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Aircraft
Mechanic Training
We at American Airman, do not offer Aircraft
Mechanic.
However, we often get calls from people interested
in a career as a Aircraft Mechanic.
In an effort to try and help those people, I have started compiling
a list of schools that you can call. I know very little about any
of the programs listed below, and therefore I cannot make any recommendations.
If you are interested in a career as a Aircraft Mechanic, good luck,
and do your research!
This Aircraft Mechanic training page is a work in progress. If you
have any suggestions, please submit your information using the form
below.
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Useful Links to Other Websites I found:
Bureau
of Labor Statistics - See their very helpful Summary Below:
How to Become an Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanic or Technician
An airplane mechanic prepares to refuel a plane.
Aircraft mechanics and avionic technicians must be certified by
the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Most mechanics learn
their trade at an FAA-Approved Aviation Maintenance Technician School.
Education and Training
Most mechanics and technicians learn their trade at an FAA-Approved
Aviation Maintenance Technician School. Coursework normally lasts
18 to 24 months and provides training with the tools and equipment
used on the job.
About one-third of these schools award 2- or 4-year degrees in avionics,
aviation technology, or aviation maintenance management. Increasingly,
employers are looking more favorably on those with a bachelors
degree.
Aircraft trade schools are placing more emphasis on technologies
being used in new airplanes, such as turbine engines, composite
materials, and aviation electronics. These technical advances require
mechanics to have stronger backgrounds in composite materials and
electronics.
Courses in mathematics, physics, chemical engineering, electronics,
computer science, and mechanical drawing are helpful because they
teach the principles involved in operating an airplane. Mechanics
often need this knowledge to figure out what is wrong and how to
fix it.
Courses that develop writing, communication, and management skills
are important for mechanics who want to move into senior positions.
Certification
The FAA requires that aircraft maintenance be done by certified
mechanics or under the supervision of a supervised mechanic. The
FAA offers separate certifications for airframe mechanics and engine
mechanics, but most airlines prefer to hire mechanics with a combined
Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate.
To qualify, mechanics must be at least 18 years of age, be fluent
in English, and have 30 months of experience working on airframes
and engines. However, completion of a program at an FAA-Approved
Aviation Maintenance Technician School can substitute for the experience
requirement.
In addition to having experience or formal training, applicants
must pass written, oral, and practical exams that demonstrate required
skills. Candidates take the written tests on a computer at one of
many designated testing facilities around the world. An FAA Designated
Mechanic Examiner gives the oral and practical tests. To get the
certification, candidates must pass all the tests within two years.
To keep their certification, mechanics must by do an inspection
or repair every 90 days and attend a refresher course every 24 months.
To fulfill this requirement, mechanics often take classes from their
employer or an airplane manufacturer.
The FAA allows certified airframe mechanics to work on avionics
equipment. Although there is no avionic-specific certification,
avionic technicians must have the required training and tools. Many
avionics technicians gain the necessary experience from military
training, from a technical school, or by working for an avionics
manufacturer. Avionics technicians who work on communications equipment
must have a restricted radio-telephone operator license from the
Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
Advancement
As aircraft mechanics gain experience, they may advance to lead
mechanic, lead inspector, or shop supervisor. Opportunities are
best for those who have an aircraft inspector's authorization. To
get an inspector's authorization, a mechanic must have held an A&P
certificate for at least 3 years, with 24 months of hands-on experience.
In addition, as a bachelors degree has become increasingly
important for career advancement, some mechanics continue their
education.
Mechanics with broad experience in maintenance and repair might
become inspectors with the FAA.
With additional business and management training, some may open
their own maintenance facility.
Traditionally, mechanics have advanced from general aviation jobs
to airline jobs. Because salaries are similar between general aviation
and airline companies, however, mechanics also should consider the
work environment as they search for jobs. Although airline jobs
come with standby travel perks, these mechanics often have to work
outside, whereas mechanics at corporations or repair shops often
work in climate-controlled buildings.
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Feel free to give us a call anytime
so we may answer any of your questions!
Call 631-807-1373... ask to speak with Ben or David
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