Aeronautics is neither an industry nor a science but a miracle they say. Ever wondered if pilots have heroes too? Will you love to fix airplanes and help pilots enjoy their work? Then, you can learn how to Become an aircraft mechanic.
The aircraft mechanics are trained to perform a variety of tasks on aircraft, in order to maintain, repair, and inspect aircraft such as propeller-driven airplanes, jets, and helicopters.
They ensure planes are operational and adhere to the Federal Aviation Administration’s guidelines for safe flying.
Here in this article, we will give you all the details you will need to become an aircraft mechanic, like the cost of aircraft mechanic schools, aviation mechanic requirements, and how much you may make as an aircraft mechanic.
Who is an Aircraft Mechanic?
An aircraft mechanic conducts inspections of an aircraft to ensure that the mechanical, structural, and electronic systems are all in good condition for use.
In this career, you must determine whether parts of an aircraft need repair or replacement. These individuals hold certificates (Airframe and Powerplant) from the Federal Aviation Administration.
Today’s airplanes are highly complex machines that require reliable parts and service to fly safely. Aircraft mechanic ensures to keep an airplane in peak operating condition and complete inspections.
Most aircraft mechanics who work on civilian aircraft have some sort of official certification.
Mechanics that have this certification are authorized to work on any part of the aircraft except electronic flight instruments, which is the job of avionics technicians.
What does an Aircraft Mechanic do?
An aircraft mechanic typically does the following:
Some aircraft mechanics work on many different types of aircraft, such as jets, propeller-driven airplanes, and helicopters.
Others have different areas of specialization in one section of a particular type of aircraft, such as the engine, hydraulics, or electrical system of a jet.
What are the Career paths for Airplane Mechanics?
In a world where so much influence and pressure is placed on college degrees, it’s worth taking time to assess your options and remember that not all good jobs require you to go to university.
Becoming an airplane mechanic is an occupation that does not necessarily require a college education, and offers a very good salary.
Prospective aircraft mechanics can attend aircraft mechanic school or must have undergone standard training to be able to work in the field.
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Prospective Students can choose to be an Airframe or Power plant mechanic or both. An A&P mechanic can also work on avionics with the appropriate training and can move up to become an inspector authorization (IA).
If you’re considering a career as an airplane mechanic, you will need to be able to read, write, speak, and understand English, and you must be at least 18 years old.
Furthermore, with extra educational qualifications, an airplane maintenance engineer can teach in aviation schools and help in raising the next generation of airplane mechanics.
Aircraft mechanics may work for the Navy, Army, or Airforce military base as their airplane maintenance engineers.
What are the types of Aircraft Mechanics?
There are 4 main types of career paths as an Aircraft Mechanic. They all share certain similarities, while also being unique. They are:
What is the Difference Between an Aircraft Technician and an Aircraft Maintenance Mechanic?
An aircraft technician completes scheduled maintenance and unexpected repairs on airplanes, helicopters, or other types of aircraft. They also test diagnostic, communication, and electrical systems.
While an aircraft maintenance mechanic focuses more on quality assurance (QA) aspects of aircraft technology.
An aircraft maintenance mechanic conducts inspections of an aircraft to ensure that the mechanical, structural, and electronic systems are all in acceptable condition for use.
How to Become an Aircraft Mechanic
So, how do you go about becoming an airplane mechanic? Well, like all good jobs, it doesn’t happen overnight, but the sooner you get started, the sooner you become fully qualified.
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Getting fully qualified is going to take anywhere between 18 months and 5 years. If you are really considering a career as an aircraft mechanic you must be able to read and write and you need to be at least 18 years old.
Notwithstanding, below are the 3 essential steps to becoming an Aircraft Mechanic in 2023:
1. Attend and Graduate from one of the FAA-Approved Airplane Mechanic Training School
Usually, most of these schools offer the full package including the airframe and power plant certification and avionics training.
Graduates through FAA schools often begin on a higher salary than those who entered the role from other ways.
2. Complete an On-Job Training
Actually, you may opt for 18 months of training under the supervision of a qualified mechanic for either the Airframe or powerplant Certificate.
However, to get A&p certifications, the AMT training will last for 30 months under the supervision of a qualified mechanic
3. Get a Military Training
This is basically, another effective and interesting way to become an airplane mechanic. In fact, for some people earning a paycheck while serving their country is a fulfilling way of life.
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Basically, Military experience is looked highly upon in the civilian world and the training is paid. So, you may choose to become an AMT by enrolling in this military training.
As stated above, the formal education route isn’t for everybody, and just because you don’t undergo it doesn’t mean there are no other paths into this career, as there are other routes available.
What are Aircraft Mechanic Requirements?
Well, depending on your location, requirements to become an aircraft mechanic may vary but usually, they are slight changes. What is obtainable worldwide is basically the standard, others are to suit your locality laws and rules.
I’m a US Citizen what requirements must I meet to get a mechanic’s certificate?
For instance, in the US according to the Federal Aviation Administration, you must be:
In addition, you would have to get the educational requirements by attending aviation schools and undergoing basic aircraft mechanic training.
However, here are basic skills for you to acquire in becoming an airplane mechanic
I’m not a US Citizen, and I live outside the United States. How do I get a mechanic’s certificate?
You must meet all the requirements listed above for United States citizens. You must also meet the following requirements:
How Much do Airplane Mechanics Make?
