How to Become an Aircraft Mechanic: A&P Training, Certification, and Career Path
A practical U.S. roadmap to aircraft mechanic training, FAA requirements, A&P certification, costs, salary, and entry-level aviation maintenance jobs.
Quick Answer: How to Become an Aircraft Mechanic
Aircraft mechanics keep aircraft safe, reliable, and ready to fly. In the U.S., the main career pathway usually leads to an FAA Aviation Mechanic certificate with Airframe and Powerplant ratings, commonly called an A&P certificate.
To become an aircraft mechanic, you generally need to meet FAA eligibility requirements, qualify through an FAA-certificated Aviation Maintenance Technician School, documented work experience, or eligible military aviation maintenance experience, pass the required FAA tests, and apply for aviation maintenance jobs.
This guide focuses on the U.S. pathway. FAA rules, certificates, and terminology are specific to the United States.
The Basic Roadmap
1Meet FAA basics
Applicants must be at least 18, understand English, and meet the requirements for the rating they seek.
2Choose a path
Qualify through an FAA-certificated AMTS, documented practical experience, or eligible military aviation maintenance experience.
3Pass FAA tests
Prepare for the required knowledge, oral, and practical tests for Airframe, Powerplant, or both.
4Start working
Look for entry-level aircraft mechanic, aviation maintenance technician, A&P mechanic, repair station, airline, MRO, or manufacturing roles.
Table of Contents
- What Aircraft Mechanics Do
- Aircraft Mechanic vs. Aviation Mechanic vs. A&P Mechanic
- Step 1: Make Sure the Career Fits You
- Step 2: Meet Basic FAA Eligibility Requirements
- Step 3: Choose Your Training or Experience Path
- Step 4: Understand A&P Certification
- Step 5: Prepare for FAA Exams
- Step 6: Apply for Entry-Level Aircraft Mechanic Jobs
- How Long Does It Take?
- How Much Does Training Cost?
- Do Aircraft Mechanics Need an A&P License?
- Salary and Job Outlook
- Career Comparisons
- Is Becoming an Aircraft Mechanic Worth It?
- FAQs
- Sources
What Aircraft Mechanics Do
Aircraft mechanics inspect, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair aircraft and aircraft systems. Their work can involve engines, brakes, wings, landing gear, hydraulics, electrical systems, flight controls, fuel systems, and required maintenance records.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says aircraft mechanics and service technicians typically diagnose mechanical or electrical problems, repair aircraft components, inspect replacement parts, interpret manufacturers' instructions, test aircraft parts, inspect completed work, and keep records of maintenance and repair work.
That recordkeeping part matters. Aircraft maintenance is not casual "fix it until it sounds less haunted" work. Mechanics must follow detailed procedures, safety standards, manufacturer instructions, and FAA-related requirements. The stakes are high because the finished work may affect whether an aircraft can safely return to service.
Aircraft Mechanic vs. Aviation Mechanic vs. A&P Mechanic
People use several terms for this career. Some are formal. Some are search-language soup. Most overlap.
| Term | What it usually means |
|---|---|
| Aircraft mechanic | Common public term for someone who maintains and repairs aircraft. |
| Aviation mechanic | Similar broad term, often used interchangeably with aircraft mechanic. |
| Airplane mechanic | Informal term, usually meaning aircraft mechanic. |
| Aviation Maintenance Technician, or AMT | Formal industry term often used for aircraft maintenance professionals. |
| A&P mechanic | Mechanic who holds both Airframe and Powerplant ratings. |
| Avionics technician | Technician focused more on aircraft electronics, instruments, communications, and navigation systems. |
The FAA says "Aviation Mechanic" and "Aviation Maintenance Technician" are considered equivalent terms. The FAA also says the Aviation Mechanic certificate has two ratings: Airframe and Powerplant. If you seek both ratings, that is commonly called an A&P certificate.
One wording note: People often say "A&P license," but the FAA's legal term is certificate. Use "A&P license" naturally where it helps users understand the topic, but explain early that the FAA issues a mechanic certificate.
Step 1: Make Sure the Career Fits You
Aircraft maintenance can be a strong fit if you like hands-on technical work, troubleshooting, mechanical systems, checklists, and work that has real safety consequences.
