The Path to Aircraft Mechanic Training

There are several training routes to take for your aircraft mechanic training. Attend a Federal Aviation Administration- (FAA) approved AMT training school - Today, the FAA has approximately 170 approved AMT schools on its website.

You can attend one or a combination of these schools to gain the practical experience you'll need to become an aircraft mechanic. These schools are mandated by the FAA to offer at least 1900 class-hours of training, and the courses last about 18 months, on average.

Some of these schools offer Associate or Bachelor degrees in conjunction with the AMT certification training.

Learn What to Expect to Become an A&P

Military training - many A&P mechanics today were trained in the military. As a military mechanic, you could be working on anything from large airliners and transports to jet fighters and attack helicopters.

If you decide to go this route, upon your discharge from the military, you'll need to take the necessary FAA tests and have the proper documentation of your practical experience. Once you have passed the required tests, you'll be eligible to apply for A&P jobs.

However, please note that military experience can sometimes be too specific, and not meet the broad specifications required by the FAA. Even after your discharge, you may have to attend one of the FAA approved AMT schools.

On the job training - a very few people earn the required minimum coursework and skill set needed to pass the A&P certification tests through on the job training.

Typically, you must be under the direct supervision of an A&P for at least 30 months and be logging all of your hours to go this route. Your time log must be notarized by your employer or signed off by the supervising A&P.

A&P Requirements in the USA

To be a certified A&P mechanic or avionics technician you need to meet several qualifications:

• Age 18 or older
• Read, write, speak, and understand the English language
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent
• Display the required technical skills

To earn your A&P License, you must attend a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certified AMT school OR have at least 30 months of relevant civilian or military work experience (supervised by a certified aviation mechanic).

The FAA issues the A&P certificates (airframe and powerplant), and mechanics can get either an airframe rating or a power plant rating or both--most mechanics get both. Those who want a certificate with just a single rating and who base their application on practical experience must demonstrate 18 months of work experience applicable to the chosen rating. Learn more about the training and experience requirements to become an aircraft mechanic

After your education or training qualifications are met, you'll be eligible to take the required oral, practical, and written tests. You must pass all these tests within 24 months. The tests cover 43 technical subjects. Typically, tests for one certificate--airframe or power plant--take about 8 hours. (Get more details about the Aircraft Mechanics Tests.) When you pass, you will have earned your FAA mechanic license with airframe and/or powerplant certificates (A&P license), and you'll be on your way to a successful career in aviation maintenance! Learn more about aviation maintenance technician training now.

A&P License Currency

Although your A&P certificates don't expire, you must remain "current" by meeting several criteria, including completing a minimum of 1,000 hours of hands-on work experience during the previous 24 months (or completing a refresher course) and completing at least 16 hours of additional training every 24 months. The additional training requirement is usually satisfied by attending manufacturer events or training with outside contractors hired to conduct the training.

Avionics Technician Specialty Training

As an A&P mechanic, if you have the training, qualifications, and tools, the FAA will allow you to work on avionics as well. Avionics technicians are not specifically required to have FAA certification if they received their avionics training in the military or from working for an avionics manufacturer.