Acquiring Work Experience through the Armed Forces 1. Aircraft maintenance and repair is a never-ending process, as regular wear and tear and use of aircraft require them to be examined frequently by a mechanic. To be accepted to a bachelor’s degree program, applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent as well as strong grades or high GPA. A typical job description may include engine repair along with helicopter and plane … This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Courses for an associate’s degree in aviation repair & maintenance will include both general education courses along with more technical training. The skills you learn in becoming an aircraft mechanic will transfer to high-paying entry level careers in many fields. Josh learns what it takes to become a certified Airframe and Powerplant technician at MTSU. Becoming an airplane mechanic is an occupation that does not necessarily require a college education, and offers a very good salary. Perform routine maintenance that allows aircraft to function effectively and perform all of its duties without interruption or danger. The route to become an aircraft mechanic requires specialized training, followed with certification by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Getting into an associate’s program requires possession of a high school diploma or equivalent, plus previous experience in various aviation-related fields such as physics, mathematics, and computer technology. "What helped me the most are the steps and the details of how they go through the tests.". There are a lot of factors that go into … Airplanes are some of the most miraculous and amazing machines that humans have ever invented. The 30-day wait requirement may be waived if you can show proof that you've gotten additional training in the area you failed. You'll be working in environments where the noise levels are extremely high. Associate’s and bachelor’s degrees in various disciplines of aircraft maintenance that are also certified by the FAA may be substituted for the maintenance technician school and will allow the prospective mechanic to become certified in both airframe and powerplant maintenance types. The US Army has around 20 specific MOS job codes that qualify, including: 15N10/30 (Avionics Mechanic, Airframe experience), 15M10/30 (UH-1 Helicopter Repairer, Airframe and Powerplant experience), and 15B10/30 (Aircraft Powerplant Repairer, Powerplant experience). The primary purpose of an airplane mechanic is to establish and ensure safe working conditions for the aircraft for the duration of its flights. At the end of the 18 or 30 months and within two years, applicants for certification must then complete all three aforementioned tests to become certified. Every day at wikiHow, we work hard to give you access to instructions and information that will help you live a better life, whether it's keeping you safer, healthier, or improving your well-being. This can be very stressful for some people. There is a fee for the test. There is a fee for the test. Learn how your comment data is processed. To be an Aircraft Mechanic (Jet) typically requires 1-3 … Some chemistry knowledge may be included in the course depending on the accredited school. So long as you maintain proper work discipline and remain alert, on-the-job injury is not very likely. A lot of the work of an aircraft mechanic is physical, and often involves carrying heavy equipment or aircraft parts as well as reaching high objects or places or fitting into cramped space to perform maintenance. Some of these courses include lessons on electrical systems, the maintenance of aircraft structures and mechanical systems, and aerodynamics. Prospective aircraft mechanics can go to a technical school or receive on-the-job training to become an AMT. Airplane mechanics must be aware of their environment as they frequently work in busy locations around other technicians and operational aircraft. You'll be required to produce proof of the work you did – pay stubs, and a letter from your employer – before you can take the FAA tests. You will need to show your non-US passport to the examiner. This also varies depending on your path. Becoming an aircraft mechanic requires that you pass three sets of exams: oral, written, and practical, in addition to accruing enough on the job experience or graduating from a Part 147 FAA-approved school. Focuses on past experience in related fields such as physics, mathematics, and other hard sciences are preferred if not required depending on the program. You will need a letter from the foreign equivalent of the FAA listing your qualifying work experience, or a letter to this effect from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). For the Air Force, you must also have an AFQT score of at least 50, be between 17 and 27 years old, and have no more than two dependents. Airframe work deals with airplane pieces besides the engine, while power plant work handles engine work specifically. Aircraft Mechanic Associations, Groups & Resources. You must also sit the FAA … All papers must be dated and signed, and must be the original document – no copies are allowed. The BLS reports that the median annual wage for aircraft mechanics and service technicians was $61,020 in May 2017. As previously explained, there are two main pathways to becoming an aircraft mechanic. Your potential earnings will be impacted by economic area, level of experience, and other factors. Also known as preventative maintenance. You must then either have a certain amount of time in OTJ experience or graduate from an accredited program. The FAA provides several pathways for people to become qualified aircraft mechanics. These aircraft mechanics are trained and certified to do what power-plant and airframe mechanics do. You will be allowed to work only under direct supervision of someone who has an FAA mechanic's license. By obtaining a degree in some of the specializations, aspiring aircraft mechanics can improve their chances of being hired quickly and in a desirable location. The work is very physical and involves climbing, crawling, and carrying heavy parts. In addition, one may go through the military and learn the required material during their service. Learn how to become an aircraft