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Helicopter mechanic education requirements
Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
There are several educational requirements to become a helicopter mechanic. Helicopter mechanics usually study aviation, business, or automotive technology. 37% of helicopter mechanics hold a high school diploma, and 27% hold an bachelor's degree. We analyzed 2,807 real helicopter mechanic resumes to see exactly what helicopter mechanic education sections show.
The most common colleges for helicopter mechanics are the University of Phoenix and the University of Phoenix.
There are also many online helicopter mechanic courses to help get the education required to be a helicopter mechanic.
There are certain helicopter mechanic certifications that you should consider. These helicopter mechanic certifications include Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) and Mechanical Inspector Certification (CMI).
What education do you need to become a helicopter mechanic?
What degree do you need to be a helicopter mechanic?
- High School Diploma, 37%
- Bachelor's, 27%
- Associate, 24%
- Diploma, 5%
- Other Degrees, 7%
What should I major in to become a helicopter mechanic?
- Aviation, 28%
- Business, 12%
- General Studies, 10%
- Other Majors, 40%
Most common colleges for helicopter mechanics
| Helicopter mechanic common college | Percentages |
|---|---|
| University of Phoenix | 14.14% |
| Texas A&M University - Central Texas | 11.11% |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Daytona Beach | 8.08% |
| Florida State College at Jacksonville | 6.06% |
| Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology | 6.06% |
Best majors for helicopter mechanics
| Rank | Major | Percentages |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aviation | 27.9% |
| 2 | Business | 11.8% |
| 3 | Automotive Technology | 9.8% |
| 4 | General Studies | 9.7% |
| 5 | Aerospace Engineering | 5.4% |
Best colleges for helicopter mechanics
The best colleges for helicopter mechanics are Purdue University, Ohio State University, and Saint Louis University.
A helicopter mechanic with advanced education typically earns a higher salary and has access to better jobs. That's why Zippia looked into the best colleges for helicopter mechanics. We based this list on several metrics: admissions rate, retention rate, mean earnings of graduates, the ratio of working vs. non-working students ten years after admission, the average cost of attendance, and median debt for graduates who become helicopter mechanics.
1. Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN • Private
In-state tuition
$9,992
Enrollment
33,495
2. SUNY Farmingdale
Farmingdale, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$8,306
Enrollment
9,394
3. Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS • Private
In-state tuition
$10,383
Enrollment
17,611
4. Baker College
Owosso, MI • Private
In-state tuition
$9,800
Enrollment
8,319
5. Ohio State University
Columbus, OH • Private
In-state tuition
$10,726
Enrollment
45,769
6. Worldwide Campus
Daytona Beach, FL • Private
In-state tuition
$9,360
Enrollment
10,254
7. Utah State University
Logan, UT • Private
In-state tuition
$8,138
Enrollment
21,658
8. California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$9,816
Enrollment
21,047
9. Lewis University
Romeoville, IL • Private
In-state tuition
$32,450
Enrollment
4,217
10. Vermont Technical College
Randolph, VT • Private
In-state tuition
$15,108
Enrollment
1,350
20 best online courses for helicopter mechanics
Advertising disclosure
1. Fundamentals of Flight mechanics
How do planes take off? How do they fly? How do pilots maintain control of them? And how high can airplanes fly? Get answers to all these questions and more with this specialization exploring the fundamentals of flight mechanics. You will learn how the laws of physics apply to airplanes and discover important concepts in aviation including lift, drag, and propulsion...
2. Flight mechanics - Propulsive balance and energy
This course is dedicated to energy management, i.e. speed and altitude control. The various sources of drag are first described and modeled, as well as thrust origin, and evolution with speed and altitude. Using these models, we can evaluate the propulsive balance and derive important concepts like flight regimes, best climb speed, or propulsion ceiling. We take then a glance at cruise performances and the evolution of range with weight. This course is a part of the specialization "Fundamentals...
