Aircraft maintenance technicians (AMTs) are responsible for performing repair, preventative and routine maintenance on all kinds of aircraft and helicopters. FAA certified aircraft mechanics (also called Airframe & Powerplant mechanics or A&P mechanics) are in demand right now. The military, airlines, government, and many other employers are hiring aicraft mechanics.
AMTs need specific training and an eye for detail. They bear a large amount of responsibility when it comes to maintaining and inspecting aircraft for service.
An AMT student can choose to be an Airframe or Powerplant mechanic, or both. An A&P mechanic can also work on avionics with the appropriate training, and can also gain an inspector authorization (IA). Similar to a pilot's training, an AMT must pass FAA written, oral and practical exams. Authorized inspectors and avionics technicians require additional training.
Here's How:
Meet the Prerequisites
If you're considering a career as an A&P mechanic, you will need to be able to read, write, speak and understand English, and you must be at least 18 years old.To be an AMT, you must graduate from an FAA-approved school for maintenance or gain at least 18 months of on-the-job experience working on either Airframes or Powerplants, or 30 months of experience on both airframes and powerplants to get both the A&P certifications.
Finally, all applicants for an A&P certificate must pass the FAA's written, oral and practical exams.
Enter a Training Program
There are three basic routes you can take for AMT training:
- Attend and graduate from one of the FAA-approved AMT training schools. These schools usually offer the full package, including both the Airframe & Powerplant certification as well as avionics training.
AMT schools typically require a high school diploma or GED from applicants, and the programs usually take one to two years to complete. Upon graduation, you will be qualified to take the FAA exams. The advantage to this method is that it's quick. Typically, you can graduate and have a job before another student who goes through the FAA's on-the-job training program.
- If the formal education environment isn't for you, consider an on-the-job training program, where you complete a minimum of 18 months of training under the supervision of a qualified mechanic for either the Airframe or Powerplant Certificate. Or, for both the A&P certifications, you would need to complete 30 months of training under a qualified mechanic.
The mechanic that supervises your training will sign your logbook, attesting to the training time given and amount of time worked in the shop. It's also a good idea to keep pay stubs and other documentation of your time working there.
- Many AMTs originate from the military. Military experience is looked highly upon in the civilian world, and the training is paid. Many people find that earning a paycheck while serving your country is a fulfilling way of life. The FAA gives service members credit for time spent in certain occupational specialties that involve aviation maintenance. Colleges and other AMT training programs will give credit for military service as an aviation mechanic, as well.
- Attend and graduate from one of the FAA-approved AMT training schools. These schools usually offer the full package, including both the Airframe & Powerplant certification as well as avionics training.
Take the Required Tests
- The Written Exams: There are three possible written exams. They include the AMT-General Test, the AMT-Airframe Test and the AMT-Powerplant Test. The General test is 60 questions. The Airframe and Powerplant tests are each 100 questions. All tests are multiple-choice and allot 2 hours for completion. A 70% or better is required to pass all of the tests.
A&P mechanics who have been practicing for at least 2 years and have a fixed-based operation (among other requirements) may apply for an Inspector Authorization certificate. This requires an additional written exam, made up of 50 questions and a 3-hour time allotment.
- The Practical Test: In order to demonstrate to the FAA that you have the knowledge, skills and abilities to be an AMT, you must pass a practical test made up of both an oral portion (discussion) and a practical portion (demonstration). A test must be done for each certification requested (the General, Airframe or Powerplant Certificate) and each test takes approximately eight hours. The test is given by an FAA Designated Examiner and includes 43 subject areas.
- The Written Exams: There are three possible written exams. They include the AMT-General Test, the AMT-Airframe Test and the AMT-Powerplant Test. The General test is 60 questions. The Airframe and Powerplant tests are each 100 questions. All tests are multiple-choice and allot 2 hours for completion. A 70% or better is required to pass all of the tests.
Get a Job
- Search online job-finding sites like careerbuilder and Monster for available A&P jobs.
- Inquire at your local airport about job openings.
- Get professional memberships to organizations such as the Professional Aviation Maintenance Association (PAMA) or the AMT Society .
What You Need
- Time
- Money
- The appropriate textbooks and FAA Knowledge Test Guides
- Ability to Learn