It may be a good fit if you:
- Like solving mechanical and electrical problems
- Can follow detailed procedures
- Are comfortable with technical manuals and documentation
- Want a trade with strong aviation-specific credentials
- Can handle physical work, tools, noise, and shop or ramp environments
- Are willing to work nights, weekends, or holidays, especially early in your career
Think twice if you:
- Hate documentation
- Hate strict procedures
- Need predictable daytime hours right away
- Want a fully online career path
- Prefer loose, improvisational repair work
- Do not want to study for difficult FAA exams
BLS says aircraft mechanics may work in hangars, repair stations, or airfields; may work outside or in uncomfortable positions; and may work 8- or 10-hour shifts that include nights, weekends, and holidays.
Aviation maintenance rewards precision. It does not reward cowboy improvisation with a wrench.
Step 2: Meet Basic FAA Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for a mechanic certificate and associated ratings, federal regulations require applicants to be at least 18, be able to read, write, speak, and understand English, pass the prescribed tests within 24 months, and meet the requirements for the rating sought.
The FAA also says it does not prescribe general education requirements for the Aviation Mechanic certificate, although some employers may require a high school diploma or GED. The FAA does not require a medical certificate for an Aviation Mechanic certificate.
Translation: This is not a four-year-degree pathway. It is a federally regulated skills-and-testing pathway.
Step 3: Choose Your Training or Experience Path
Before you can take the FAA mechanic tests, you need to qualify. The three main routes are FAA-approved school, documented practical experience, or eligible military aviation maintenance experience.
| Path | Basic idea | Common fit | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| FAA-certificated AMTS | Complete an FAA-approved aviation maintenance technician school program. | Beginners who want a structured path. | Tuition, tools, fees, and testing costs vary. |
| Practical work experience | Document hands-on aircraft maintenance experience under appropriate supervision. | People who can find aviation maintenance work before certification. | Finding the opportunity can be difficult, and documentation matters. |
| Military aviation maintenance experience | Use eligible military maintenance experience to qualify for FAA testing. | Transitioning service members and veterans. | Classroom training time is not the same as practical experience. |
Path 1: FAA-Certificated Aviation Maintenance Technician School
An Aviation Maintenance Technician School, or AMTS, is an educational facility certificated by the FAA under 14 CFR Part 147. The FAA says an authenticated document from a Part 147 AMTS can be used to show eligibility to test for a mechanic certificate rating when the applicant meets other eligibility requirements.
A Part 147 school may be certificated for Airframe, Powerplant, or Airframe and Powerplant. The school's ratings determine which curriculum it is authorized to deliver and which certificate of completion it can issue.
This is usually the cleanest route for beginners because it gives you structure, lab training, instructor support, and a direct way to document eligibility for testing.
When comparing schools, ask:
- Is the school FAA-certificated under Part 147?
- Does the program prepare students for Airframe, Powerplant, or both?
- What is the total program length?
- What is included in tuition?
- Are tools included or separate?
- Are FAA written test fees included?
- Are oral and practical exam fees included?
- What hands-on aircraft, engines, or components are used in training?
- What aviation employers hire graduates?
For school-search intent, compare aircraft mechanic schools and A&P training programs.
Path 2: Practical Work Experience
You can also qualify through practical work experience. Federal regulations say an applicant must present either an authenticated document from a certificated aviation maintenance technician school or documentary evidence of at least 18 months of practical experience for one rating, or at least 30 months of concurrent practical experience for both Airframe and Powerplant ratings.
FAA guidance is clear that practical experience means actually performing maintenance. Time spent in training cannot be accepted for the FAA's time or experience determination.
This route can help you earn while learning, but it is not the easy loophole people hope it is. You need access to real aviation maintenance work, appropriate supervision, and strong documentation. The FAA may review records such as training records, signed AMT logs, employer statements, military records, or letters of recommendation.
The practical experience route can make sense if you already have a way into an aviation maintenance environment. For someone starting from zero, finding that opportunity may be harder than enrolling in a structured program.
Path 3: Military Aviation Maintenance Experience
Eligible military aviation maintenance experience can also help you qualify. The FAA says applicants may be eligible by completing the Joint Service Aviation Maintenance Technician Certification Council, or JSAMTCC, training course for military personnel.
If you are transitioning from the military, documentation is everything. Gather records that show your specialty, duties, qualifications, and hands-on maintenance experience. Do this before separation if possible, because chasing old paperwork later is how bureaucracies make people age in dog years.
