How To Become A Helicopter Mechanic: What It Is and Career Path

What is a helicopter mechanic and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

A helicopter mechanic is responsible for the general maintenance of helicopters. They ensure that all of the helicopter's parts in good working condition by inspecting the unit, identifying parts that need replacing, and troubleshooting any mechanical or technological problems that they may come across.

The typical day of a helicopter mechanic involves tasks like performing scheduled maintenance tasks, maintaining a record of all tasks done on a unit, and discussing the performance of the helicopter with helicopter pilots and other maintenance staff. They also make recommendations about replacing spare parts, modifying maintenance techniques, and allowing certain units to retire.

Apart from a high school diploma or GED, the basic requirements of this role are the completion of an appropriate training program and a certification from the Federal Aviation Association (FAA). Since this role is mission-critical, helicopter mechanics must have a high level of technical and mechanical skills before they work on actual helicopters.

Helicopter mechanics typically work in hangars or on airfield runways. On average, they make about $54,000 a year, with the potential to make more as their experience and skills progress.

ScoreHelicopter MechanicUS Average

Salary

4.8

Avg. Salary $61,876

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

7.8

Growth rate 6%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

8.0

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.62%

Asian 6.26%

Black or African American 9.14%

Hispanic or Latino 23.37%

Unknown 5.05%

White 55.57%

Gender

female 6.96%

male 93.04%

Age - 39

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 39

Stress level

7.8

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

6.9

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

4.2

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a helicopter mechanic

Explore helicopter mechanic education requirements

Most common helicopter mechanic degrees

High School Diploma

36.5 %

Bachelor's

27.0 %

Associate

23.7 %

Start to develop specific helicopter mechanic skills

Skills	Percentages
Hand Tools	8.94%
Safety Procedures	8.53%
FAA	5.66%
Maintenance Manuals	5.17%
Helicopter Maintenance	4.65%

Complete relevant helicopter mechanic training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New helicopter mechanics learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a helicopter mechanic based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real helicopter mechanic resumes.

Research helicopter mechanic duties and responsibilities

Used drills, countersinks, deburr tools, and wedge lock guns.
Test, troubleshoot and repair advance aircraft hydraulic systems.
Complete all repairs and maintenance work to company and FAA standards.
Document logs to ensure company compliance of OSHA standards and employee safety.

Prepare your helicopter mechanic resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your helicopter mechanic resume.

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Choose from 10+ customizable helicopter mechanic resume templates

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