Aircraft Mechanic Schools in Arlington, VA
How to get your A&P Aircraft Mechanic certification in Arlington, VA; training requirements, eligibility, and more. To earn your A&P Aircraft Mechanic Training Certificate in Arlington, VA (A&P License in Arlington, VA), you must attend a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certified Aircraft Mechanic School in Arlington, VA OR have at least 30 months of relevant civilian or military work experience (supervised by a certified aviation mechanic from Arlington, VA).
The FAA issues the A&P certificates (airframe and powerplant certificates), and A&P mechanics from Arlington, VA can get either an airframe rating or a power plant rating or both--most aviation mechanics from Arlington, VA 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 A&P mechanic near Arlington, VA.
After your aircraft mechanic school 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 A&P Mechanics Tests)
When you pass, you will have earned your FAA A&P mechanic license with airframe and/or powerplant certificates (A&P license in Arlington, VA), and you'll be on your way to a successful career in aviation maintenance! Learn more about aviation maintenance A&P technician schools near Arlington, VA.
A&P Mechanic Schools in Arlington, VA
Although your certificates earned from A&P mechanic schools in Arlington, VA don't expire, aviation mechanics from Arlington, VA 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 in Arlington, VA, 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.
Aircraft Mechanic Trade Schools in Arlington, VA
Aviation maintenance technicians keep aircraft in the air by inspecting, replacing, and fixing nearly every part of an airplane or helicopter. The term aviation maintenance technician (or A&P Mechanic) is very broad and applies to nearly anyone who works on aircraft in Arlington, VA.
However, as an aspiring Aviation Mechanic in training, you'll quickly learn that there are several different types of aviation mechanics out there in Arlington, VA.
First of all, airframe mechanics in Arlington, VA are licensed to perform repair work on the entire aircraft with the exception of the engine(s), propellers, and instruments. Powerplant mechanics in Arlington, VA are authorized to work on engines and in some cases, propellers.
Although Aviation A&P Mechanics from Arlington, VA can earn either an airframe or powerplant certificate, the vast majority of Aviation Mechanic near Arlington, VA earn both certificates and are hereafter referred to as A&P (airframe and powerplant) mechanics. Avionics technicians work exclusively on aircraft radios, instruments, navigation, weather, traffic, and ground proximity systems. Learn more about aviation maintenance technician jobs.
Aviation Maintenance Technician Career Paths Near Arlington, VA
As an A&P mechanic in Arlington, VA, you are eligible to work in a huge variety of settings. You can work as a freelance mechanic at your local airfield in Arlington, VA, get a job working for a local airport near Arlington, VA, work for a corporate aviation department maintaining one or a fleet of aircraft in Arlington, VA, or end up at a major airline working on passenger jets and turboprops.
After three years of operating as an A&P mechanic in Arlington, VA (with 24 months of hands-on experience), you're eligible to move up and become an inspection authorization mechanic (IA). IA's are A&Ps with the authority to return aircraft to service after certain types of thorough inspections.
Aviation Maintenance Technician Key Points
Aircraft Mechanic Trade Schools in Arlington, VA must be detail-oriented. Aircraft mechanics perform a variety of complex tasks where mistakes can be costly in terms of money and human life. When the tools are put away, the job is not complete; aircraft mechanics must also be excellent record keepers.
Paperwork for all inspections and work completed must be filed and logged appropriately for each task completed. The larger and more complex the aircraft, the more paperwork. Find out more about aviation maintenance technician training.
Aviation History for Arlington, VA and Fun Facts for Arlington, VA
Whirly-Girls History: Jean Ross Howard Phelan, Whirly-Girl #13, founded Whirly-Girls in 1955. In hopes of developing an organization where female pilots could share information and camaraderie, she was one of 13 charter members representing women helicopter pilots from France, Germany and the United States. As of 2011, there are over 1700 registered members representing 44 countries. Whirly-Girls is an official affiliate member of the Helicopter Association International.
Aviation Factoids and Figures and Fun for Arlington, VA
How Long Does it Take to Become a Helicopter Pilot: Keep in mind that you will be required to build up to 1,000 flying hours as well. Once you start instructing it will likely take you 12 - 18 months to build up to 1,000 hours.