Military classroom training alone is not the same thing as practical experience. FAA guidance says practical experience means actually performing maintenance, and time spent in training cannot be accepted for the FAA's time or experience determination.
Step 4: Understand A&P Certification
An A&P certificate means you hold both Airframe and Powerplant ratings. It is the standard credential most people mean when they talk about becoming a fully qualified aircraft mechanic.
The Airframe rating generally relates to aircraft structures and systems. The Powerplant rating generally relates to engines and related systems. You do not legally have to obtain both ratings, but many employers prefer or require both because the combination gives you broader value.
The FAA says applicants must pass knowledge, oral, and practical tests. There are three knowledge tests required to receive the Aviation Mechanic certificate with Airframe and/or Powerplant ratings. The knowledge tests come before the oral and practical tests. Once the proper knowledge tests are passed, a Designated Mechanic Examiner administers the oral and practical tests.
For a deeper dive, read our guide to aircraft mechanic certification.
Step 5: Prepare for FAA Exams
FAA testing is a serious part of the process. It is not just a quick quiz at the end of school.
You may need to pass:
- General knowledge test
- Airframe knowledge test
- Powerplant knowledge test
- Oral exam
- Practical exam
The FAA says the knowledge, oral, and practical tests are based on the Aviation Mechanic General, Airframe, and Powerplant Airman Certification Standards after July 31, 2023.
That means good preparation should include both book knowledge and hands-on practice. You need to know the material well enough to answer questions, explain procedures, and perform tasks correctly. A good school or test-prep plan should prepare you for that full testing reality, not just help you memorize answers.
Step 6: Apply for Entry-Level Aircraft Mechanic Jobs
After earning your certificate, you can look for jobs under titles like aircraft mechanic, aviation maintenance technician, A&P mechanic, aircraft maintenance technician, airframe and powerplant mechanic, maintenance technician, or repair station technician.
| Setting | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Airlines | Large fleets, strict procedures, shift work, and strong long-term earning potential. |
| Cargo operators | Similar to airline work, often with overnight maintenance operations. |
| MRO facilities | Maintenance, repair, and overhaul work, often on many aircraft types. |
| Repair stations | Specialized aircraft, component, or system repair. |
| General aviation shops | Smaller aircraft, varied tasks, and often smaller teams. |
| Manufacturers | Assembly, inspection, repair, production support, or quality roles. |
| Corporate aviation | Business jets and private aircraft. |
| Government or defense contractors | Military, government, or contractor-supported aircraft. |
BLS says aircraft and avionics mechanics and technicians may work in hangars, repair stations, or on airfields, and their work environments can be loud because of aircraft engines and equipment.
Do not assume your first job will be a top-scale major airline role with perfect shifts. Some new mechanics start in regional airlines, MROs, general aviation, repair stations, or manufacturing support roles before moving into higher-paying or more specialized positions.
How Long Does It Take to Become an Aircraft Mechanic?
The timeline depends on your route.
| Path | Common timeline |
|---|---|
| FAA-certificated AMTS program | Often about 18 to 24 months, though accelerated programs may be shorter. |
| Associate-degree aviation maintenance program | Often about two years. |
| Practical experience route | At least 18 months for one rating or 30 months for both ratings. |
| Military route | Varies by specialty, documented experience, and FAA eligibility review. |
| FAA testing after eligibility | Varies based on preparation, test scheduling, and examiner availability. |
The firm FAA experience minimums are 18 months for one rating or 30 months of concurrent experience for both Airframe and Powerplant ratings.
Can you complete aircraft mechanic training fully online? Not in any practical sense. Some academic or theory portions may be offered online or in hybrid formats, depending on the program, but aircraft maintenance requires hands-on training with tools, components, systems, and procedures. A fully online path to aircraft mechanic competence would be a giant red flag wearing a headset.
How Much Does Aircraft Mechanic Training Cost?
Aircraft mechanic training costs vary widely by school, location, program length, public vs. private status, included tools, testing fees, books, and supplies.
Rather than trusting a single advertised tuition number, ask each school for a full cost breakdown. Include:
- Tuition
- School fees
- Books and digital materials
- Uniforms or safety gear
- Required tools
- FAA written test fees
- Oral and practical exam fees
- Retake fees
- Transportation
- Housing or relocation, if needed
Tool costs deserve special attention. You may need your own basic kit, but that does not mean you need to finance a luxury toolbox before you have your first aviation paycheck. Ask the school or employer exactly what is required, what can wait, and what brands or tool types are acceptable.
