Aircraft mechanics have the very important responsibility of keeping our planes operating safely and efficiently. They work in highly technical specialty areas on different systems that make up today's complex aircraft. For example, you could specialize in the airframe (the body of the aircraft), the power plant (the engines), or avionics (the parts of an aircraft that depend on electronics, such as navigation and communication). Aviation is a rapidly changing field, so aircraft maintenance is a dynamic career field. It has changed a great deal since Charles Taylor, the first aircraft mechanic, helped design, build, and maintain the engine for the 1903 Wright Brothers’ Flyer. You would need to keep learning to keep up with new designs and materials.

What would my job be like?

You would work in hangars, out on the field on the "flight lines" where aircraft park, or in repair stations. You would 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 would require physical activity, from climbing ladders to crawling under wings and lifting heavy equipment. Sometimes the work would be stressful, because you would have to meet a deadline to make sure an airplane was ready to fly a scheduled flight.

What requirements I must meet to become an aircraft mechanic?

You must meet basic requirements, experience requirements, and pass a series of tests.

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.

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