor	Skyworld Aviation, Inc.	Midland, VA	Nov 01, 2013	$60,523 - $77,219
Aircraft Mechanic	Kolob Canyons Air Services, LLC	Smyrna, TN	Jun 01, 2016	$60,237
Aircraft Mechanics	Millennium Air Xpress	Los Angeles, CA	May 19, 2011	$60,000
Aircraft Mechanic	Thrust-Tech Aviation, Inc.	Fort Lauderdale, FL	Sep 27, 2014	$59,738
Operations Manager of Aircraft Mechanics	Us Technicians, Inc.	Des Plaines, IL	Sep 04, 2010	$53,219
Aircraft Mechanic	Thrust-Tech Aviation, Inc.	Fort Lauderdale, FL	Sep 27, 2011	$52,624
Aircraft Mechanic	Commercial Jet, Inc.	Miami, FL	Mar 30, 2009	$51,027
Aircraft Mechanic	Corporate Air	Billings, MT	Mar 10, 2016	$47,187
Aircraft Mechanics and Service	The MEC Group, LLC	San Antonio, TX	Jun 07, 2012	$43,971
Aircraft Mechanics and Service	The MEC Group, LLC	San Antonio, TX	May 24, 2012	$43,971
Aircraft Mechanics and Service	The MEC Group, LLC	San Antonio, TX	Jun 08, 2012	$43,971
Aircraft Mechanics and Service	The MEC Group, LLC	San Antonio, TX	Jun 14, 2012	$43,971
Aircraft Mechanics and Service	The MEC Group, LLC	San Antonio, TX	Jun 05, 2012	$43,971
Aircraft Mechanic	Miami Tech Line Maintenance	Miami, FL	Oct 27, 2010	$43,846
Aircraft Mechanic	AE Wolffe, Ltd.	Tucson, AZ	Jan 26, 2009	$42,909
Aircraft Mechanic	Helimax Aviation, Inc.	Jackson, CA	Apr 01, 2010	$41,740 - $30
Aircraft Mechanic	Aviation Pacific	Camarillo, CA	Mar 31, 2009	$41,740 - $56,349
Aircraft Mechanic	Aerotechnic, LLC	Opa-locka, FL	Apr 24, 2009	$40,968 - $41,010
Aircraft Mechanic	Anton Ostermeier	Chino, CA	Oct 14, 2011	$39,894
Aircraft Mechanic	Anton Ostermeier	Chino, CA	Jun 08, 2010	$39,894
Aircraft Mechanic	Interaereo A-1, Inc.	Opa-locka, FL	Dec 06, 2010	$39,444

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Top Skills for An Aircraft Mechanic

Top Aircraft Mechanic Skills

Aircraft Engines
Safety
Corrective Aircraft Maintenance

You can check out examples of real life uses of top skills on resumes here:

Removed and installed aircraft engines, using hoists or forklift trucks.
Established and adhere to maintenance safety rules and procedures.
Screened and ordered parts for repair; maintained repair logs, documenting all preventive and corrective aircraft maintenance.
Assisted in annual inspections on private and experimental aircraft involving repairs on aircraft airframe structure & aircraft fabric.
Assisted in the removal and replacement of an engine nacelle and tilt axis gearbox spindle bearing.