To work as an aircraft mechanic who can approve repairs, you need an FAA mechanic certificate with an airframe rating, a powerplant rating or both, often called the A&P. You qualify by graduating from an FAA-approved aviation maintenance technician school, which typically takes 18 to 24 months, or through documented hands-on experience, including military experience. Then you pass written, oral and practical tests.
What the job really involves
Aircraft mechanics keep airplanes and helicopters safe to fly. Every task follows a manual, and every task gets written up.
- Scheduled inspections: detailed checks at set intervals, from quick walkarounds to heavy checks where an aircraft is opened up for weeks.
- Troubleshooting: tracking down faults in engines, hydraulics, landing gear, flight controls and electrical systems.
- Paperwork: logbook entries and records that are legal documents. Precision with paperwork matters as much as precision with tools.
- Conditions: hangars, cold or hot ramps, ladders and tight spaces, often on nights and weekends because aircraft fly during the day.
- Employers: airlines, cargo carriers, repair stations, manufacturers, general aviation shops, helicopter operators and corporate flight departments.
Two ways to qualify for the tests
- FAA-approved school: aviation maintenance technician schools, offered by community colleges and technical schools, usually run 18 to 24 months depending on which ratings you pursue. Graduating makes you eligible to test. Many also offer an associate degree.
- Documented experience: instead of school, the FAA accepts practical experience, generally at least 18 months on airframes or on powerplants for one rating, or 30 months working on both at once for both ratings. The experience must be documented.
- Military: military aircraft maintenance experience can count toward the experience route when properly documented. If you are weighing service against school, compare the timelines honestly.
- Avionics: technicians who focus on electronics may follow a related path and can add other licenses for radio work.
Requirements and the three tests
Under FAA rules, you must be at least 18 and able to read, write, speak and understand English. Each rating requires passing a written knowledge test, an oral test and a practical test with a designated examiner, where you demonstrate real tasks. The FAA mechanic certificate is federal, so it applies nationwide. After several years of holding the certificate and active work, mechanics can apply for an inspection authorization, which allows them to approve major repairs and annual inspections on some aircraft. Check the FAA’s current mechanic requirements before you choose a route.
A path from high school to the hangar
- Take math, physics and any auto shop, electronics or engineering classes your school offers.
- Visit a local airport, attend an airshow or join an aviation club for young people.
- Get a part-time job in line service, fueling or cleaning aircraft to see airport life up close.
- Choose an FAA-approved school, or enlist in a role that builds documented aircraft maintenance experience.
- Study for and pass the written, oral and practical tests for each rating.
- Take a first job, expect night or weekend shifts early, and keep learning specific aircraft types.
Test the fit before committing
- Tour an aviation maintenance school and talk with current students about the pace.
- Set up informational interviews with a mechanic at an airline and one at a small general aviation shop.
- Take an intro small engines or auto repair class and see whether troubleshooting holds your interest.
- Spend a day at a flight school or repair shop if they allow visitors.
Who does well, and why some change course
Aircraft mechanics who do well are careful, methodical and comfortable following written procedures exactly, even when no one is watching. They like solving mechanical puzzles and take pride in safety. People change course because of shift work, seniority systems that keep new hires on nights, pressure to return aircraft to service and physical strain. Many move into inspection, quality assurance, maintenance planning, technical training or management, and some become pilots. If machines are your thing, see careers for people who like cars and careers for people who like solving problems.
Switching into aviation maintenance
Auto and diesel mechanics, electricians and veterans often move into aviation maintenance smoothly, because troubleshooting habits carry over. Many school programs run full-time during the day, so plan your finances early or look for employers who sponsor training. Our guides to starting trade school, trade school vs college and changing careers help you weigh the decision. For current pay and job outlook, check the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Where a mentor helps
A mentor helps a teen or young adult explore whether aviation maintenance fits, compare school and experience routes, keep up with study goals through a demanding program, prepare for test dates and applications and settle into the first job. Mentors are not credentialed career counselors, admissions counselors or licensing experts; they help you do the research and the work yourself. Learn about our career and education mentoring and mentoring for high school students.
Related
- All career path guides
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Common questions
What is an A&P license?
It is an FAA mechanic certificate with both airframe and powerplant ratings. It lets you perform and approve maintenance on most aircraft and is the standard credential employers ask for.
How long does it take to become an aircraft mechanic?
An FAA-approved school usually takes 18 to 24 months. The experience route generally requires 18 months for one rating or 30 months for both, followed by the tests.
Can I become an aircraft mechanic without school?
Yes. The FAA accepts documented practical experience, including military experience, in place of an approved school. You still have to pass all the tests.
Do aircraft mechanics need a college degree?
No. A degree is not required for the FAA certificate, though some schools offer an associate degree alongside the training.
Get started
Interested in aviation or another skilled trade and want a plan? Call (888) 305 5422, email contact@blackburnmentoring.com or start with a short assessment. A member of our team reviews every assessment personally and sets up a free intro call.