Interestingly, aviation is one of the highest-paying sectors in any nation’s economy. So, all the odds that may influence salary are in favor of aircraft mechanics.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics posits that airplane technicians earn about $26.20 an hour on average.
Salary: The average aircraft mechanics’ salary was $54,500 per year in 2011, according to BLS.
Salaries range from $34,630 for those in the lowest-paid 10 percent to more than $74,200 per year for those in the highest-paid 10 percent.
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Salaries can vary based on the regional area and the type of employer. Among all industries that hire aircraft mechanics, the courier and express delivery service industry had the highest wages, averaging $76,440 per year.
So, the stakes are high for aircraft maintenance engineers. Furthermore, Payscale posits that a mid-career Aircraft and powerplant with 5-9 years of experience earns an average total compensation of $24.56 following data analysis of 584 salaries taken into account.
Therefore, years of experience alongside, employers, and qualifications affect the total earnings of an airplane mechanic.
However, a major way to increase pay is to improve relevance. This article will show you how to become an airplane mechanic and top the corporate ladder in no distant time.
How much does an Aircraft Mechanic School Cost?
Actually, the cost of an aircraft mechanic school depends on the program type school’s tuition fees. So, some students pay between $10,000 and $30,000 to go through a 2-year program that awards certificates.
Also, going to college for a four-year degree program in courses related to aviation technology and maintenance may cost more.
However, it is important to note that an A and P license is given to only people who gain the necessary hands-on experience and pass all of the tests.
Is an Airframe License different from Powerplant License?
No, airframe licenses and powerplant licenses are not the same. Even though some airplane mechanics have just one license and others have none at all; it is important to be a certified mechanic.
However, an ‘A’ license which may be written as ‘Airframe License’ certifies an airline mechanic to work on structural components while a ‘P license or Powerplant license” certifies a flight mechanic to work on propulsion components and other components systems.
Do I Need an EASA License to Work as an Aircraft Mechanic?
Well, you will need an EASA license to work as an Aircraft mechanic if you intend to work in Europe. Basically, EASA stands for the “European Aviation Safety Agency” which is an agency that is responsible for regulating this type of license.
Even though some companies in Europe recognize an A&p license, others don’t. So, to be on the safe side please get this certification and license if you plan to work in Europe.
Aircraft Mechanic Training Schools
One of the ways to become an aeronautical mechanic is to attend and complete the coursework to earn a certificate or an associate degree in aviation technologies.
However, be certain the AMT training school you wish to attend is FAA approved. Additionally, you must check the basic requirements for your locality before enrolling in a program.
1. Everett Community College
Everette is a community college located at 9711 31st Place West BLDg c-80. c81 Paine Field Everett
- Phone No: (425)388-9093
- Tuition Fees: $29,120
Everett Community College has educated more than 19,000 students every year. Actually, this public community college offers more than 90 different majors and programs of which Certificates and an Associate degree in aviation technology are some of them.
In fact, this Airplane maintenance technician school offers programs that award certificates and associate degrees in aviation maintenance technology or airframe and powerplant upon completion of coursework.
Additionally, its AMT training school has been approved by FAA since 50 years ago and the school’s curriculum is delivered in 8-quarters of 2,247 hours of study. Interestingly, these hours of study cover 40 subject areas.
The school posits that “our AMT school teaches students to maintain both reciprocating and turbine engines, repairing systems and components.
2. Salt Lake Community College Utah
Salt Lake is located at 551 North 2200 West Salt Lake City Uta 84116. This is a public community college in Salt Lake County and it is the largest two-year college with the most diverse student body.
- Tuition Fees: $12,500
- Phone No: (801)957-2061
It houses over 60,000 students on 10 campuses as well as through online classes comfortably. Basically, it has a student-to-faculty ratio of 20:1.
Mostly, it focuses on providing associate degrees that can help students get into a four-year university program.
Consequently, it offers a full-time associate degree certificate program in aviation technology and maintenance.
This course will last over a time space of six semesters. Also, this program is available during the Fall or Spring Semesters both as day and evening classes.
Furthermore, Salt Lake’s Aviation Maintenance program is one of the FAA-approved programs in the US. The program covers courses like:
3. Gateway Community College Phoenix
Gateway community college is Located at 5101 Mcree Ave. St Louis Mo63110
- Tuition Fees: in-state: $2,046 while out-state is $7,830
- Phone No: (314)776-3300
This is a public community college and its motto is Education that works, so you learn more and live better. Actually, its been in existence since 1968 and offers an associate degree in aviation and aeronautics which covers areas like;
4. Portland Community College
Portland Community College Located at 17705 NW Springville RD Portland. This is a public community, the largest in the state which serves 1.9 million residents in the five-county area of Multnomah, Washington, Yamhill, Clackamas, and Columbia Countries.
- Tuition Fees: $16,000
- Phone No: (971)722-72914
It enrolls over 83, 000 students annually, so you may apply to this university as their acceptance rate is quite encouraging.
However, this community college has been in existence since 1961 and offers programs that award a certificate or associate degree upon completion of coursework.
Consequently, the program offers a curriculum that covers the following areas:
What are the Objectives for an Aircraft Mechanic Resume?
First, you need to find out what the employer requires from the aircraft mechanic they are looking to hire by studying the job description they published.
When you know the requirements for the airplane mechanic job, you can then create an objective for your resume that tells the employer you have what is needed to succeed on the job.
These objectives will guide you in creating yours when writing a resume for the position.
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