Train To Be An Aircraft Mechanic

By Author: William Hauselberg
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If you are interested in airplanes and have an aptitude for mechanical work, you may be interested in pursuing a career as an aircraft mechanic. Because aircraft are highly complex machines that require regular maintenance and repairs to ensure the safety of cargo and passengers, mechanics must undergo extensive training and certification before they can work in this field.

You will need to read maintenance manuals, inspect aircraft for signs of damage and defects, test equipment and perform additional inspections after work is complete. Reliability is a key concern when it comes to aircraft. Landing an airplane to take care of a mechanical problem is a far more serious activity compared to pulling a vehicle over to the side of the road for repairs or service.

Your job may require you to work in an aircraft hangar, at an airport or at a repair facility. Aircraft typically fly on a very tight schedule, which means that you must be prepared to perform inspections, maintenance and repairs according to deadlines.

Benefits of Being a Mechanic

The benefits of becoming an aircraft mechanic include a median ...
... salary of $53,220 per year or $25.59 per hour, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. The bureau projects that the number of positions will grow by 9,100 or 6 percent between 2010 and 2020. After going to airplane mechanic school and continuing to gain experience on the job, you may eventually qualify for promotion to become a lead inspector or mechanic, as well as an inspector with the Federal Aviation Administration.

Education Needed for Mechanics

Before you can become considered a candidate for employment, you must study at an airplane mechanic school. Typically instruction takes place at an aviation maintenance technician school that is approved by the FAA. Basic FAA-approved coursework generally takes about 18 months to 24 months to complete. You can earn a two-year or a four-year degree in aviation maintenance management, avionics or aviation technology.

FAA Certification of Mechanics

The FAA issues separate certification for airframe mechanics and for engine mechanics. Airlines generally want to hire an aircraft mechanic who has an A&P or Airframe and Powerplant certificate. Mechanics must be 18 years or older to qualify for certification and have 30 months of experience doing work on engines and aircraft. Your work at an FAA-approved aviation maintenance technician school is an acceptable substitute for the 30 months experience requirement.

It will take plenty of hard work and attention to detail, but training to become an airplane mechanic will open up a world of new employment opportunities for you.

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