FAA Mechanic Certification
Not everyone can become a pilot, but there are many jobs in the aviation industry for those who love planes and other aircraft. Mechanics are essential to keeping aircraft in safe, working condition and preventing serious mechanical issues that could ground a plane or even contribute to a crash.
While not everyone who works on an aircraft needs certification to be a mechanic, it helps to have it if you wish to advance in this career. The Federal Aviation Administration, the federal agency responsible for overseeing aircraft and the airline industry, issues certifications for both mechanics and aircraft repairmen, and requires all non-certified mechanics to be supervised by one who is.
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Responsibilities
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A certified aircraft mechanic is in charge of inspecting and repairing avionics systems and the physical parts of an airplane. Unlike aircraft repairmen, who may only be certified to fix certain parts of an aircraft, mechanics are trained to inspect all aspects of an aircraft and maintain or replace parts. They also must keep detailed records of repairs and maintenance on each aircraft and report these records to the Federal Aviation Administration. A mechanic can work on one type of aircraft or several.
Types
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There are three types of certified aircraft mechanics: power plant, airframe and A&P mechanics. A&P mechanics hold both powerplant and airframe certificates and work on all aspects of an aircraft. Power plant mechanics work on engines and propellers. Airframe mechanics perform work on everything except the propellers, power plant or engine and instruments. The avionics, or instrumentation, in an aircraft is usually worked on by an avionics technician, not the mechanic.
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Requirements for Certification
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To obtain certification as an aircraft mechanic, the following is required. You must be at least 18 years old; speak and write in English; have at least 18 months of hands-on experience in either airframes or power plants, 30 months' experience working with both, or have graduated from an aircraft mechanics school approved by the FAA; pass three tests: written, oral and practical; and be authorized to work in the United States, if a foreign citizen, and be working on a U.S.-based aircraft. Foreign citizens applying for a certificate must also have their employer vouch for the number of hours worked on the aircraft and show a letter from their country's aviation department certifying their foreign work experience.
Education/Experience
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You can obtain experience without schooling by working under a certified mechanic at a fixed base operator/airport or FAA Repair Station. All experience must be documented. You can also get experience in the armed services, but you must be in a certain specialty. For a list of specialties that are acceptable to fulfill this requirement, visit an FAA Flight Standards District Office (see Resources).
Most certified mechanics attend an Aviation Maintenance Technician school. Students are required to complete 1,900 hours of study, and the courses can last from 12 to 24 months. Most schools require a high school diploma or GED to be accepted entry.
Work Environment
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The working environment of an aircraft mechanic can be demanding and stressful. Most mechanics work at airports in hangers or outside. They are expected to do a great deal of climbing, bending and lifting as part of the job, and often work long hours. They are also subject to loud noises from machinery and are usually required to wear ear protection.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit airplane engine image by Stanisa Martinovic from Fotolia.com