mechanic, what skills you need to succeed, how to advance … How much do aircraft mechanics make? Study very carefully for your written exam. You may need to demonstrate aptitude in math, science, and technology to convince a recruiter you'd do well as an avionics mechanic (through test scores or your school transcript). Job opportunities should be good since aging aircraft mechanics will need to be replaced by younger candidates. They do not progress you toward certification in any meaningful way. This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. Your aircraft mechanic’s license must be kept relevant by performing repair or maintenance work at least once every 24 months. Accredited schools ensure that the education received by the potential aircraft mechanic is up to the rigorous safety standards required to ensure that the job is done correctly. Amid the current public health and economic crises, when the world is shifting dramatically and we are all learning and adapting to changes in daily life, people need wikiHow more than ever. References. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 63,300 times. To become certified, you'll need 18 to 30 months of practical work experience, and you'll have to pass practical and written exams. You have to take both oral and practical tests. How much will it cost to become an aircraft mechanic? You'll need to be at least 18, or 17 with permission from your legal guardian. How to Become an Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanic or Technician Most aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians learn their trade at an Federal Aviation … This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. Your email address will not be published. Material science, which teaches the students how various different materials interact and work together for the proper function of an aircraft. The median annual pay for aircraft mechanics is $62,920, with lower ranges around $35,000 and higher ranges around $100,000. In the Unites States the first and most common option to become an aircraft mechanic is by going to an Aviation Maintenance Technician School approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This provides even higher technical training in aircraft maintenance along with the same general education provided in an associate’s degree program. Aircraft mechanics, also called aircraft maintenance technicians or AMTs, are the experts responsible for maintaining and repairing aircraft of all different types and models. % of people told us that this article helped them. Most jobs require a high school diploma (there are a few that will allow a GED, but not many.). Someone with a license will need to sign off on that. You must also fulfill these requirements to become certified. There are many different subjects relevant to aviation and aircraft maintenance that you will study either during your time at an FAA-approved school or a college that provides an accredited aviation repair and maintenance degree. However, the vast majority of aircraft mechanics do have some form of educational degree. In summary, to become an aircraft mechanic, you must: Once both the exams have been passed and any of the above three options have been completed, you will receive your aircraft mechanic certificate and be eligible for hire for the purpose of aircraft repair and maintenance. Prospective aircraft mechanics can attend aircraft mechanic school or … He has been an editor-in-chief of CareersWiki.com since 2014. Civilian aircraft mechanic jobs can be related to transportation and commercial services, as well as delivery services for various companies such as UPS or USPS. The requirements are different in the UK, but it appears that most universities do require A levels for this type of program. How Do I Become an Aircraft Mechanic: There are three options to choose from to get the experience you need to become an aircraft mechanic. Examine aircraft before and after flights to catch potential issues before they cause an emergency. For those who work with aviation (helicopters, planes, other), the career field designations are OccFlds 60/61/62 as you will see below. Your practical experience in the military is only applicable to certification if... 2. … Most schools have flexible schedules or class times for those who must work while they attend school. This varies depending on the path you take to obtain your certification, but most aircraft mechanics go from beginning their program to obtaining their certification in around two years. You must, no matter what, become certified by the FAA and take written, practical, and oral exams to prove your knowledge of the required material. What are Aircraft Mechanic Requirements? Associate’s degrees that are from an FAA accredited school can count for the airplane maintenance school requirement. To start, the requirements for all United States citizens include the individual: be at least 18 years of age … … Most aircraft mechanics are required to lift heavy machinery or equipment throughout the day, although office work is less strenuous. A technician school is applied to in much the same way as a classic college, although the requirements are different and in some ways less competitive. Noel Griffith is a Doctor of Philosophy with a strong interest in educational research. What Degree Do You Need to Be an Aircraft Mechanic? Airplane mechanics are chiefly responsible for the proper function of various types of airplanes. Aircraft mechanics must be able to perform complex mechanical tasks with their fingers, as they often operate complicated tools and perform delicate repair or maintenance work on aircraft. You'll need to prove that you need a mechanic's certificate to work on US-registered civil aircraft. In addition, they must either graduate from an FAA aviation administration-approved school for maintenance or gain at least 18 months of on the job experience. The Aircraft Mechanic (Jet) works under moderate supervision. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Repair aircraft after regular wear and tear or standard flights. Do you think a 44 year old could easily find a job in this field after finishing the aircraft technician training? 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