Do Aircraft Mechanics Need an A&P License?
Technically, the FAA issues a mechanic certificate, not a license. But in everyday search language, people often call it an A&P license.
The practical answer is this: You may be able to work in some aviation maintenance settings without holding an Aviation Mechanic certificate, but your opportunities and authority are more limited.
The FAA says possession of an Aviation Mechanic certificate is not an FAA regulatory requirement for employment by an air carrier, but air carriers often call for the certificate as a hiring requirement. The FAA also says having the certificate can lead to enhanced opportunities and higher wages.
So, while an A&P certificate is not the only possible way to touch aircraft maintenance work, it is the main credential for long-term mobility, stronger job options, and broader authority.
Aircraft Mechanic Salary and Job Outlook
BLS reports that the median annual wage for aircraft mechanics and service technicians was $78,680 in May 2024. For avionics technicians, the median annual wage was $81,390.
For the broader combined category of aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians, BLS reports a 2024 median pay of $79,140 per year and projects 5 percent employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
For aircraft mechanics and service technicians specifically, BLS projects employment to grow from 139,400 jobs in 2024 to 145,000 jobs in 2034, a 4 percent increase. BLS also says about 13,100 openings are projected each year, on average, for aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians over the decade.
Long-term aviation demand also supports the field. Boeing's 2025 Pilot and Technician Outlook projects demand for 710,000 new maintenance technicians worldwide over 20 years, based on the commercial aviation sector.
Keep salary expectations grounded. Median pay is not starting pay. New mechanics may earn less while building experience, especially in entry-level regional, repair-station, or general aviation roles. Pay can rise substantially with experience, employer type, overtime, shift differentials, union contracts, inspection authorization, or leadership roles.
Aircraft Mechanic Career Comparisons
Aircraft Mechanic vs. Auto Mechanic
Aircraft mechanic and auto mechanic careers both involve diagnostics, tools, repair procedures, and mechanical systems. But the training, regulation, documentation, and work environments are very different.
| Factor | Aircraft mechanic | Auto mechanic |
|---|---|---|
| Main systems | Aircraft structures, engines, hydraulics, flight controls, electrical systems. | Cars and light trucks. |
| Federal credential | FAA mechanic certificate is central to advancement. | No equivalent federal mechanic certificate. |
| Documentation | Extremely detailed and safety-critical. | Important, but generally less federally controlled. |
| Training path | FAA school, documented experience, or military route. | Trade school, employer training, ASE certification, manufacturer training. |
| Work setting | Hangars, ramps, repair stations, airlines, manufacturers. | Dealerships, independent shops, fleet shops. |
| Lifestyle | May involve nights, weekends, travel, weather, and shift bids. | Often more local and predictable, but varies. |
Choose aircraft maintenance if you want aviation, federal credentialing, strict standards, and long-term technical credibility. Choose automotive if you want broader local job availability, a lower barrier to entry, and a more direct route toward independent shop work.
Related options include automotive mechanic training and diesel mechanic training.
Aircraft Mechanic vs. Avionics Technician
Aircraft mechanics and avionics technicians often work around the same aircraft, but their focus is different.
Aircraft mechanics usually work on broader aircraft maintenance, including structures, engines, mechanical systems, hydraulics, fuel systems, landing gear, and inspections.
Avionics technicians focus more on electronics, instruments, communications, navigation, wiring, sensors, and digital troubleshooting.
The FAA says avionics technician training and experience requirements differ from AMT requirements, and many avionics technician employers highly recommend having an Aviation Mechanic certificate with an Airframe rating.
Is Becoming an Aircraft Mechanic Worth It?
Becoming an aircraft mechanic can be worth it if you want a hands-on technical career, can handle strict safety standards, and are willing to build experience over time. The field offers a recognized federal credential, strong aviation-specific skills, and work that is difficult to outsource.
It may be worth it if you:
- Want hands-on technical work
- Like aircraft and aviation systems
- Can follow strict procedures
- Are comfortable with documentation
- Can handle physical work and shift schedules
- Want a skilled trade with long-term demand
It may not be worth it if you:
- Need a fully online program
- Want an easy credential
- Hate rules and inspection standards
- Need predictable daytime hours immediately
- Prefer a trade with easier self-employment options
- Do not want to study for difficult FAA exams
The blunt version: aircraft maintenance can be a strong career, but it makes you earn it. The payoff is real for the right person. So is the grind.
