Aircraft Mechanics Dot Com
Below are a number of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), listed on the FAA's aviation mechanic website:


What is a mechanic job like?
You work in hangars, out on the field on the "flight lines" where aircraft park, or in repair stations. You use hand and power tools as well as sophisticated test equipment. Maintenance is performed around the clock, seven days a week. New mechanics and technicians should expect to work nights and weekends. The noise level both indoors and on the flight line could be very high. Sometimes your work requires physical activity, from climbing ladders to crawling under deadline to make sure an airplane was ready to fly a scheduled flight.


Do I need a license to be an aircraft mechanic?
Not necessarily. However, if you don't have a mechanic's certificate from FAA, you can work only when supervised by someone who does have a certificate. You could not approve equipment for return to service. Without a certificate, you are less likely to advance to the top of the career field.

The FAA issues mechanics and repairman certificates. Mechanics can get either an airframe certificate or a power plant certificate--most mechanics get both. Repairman get certificates to perform only one or two specific tasks, and they must be supervised by FAA-approved Repair Stations, commercial operators, or air carriers where these specific tasks are done daily.

Do I need any experience to become a certified mechanic?
Yes. You can get the required experience through civilian or military on-the-job training, or by attending a special school for aircraft mechanics.

Do I have to take any tests to become a certified mechanic?
Yes. You have to take both oral and practical tests. There is a fee for the test. The oral and practical tests cover 43 technical subjects. Typically tests for one certificate--airframe or power plant--takes about 8 hours.

Do I need any other certificate to work on avionics equipment?
If you have an airframe certificate you don't need any other certificate, but you must be properly trained and qualified and have the proper tools and equipment. You can even work on avionics equipment without a certificate if you have avionics repair experience from the military or from working for avionics manufacturers and related industries.

How do I get a repairman's certificate?
To get a repairman's certificate, you must be recommended by a repair station, commercial operator, or air carrier. You must

be at least 18 years old;
be able to read, write, speak, and understand English
be qualified to perform maintenance on aircraft or components
be employed or a specific job requiring special qualifications by an FAA-certified Repair Station, commercial operator, or air carrier.
be recommended for the repairman certificate by your employer
have either 18 months practical experience in the specific job or complete a formal training course acceptable to FAA.







Learn more about:

Experience Requirements needed to test

FAA-Approved Aviation Maintenance Technician Schools