3. Flight Mechanics - From Theory to Certification of Aircraft
Modeling theory, aircraft 6DOF simulation, flight dynamics, flight simulators and aircraft certification...
4. Maintenance Planning Basics
Understanding maintenance planning basics of successful maintenance department...
5. Flight Mechanics - Anemobarometry
This course focuses on the physics of the atmosphere and its consequences on speed and altitude measurements. At the end of this course, you will understand precisely the meaning of the speed and altitude indication available to the pilot of an airplane. You will understand the difference between standard and actual atmosphere and be able to perform basic altitude and speed correction computations. You will understand why jet airliners need to be pressurized, or why a clogged Pitot tube can...
6. Flight mechanics - Lift and trajectory
In this course, you will understand the influence of the angle of attack and speed on the lift. Then we will focus on hazards and limitations, like stall, spiral dive, or flutter. You will understand why stall phenomenon and Mach number limit the maximum lift and altitude the airplane can achieve. Then, you must understand what is flutter and why the altitude and speed of the airplane must be restricted to a safe domain. In the end, we will explain how to control the trajectory of the airplane...
7. Intro to Unity 3D Physics: Helicopters
Learn how to create Helicopter physics for Games with Unity 3D and C#!...
8. Maintenance Management Basics
Crucial knowledge and practices for successful maintenance department...
9. Modelling and simulation of mechanical systems
The course provides the principles of modelling and simulation of modern mechatronic systems, which are mechanical systems integrated with several types of sensors and actuators. The aim of the course is to show different methodologies to improve the potential of mechanical systems by transforming them into mechatronic systems based on virtual models. In particular, the lessons will be focused on case studies in three engineering fields: robotics, controlled electro-hydraulic actuators and...
10. Garnett Cross Training in the Maintenance of Oil Hydraulics
This course will prepare you to work with hydraulic systems, plan maintenance and perform troubleshooting...
11. Reliability and Maintenance Engineering - FMEA
Failure Mode and Effects Analysis - A mechanical engineering approach to risk management of plant and machinery...
12. SAP Plant Maintenance(PM) Module Online Classes
Functional Module SAP Plant Maintenance(PM) with Configuration...
13. Real World SAP - Plant Maintenance Orders and Notifications
Learn SAP PM / EAM with a focus on real world scenarios...
14. Airline Operations: Flight Planning and Flight Dispatch
Airline Operations: Master the essentials of aviation - aircraft operational control and dispatch...
15. Aerospace Engineering: Aircraft Fundamentals and Advanced
Aerospace and Aeronautical Engineering: Master the Mechanics of Airplanes - Aerodynamics, Flight Maneuvers, JET Engines...
16. The Complete Engineering Mechanics Course
Master the fundamentals of mechanics, statics and applied physics and then solve real-world mechanics problems...
17. Control Systems Made Simple Beginner's Guide
Learn fundamentals of Mechanical & electrical system modeling, simulation and control with this unique practical course!...
18. Part 1 FAA Private Pilot Ground School (Part 61)
Introduction to flight training, Aircraft Structure, Systems and Flight Instruments...
19. Mechanics / Statics - Introduction to Mechanical Engineering
Engineering Solid Mechanics / Engineering Statics...
20. Data Center Essentials: Mechanical & Cooling
The mechanical cooling systems that support data centers and the internet...
Top 10 most affordable universities for helicopter mechanics
The most affordable schools for helicopter mechanics are SUNY Farmingdale, brigham young university - idaho, and university of puerto rico - mayaguez.
If the best universities for helicopter mechanics are out of your price range, check out these affordable schools. After factoring in in-state tuition and fees, the average cost of attendance, admissions rate, average net price, and mean earnings after six years, we found that these are the most affordable schools for helicopter mechanics.
