How to Be a Helicopter Mechanic

Many mechanics receive training through the military.

To become a Federal Aviation Administration-approved helicopter mechanic, you must either graduate from a mechanic school or gain a certain amount of practical work experience and training. After you have met these requirements, you must pass three rigorous exams to earn your certification. In addition, you must be fluent in English and be at least 18 years old. As a certified helicopter mechanic, you might work for major airlines, at an FAA repair station or in the military.

Things You'll Need

• Proof of work experience
• Ratings certificates

Instructions

1. Join the military to receive training and work experience in helicopter mechanics. After your initial training, you must obtain at least 18 months of work experience in either airframe or power plant mechanics. These categories are called ratings and they refer to working on the body and the engine of the helicopter, respectively. If you wish to apply for a certificate for both ratings, you must obtain at least 30 combined months working on both duties.

2. Gain work experience at an FAA repair station if you prefer not to join the military. You must obtain 18 months of work experience for one rating or 30 concurrent months for both ratings. You must also work under the direct supervision of a certified helicopter mechanic. During your on-the-job training, keep detailed records of your work experience, such as total time worked. Your supervising mechanic must sign your proof of work experience following the training period.

3. Attend an FAA-approved school to become a helicopter mechanic if you prefer not to join the military or learn on the job. According to the FAA, helicopter mechanics tend to earn a higher starting salary if they graduate from a school rather than earn a certificate through work experience. Your course of study may last from 12 to 24 months, depending on whether you seek a certificate in one rating or both of them.

4. Submit your proof of work experience to the FAA if you did not graduate from a mechanics school. If the FAA finds your preparation acceptable, make an appointment with an FAA airworthiness inspector at your local FAA office. The inspector will determine if you are qualified to take the examinations to become a certified helicopter mechanic.

5. Pass your three exams to become a helicopter mechanic. You must take written and oral tests, as well as a practical exam. If you wish to be certified in both ratings, you must take separate tests for each rating. One group of tests for a rating typically takes about eight hours to complete. You must pass your tests within 24 months of completing your work experience or graduating from school.

Tips & Warnings

• If you fail your exams, you may take them again in 30 days. If you receive additional training, you may take them sooner than this.

References

• Federal Aviation Administration: Experience Requirements to Become an Aircraft Mechanic
• Federal Aviation Administration: Basic Requirements to Become an Aircraft Mechanic
• Federal Aviation Administration: Aircraft Mechanic Oral, Practical & Written Tests
• Federal Aviation Administration: Volume 5 Airman Certification

Resources

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians