What Education is Needed to Become an Aircraft Mechanic?
Aviation maintenance is more than just a job. It’s a career. Aircraft mechanics are responsible for inspecting, maintaining, repairing, and overhauling aircraft. If you’re looking to start a career in aviation maintenance, now is the time! Why? The sheer demand! Boeing’s 2019 Pilot & Technician Outlook, states 769,000 new maintenance technicians will be needed globally over the next twenty years.
Licensed A&P (or airframe and powerplant) mechanics are in demand across the aviation industry, and the opportunities are ripe for the taking! To become an aircraft mechanic, specific steps must be taken in terms of education set forth by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA.)
Beginning Steps
The FAA has listed a set of requirements for all aviation mechanic prospects to become licensed. To start, the requirements for all United States citizens include the individual:
- be at least 18 years of age
- be able to read, write, and understand English
- possess a high school diploma or GED
Additionally, the FAA has strict rules on education, including that A&Ps-to-be must gain hands-on experience and pass examinations on a variety of subjects. Also, another way to gain hands-on experience is to attend an FAA-approved aviation maintenance technician school!
Education in as Little as 14 Months
Attending an FAA-approved school is one of the fastest ways to gain hands-on training. It’s a significantly shorter process than gaining experience through on-the-job mentorship!
A specified number of training hours are required by the FAA to become an aircraft mechanic and earn A&P licenses. National Aviation Academy (NAA) programs offer an accelerated path complete these hours and earn certificates in as little as 14 months! NAA’s programs also include benefits like Career Services assistance and onsite FAA testing!
During the short 14-month course, you will take a series of tests to prove competency, as required by the FAA. As an added benefit, these examinations can be taken as you complete each subject so the information will be easier to remember!
FAA-Mandated Subjects for Aircraft Mechanics
The education process is one of the most important pieces of an aircraft mechanic’s journey, as it allows them to form positive habits and gain the needed experience with hands-on material. It takes dedication, time, and hard work to complete an FAA-approved school.
Certain subjects must be covered in schools in order to prepare students for licensing examinations. These mandated subjects include components such as:
- Reciprocating Engines
- Turbine Engines
- Sheet Metal & Non-Metallic Structures
- Welding
- Airframe Fuel Systems
- Aircraft Fundamentals
- Basic Electricity
Types of Aircraft Mechanic Programs
NAA features a few different programs to educate the future of aircraft maintenance based on the subjects the FAA mandates:
- The 14-month Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT) program is comprised of 44 FAA mandated subjects divided into three sections: General, Airframe and Powerplant. After, these fast-paced programs allow students to the necessary FAA exams to complete training!
- The 7-month Advanced Aircraft Systems (AAS) program is designed for those who want to become a more well-rounded and competitive candidate by training on the electrical components and systems of an aircraft.
- The 21-month Aviation Maintenance Professional (AMP) program is a fusion of the AMT and AAS programs. Aviation mechanics who have mastery of both mechanical and electrical knowledge of aircraft are increasingly in demand in the career field!
Our curriculum is taught through three primary modes: classroom instruction accompanied by text and workbook review, team-oriented projects in a laboratory setting which simulate on the job skills and real-world experience working on aircraft at our hangar. In other words, we understand that education is a critical part of an aircraft mechanic’s journey to a fulfilling career, and are excited to share our expertise!
To learn more about how you can prepare for a future as an aircraft mechanic, please fill out the form below!