How to Become an Aerospace Mechanic

Aerospace mechanics perform annual maintenance checks on aircraft engines.

Aerospace mechanics, also known as aviation or aircraft technicians, perform maintenance on helicopters, airplanes and other types of flying vehicles. Airlines, aircraft repair centers and aviation manufacturers hire aerospace mechanics to perform inspections, make alterations and conduct repairs. To work as an aerospace mechanic in the United States, you need to earn a license from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). In addition to being at least 18 years old, having the ability to speak, read and write English and possessing U.S. citizenship, you must also meet other requirements to earn an FAA aircraft mechanic certificate.

Instructions

Work Experience Route

1. Apply for an aerospace mechanic apprentice position with a company that performs maintenance on aircraft. You can often find such jobs with small repair firms, flight schools or university flight departments.

2. Work as an aerospace maintenance apprentice for a minimum of 18 months. During this time you must gain experience working on either "airframes" --- aircraft structures and surfaces --- or "powerplants" --- engines and related structures. If you wish to earn an aerospace mechanic license with both airframe and powerplant ratings, required by the airlines and most aircraft manufacturers, you need to complete at least 30 months of apprenticeship experience.

3. Pass the FAA-sanctioned computer-based knowledge examination, verbal quiz and practical test. After you complete these tests, the FAA will issue you an aerospace mechanic certificate with either a powerplant or airframe rating, or both if you completed 30 hours of apprenticeship training.

School Route

1. Attend an FAA-approved Aviation Maintenance Technician School training program. These programs exist at universities and technical colleges throughout the United States. Some of these schools provide two- or four-year degrees in avionics, aviation technology, or aviation maintenance management.

2. Complete at least 1,900 hours of airframe or powerplant studies. On average, these programs take around 12 to 24 months to complete, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

3. Complete an FAA-sanctioned computer-based knowledge test, verbal quiz and practical test. After successfully completing these tests, you will receive an aviation mechanic license.

References

• Federal Aviation Administration; Basic Requirements to Become an Aircraft Mechanic; July 2006
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement