The landscape for Aviation Mechanics is changing rapidly. The most pressing challenge is the evolving nature of the job due to advances in technology. The best solution? A quality education that trains technicians to perform pre-flight maintenance, general inspections, and repairs for private and commercial aircraft.
Specific Approaches to Fixing Aviation Mechanic Challenges
Today, the FAA certifies aircraft mechanics and avionics technicians. By viewing Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 65, subparts D and E, you can find updated requirements to become a certified mechanic.
Aircraft mechanics and service technicians looking to enter the field should attend a Part 147 FAA-approved Aviation Maintenance Technician School. The program awards a certificate of completion that is recognized by the FAA. This certificate:
- Serves as an alternative to the experience and other requirements cited in regulations
- Grants holders the ability to take relevant FAA exams
How To Enter The Field
There are several pathways into aviation maintenance:
- High school diploma or equivalent – Many mechanics enter with this credential and receive on-the-job training to develop their skills and prepare for FAA exams.
- Military training – Some mechanics and technicians enter the occupation after receiving training through military service.
- Associate’s degree – Most avionics technicians start with this credential, as aircraft systems, controls, and flight instruments are becoming increasingly digitized and computerized.
Aviation maintenance personnel not certified by the FAA require supervision until they gather enough experience and knowledge to become certified.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians need credentials to improve their wage scales and employment security. FAA requirements mandate that aircraft maintenance be performed by—or under the supervision of—a certified mechanic.
Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Certification
Separate certifications are available for bodywork and engine work. Most employers prefer to hire mechanics with both Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) ratings.
To qualify for A&P ratings, mechanics must:
- Be 18 years or older
- Be fluent in English
- Have 30 months of experience or complete a program at a Part 147 FAA-approved Aviation Maintenance Technician School
Additional Certifications
- Aircraft Electronics Technician (AET) – Provided through the National Center for Aerospace and Transportation Technologies via a repair station
- Radio-telephone operator certification – Required for avionics technicians working on communications equipment; issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
What Does an Aircraft Mechanic’s Salary Look Like?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for aircraft mechanics and service technicians was $78,680 as of May 2024. Earnings ranged from less than $47,790 for the lowest 10 percent to more than $120,080 for the highest 10 percent.
Avionics technicians earned a median annual wage of $75,420 as of May 2023, with the lowest 10 percent earning less than $49,250 and the highest 10 percent earning more than $113,600.
Employment Projections
According to the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, overall employment of aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians is projected to grow 5 percent from 2024 to 2034—faster than the average for all occupations. About 13,100 openings for aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Growing demand for passenger travel and goods transportation will increase air traffic over the coming years. As the use and number of aircraft increase, and as aircraft systems become more complex, more technicians will be needed to provide maintenance and repair services.
FAQs
What qualifications do I need to become a certified aircraft mechanic?
To qualify for Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification, you must be at least 18 years old, be fluent in English, and have either 30 months of hands-on experience or complete a program at a Part 147 FAA-approved Aviation Maintenance Technician School. The school route substitutes for the experience requirement and prepares you to take FAA exams.
What’s the difference between an aircraft mechanic and an avionics technician?
Aircraft mechanics focus on airframe and powerplant work—performing inspections, maintenance, and repairs on the physical structure and engines of aircraft. Avionics technicians specialize in the electronic systems, including flight instruments, navigation, and communications equipment. Avionics technicians typically need an associate’s degree due to the increasingly computerized nature of aircraft systems.
How much do aircraft mechanics earn?
According toBureau of Labor Statistics data, the median annual wage for aircraft mechanics and service technicians was $78,680 as of May 2024. Earnings vary based on experience, certifications, and employer—with the highest 10 percent earning more than $120,080 and the lowest 10 percent earning less than $47,790.
Can I work as an aircraft mechanic without FAA certification?
Yes, but with limitations. Aviation maintenance personnel who are not FAA-certified must work under the supervision of a certified mechanic until they gain enough experience and knowledge to become certified themselves.
What certifications should I pursue beyond A&P ratings?
Depending on your career goals, you may want to pursue Aircraft Electronics Technician (AET) certification through the National Center for Aerospace and Transportation Technologies. If you plan to work on communications equipment, you’ll also need a radio-telephone operator certification issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
For more information about a career in the aircraft mechanic field, or to speak with an admissions representative and apply for aviation career training, contact the Aviation Institute of Maintenance today by visiting ourAircraft Mechanic School Programs Webpage. You can also learn more at ourConsumer Information Disclosure page. DISCLAIMER – Aviation Institute of Maintenance makes no claim, warranty or guarantee as to actual employability or earning potential to current, past or future students and graduates of any career training program we offer. The Aviation Institute of Maintenance website is published for informational purposes only. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information contained within; however, no warranty of accuracy is made. No contractual rights, either expressed or implied, are created by its content. The printed Aviation Institute of Maintenance catalog remains the official publication of Aviation Institute of Maintenance. The Aviation Institute of Maintenance website links to other websites outside the aviationmaintenance.edu domain. These links are provided as a convenience and do not constitute an endorsement. Aviation Institute of Maintenance exercises no control over, and assumes no responsibility for, information that resides on servers outside the aviationmaintenance.edu domain.