Find Aircraft Mechanic Training Near You
If the school route sounds like the right fit, compare aircraft mechanic schools and A&P training programs.
Before requesting information, ask each school:
- Is the program FAA-certificated under Part 147?
- Does it prepare students for Airframe, Powerplant, or both?
- How long does the program take?
- What is the total cost, including tools and testing?
- Are FAA written tests included?
- Are oral and practical exam fees included?
- What hands-on equipment is available?
- What employers hire graduates?
- What happens if I need to retake an exam?
The goal is not just to find a program. It is to choose a realistic pathway into a field where precision matters.
FAQs
How do you become an aircraft mechanic?
In the U.S., you generally become an aircraft mechanic by meeting FAA eligibility requirements, qualifying through an FAA-certificated Aviation Maintenance Technician School, documented practical experience, or eligible military experience, then passing the required FAA knowledge, oral, and practical tests.
How long does it take to become an aircraft mechanic?
Many school-based aircraft mechanic programs take about 18 to 24 months, though program length varies. The practical experience route requires at least 18 months for one rating or 30 months of concurrent experience for both Airframe and Powerplant ratings.
Do aircraft mechanics need an A&P license?
The FAA issues a mechanic certificate, not technically a license. But an A&P certificate is the major credential for broad aircraft mechanic career mobility. Employers often prefer or require it, and the FAA says having the certificate may lead to enhanced opportunities and higher wages.
Can you become an aircraft mechanic without going to school?
Yes. You can qualify through documented practical experience instead of graduating from an FAA-certificated school. Federal rules require at least 18 months of practical experience for one rating or 30 months of concurrent practical experience for both Airframe and Powerplant ratings.
What is a Part 147 school?
A Part 147 school is an FAA-certificated Aviation Maintenance Technician School. These schools are approved to train students in the knowledge and skills needed for aviation maintenance careers and may issue completion documents that help graduates qualify for FAA mechanic testing.
Is aircraft mechanic training hard?
Yes. Aircraft mechanic training can be challenging because it combines technical systems, safety procedures, regulations, documentation, and hands-on skills. FAA testing also includes knowledge, oral, and practical exams.
Can military aviation maintenance experience count?
Yes, eligible military aviation maintenance experience can help you qualify for FAA testing. Documentation is critical. FAA guidance says practical experience means actually performing maintenance, and time spent in training cannot be counted for the FAA's time or experience determination.
What is the difference between an aircraft mechanic and an aviation mechanic?
In everyday use, the terms usually mean the same thing. The FAA considers Aviation Mechanic and Aviation Maintenance Technician equivalent terms. An A&P mechanic is someone who holds both Airframe and Powerplant ratings.
What is the difference between an aircraft mechanic and an avionics technician?
Aircraft mechanics usually work on broader aircraft systems, including structures, engines, hydraulics, landing gear, and mechanical systems. Avionics technicians focus more on electronics, instruments, navigation, communication, and wiring systems.
Is aircraft mechanic a good career?
Aircraft mechanic can be a good career for people who want hands-on technical work, can handle strict safety standards, and are willing to build experience. BLS reports solid wages and projected employment growth for aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians, and Boeing projects long-term demand for maintenance technicians in commercial aviation.
Sources
Sources checked July 8, 2026. FAA rules and labor data can change, so verify details before making enrollment or certification decisions.
- Federal Aviation Administration — Become an Aviation Mechanic: link
- Federal Aviation Administration — Become a Mechanic Frequently Asked Questions: link
- Federal Aviation Administration — Experience Requirements to Become an Aircraft Mechanic: link
- Federal Aviation Administration — Aviation Maintenance Technician Schools: link
- Electronic Code of Federal Regulations — 14 CFR Part 65, Subpart D, Mechanics: link
- Electronic Code of Federal Regulations — 14 CFR 65.77, Experience requirements: link
- Electronic Code of Federal Regulations — 14 CFR Part 147, Aviation Maintenance Technician Schools: link
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technicians: link
- O*NET OnLine — Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians: link
- Boeing — Pilot and Technician Outlook 2025-2044: link