Aeronautics is neither an industry nor a science but a miracle they say. Ever wondered if pilots have heroes too? Will you love to fix airplanes and help pilots enjoy their work? Then, how to become an aircraft mechanic is an article for you.
Discover how you can join the league of pilot heroes here. Majorly this post shows amazing facts about airplane mechanics, what aeronautic mechanics do and who they are. Actually, we are certain it’s a profession you will love.
So, we shall let you know the cost of airplane mechanic school, aviation mechanic requirements and how much you may make as an airplane mechanic.
Well, pilots do a good job by flying the plane, airplane mechanics do an excellent job by fixing our planes. Little wonder they are called “the Pilots Hero”.
In fact, aeronautic engineers build planes but these good gifts to mankind work round the clock basically all their life making sure that a pilot enjoys his works while flying us to safety.
Table of contents
Who is an Aircraft Mechanic?
Well, an aircraft mechanic who has other pleasant names to himself, such as aeroplane mechanic or even aviation mechanic is apparently one who repairs and performs maintenance on airplanes and helicopters.
Also, they are individuals who hold certificates (Airframe and Power plant) from the Federal Aviation Administration. They usually have the responsibility of inspecting aircraft, performs, supervises and to conduct preventive maintenance.
Actually, in logical terms, an airplane mechanic fixes the plane pilots fly when it has issues. They major in taking care of the mechanical faulty developments that arise in our aeroplanes. So, they inspect an aircraft before it takes off to make sure everything is in order.
In fact, the job of an aviation technician is to keep everyone traveling by air safe by ensuring that an airplane or helicopter is good enough.
What do Airplane Mechanics do?
Currently, the aircraft we have today are highly complex machines. They require reliable parts and service to fly. In fact, to keep an airplane in the sky, aircraft mechanics carry out a good and complete inspection and make repairs where necessary.
In a nutshell, an airplane mechanic examines aircraft frames and parts for defects. An airplane technician will also diagnose mechanical or electrical problems.
Additionally, an aviation technician must measure parts for wear using precision instruments. To complement this, they should be able to read maintenance manuals to identify methods of repair.
Also, airplane technicians repair wings, brakes, electrical systems, and other aircraft components alongside replacing defective parts using hand tools.
Furthermore, aircraft mechanics test aircraft parts with gauges and other diagnostic equipment and inspects completed work to ensure that it meets performance standards.
Finally, the keep records of maintenance and repair work for future references.
What are Career paths for Airplane Mechanics?
From the foregoing, an aircraft mechanic works in environments that either harbours, repairs or coordinate airplane flying activities.
However, the employment of aircraft mechanics is in a few industries particularly the aviation industry. So, airplane technicians work in hangars, repair stations or airports/airfields and maintenance staff.
Also, aircraft mechanics may work for the Navy, Army or Airforce military base as their airplane maintenance engineers.
Furthermore, with extra educational qualifications, an airplane maintenance engineer can teach in aviation schools and help in raising the next generation of airplane mechanics.
Finally, they may also decide to work for the Federal Aviation Agency and help set and improve the standard of aviation and aircraft maintenance.
Are Airplane mechanics and Aeronautic Engineers the same?
No, Aeronautical engineers design and manufactures aircraft while aircraft mechanics ensure that the airplane is in perfect flying condition.
Also, airplane engineers primarily engage in aircraft and propulsion systems designing and studying the aerodynamic performance of aircraft and construction materials while aircraft maintenance technicians are called upon to keep the airplane functional.
How much do Airplane Mechanics Make?
Interestingly, aviation is one of the highest paying sectors in any nation’s economy. So, all the odds that may influence salary are in favour of aircraft mechanics.
In fact, The Bureau of Labor Statistics posits that airplane technicians earn about $26.20 an hour on average.
Work Chron reports that aircrafts mechanics earn an average of $54,500 as of May 2011. Basically, the top ten highest-paid took home an annual salary of more than $74,210 while the ten lowest-paid took home an annual salary of about $34,630.
So, the stakes are high for aircraft maintenance engineers. Furthermore, PayScale posits that a mid-career Aircraft and power plant with 5-9 years of experience earns an average total compensation of $24.56 following data analysis of 584 salaries taking into account.