1. SUNY Farmingdale
Farmingdale, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$8,306
Cost of attendance
16,091
2. Brigham Young University - Idaho
Rexburg, ID • Private
In-state tuition
$4,118
Cost of attendance
12,223
3. University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez
Mayaguez, PR • Private
In-state tuition
$4,094
Cost of attendance
14,302
4. California State University - Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$6,749
Cost of attendance
14,823
5. Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN • Private
In-state tuition
$9,992
Cost of attendance
22,430
6. Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Durant, OK • Private
In-state tuition
$6,750
Cost of attendance
15,839
7. Elizabeth City State University
Elizabeth City, NC • Private
In-state tuition
$3,194
Cost of attendance
14,934
8. Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL • Private
In-state tuition
$5,656
Cost of attendance
21,623
9. Inter American University of Puerto Rico Aguadilla
Aguadilla, PR • Private
In-state tuition
$5,902
Cost of attendance
13,284
10. Inter American University of Puerto Rico Bayamon
Bayamon, PR • Private
In-state tuition
$5,940
Cost of attendance
13,508
Top 10 hardest universities to get into for helicopter mechanics
The hardest universities for helicopter mechanics to get into are Purdue University, Ohio State University, and Saint Louis University.
Some great schools for helicopter mechanics are hard to get into, but they also set your career up for greater success. The list below shows the most challenging universities to get into for helicopter mechanics based on an institution's admissions rates, average SAT scores accepted, median ACT scores accepted, and mean earnings of students six years after admission.
1. Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN • Private
Admissions rate
58%
SAT average
1,309
2. Ohio State University
Columbus, OH • Private
Admissions rate
52%
SAT average
1,359
3. Saint Louis University
Saint Louis, MO • Private
Admissions rate
58%
SAT average
1,304
4. Baylor University
Waco, TX • Private
Admissions rate
39%
SAT average
1,307
5. SUNY Farmingdale
Farmingdale, NY • Private
Admissions rate
46%
SAT average
1,091
6. California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA • Private
Admissions rate
30%
SAT average
1,339
7. Lewis University
Romeoville, IL • Private
Admissions rate
58%
SAT average
1,142
8. Florida Institute of Technology
Melbourne, FL • Private
Admissions rate
65%
SAT average
1,264
9. Walla Walla University
College Place, WA • Private
Admissions rate
51%
SAT average
1,114
10. Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA • Private
Admissions rate
56%
SAT average
1,133
Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for helicopter mechanics
The easiest schools for helicopter mechanics to get into are South Dakota State University, suny farmingdale, and brigham young university - idaho.
Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as a helicopter mechanic without much hassle, check out the list of schools where you will be accepted in no time. We compiled admissions rates, average SAT scores, average ACT scores, and average salary of students six years after graduation to uncover which were the easiest schools to get into for helicopter mechanics.
1. South Dakota State University
Brookings, SD • Private
Admissions rate
92%
SAT average
1,149
2. SUNY Farmingdale
Farmingdale, NY • Private
Admissions rate
46%
SAT average
1,091
3. Brigham Young University - Idaho
Rexburg, ID • Private
Admissions rate
97%
SAT average
1,140
4. Bridgewater State University
Bridgewater, MA • Private
Admissions rate
90%
SAT average
1,073
5. University of Minnesota - Crookston
Crookston, MN • Private
Admissions rate
66%
SAT average
1,104
6. Middle Georgia State University
Macon, GA • Private
Admissions rate
92%
SAT average
980
7. Saint Cloud State University
Saint Cloud, MN • Private
Admissions rate
86%
SAT average
1,086
8. Salem State University
Salem, MA • Private
Admissions rate
85%
SAT average
1,065
9. Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI • Private
Admissions rate
81%
SAT average
1,107
10. Averett University
Danville, VA • Private
Admissions rate
61%
SAT average
953
Average helicopter mechanic salary by education level
| Helicopter mechanic education level | Helicopter mechanic salary |
|---|---|
| High School Diploma or Less | $61,158 |
| Bachelor's Degree | $67,877 |
| Some College/ Associate Degree | $67,842 |
Helicopter mechanic education FAQs
Have more questions? See all answers to common installation, maintenance and repair questions.
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Updated January 8, 2025
Updated January 8, 2025