However, a major way to increase pay is to improve relevance. This article will show you how to become an airplane mechanic and top the corporate ladder in no distant time.
What are Aircraft Mechanic Requirements?
Well, depending on your location, requirements to become an aircraft mechanic may vary but usually, they are slight changes. What is obtainable worldwide is basically the standard, others are to suit your locality laws and rules.
For instance, in the US according to the Federal Aviation Administration: you must be:
- At least 18 years old
- Able to read, write, speak and understand English
- Get 18 months of practical experience with either power plants or airframes or 30 months of practical experience working on both simultaneously.
- Pass three types of tests: a written examination, an oral test, and a practical test
- For more information on this see the Federal Aviation Administration.
In addition, you would have to get the educational requirements by attending aviation schools and undergoing basic aircraft mechanic training.
As you read, I will let you into good aviation schools for you and training certificates for you to obtain.
However, here are basic skills to gain to become an airplane mechanic.
- Reading Skills
- Active listening
- Speaking skills
- Critical and creative thinking
- Active learning
- Monitoring
- Learning strategies
- Writing skills
- Science
- Physical strength, agility, manual dexterity
- No acrophobia
How do I become an Aircraft Mechanic?
Obviously, if you meet the requirements above then you may become an Aircraft mechanic. Usually, there is no educational degree requirement for this job but the FAA provides accredited educational programs as a training platform for AMTs.
Well, you may choose to earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in disciplines related to aviation technology and management.
So, you need aviation school training to become one. You can choose one of these routes to achieve your dreams.
#1: Attend and graduate from one of the FAA-approved Airplane Mechanic Training schools.
Usually, most of these schools offer the full package, including the airframe and powerplant certification and avionics training.
#2: Complete an on-job training
Actually, you may opt for 18 months of training under the supervision of a qualified mechanic for either the Airframe or powerplant Certificate. However, to get A&p certifications, the AMT training will last for 30 months under the supervision of a qualified mechanic.
#3: Get a Military Training
This is basically, another effective and interesting way to become an airplane mechanic. In fact, for some people earning a paycheck while serving their country is a fulfilling way of life.
Basically, Military experience is looked highly upon in the civilian world and the training is paid. So, you may choose to become an AMT by enrolling in this military training.
How much does an Aircraft Mechanic School Cost?
Actually, the cost of an aircraft mechanic school depends on the program type school’s tuition fees. So, some students pay between $10,000 and $ 30,000 to go through a 2-year program awards certificate.
Also, going to college for a four-year degree program in courses related to aviation technology and maintenance may cost more. However, it is important to note that an A and P license is given to only people who gain the necessary hands-on experience and passed all of the testings.
Is an Airframe License different from Powerplant License?
No, airframe license and powerplant licenses are not the same. Even though some airplane mechanics have just one license and others have none; it is important to be a certified mechanics.
However, an ‘A’ license which may be written as ‘Airframe License’ certifies an airline mechanic to work on structural components while ‘P license or Powerplant license” certifies a flight mechanic to work on propulsion components and other components systems.
DO I need an EASA License to work as an Aircraft Mechanic?
Well, you will need an EASA license to work as an Aircraft mechanic if you intend to work in Europe. Basically, EASA stands for the “European Aviation Safety Agency” which is an agency that regulates this type of license.
Even though some European companies recognize an A&p license, others don’t. So, to be on the safe side please get this certification and license if you plan to work in Europe.
Aircraft Mechanic Training Schools
One of the ways to become an aeronautical mechanic is to attend and complete the coursework to earn a certificate or an associate degree in aviation technologies.
However, be certain the AMT training school you wish to attend is FAA approved.
Additionally, you must check the basic requirements for your locality before enrolling for a program.
Everett Community College
Tuition Fees: $29,120
Contact Number: (425)388-9093
Location: 9711 31st Place West BLDg c-80. c81 Paine field Everett
So, Everette is a community college in Everett Washington and it educates more than 19,000 students every year. Actually, this public community college offers over 90 different majors and programs of which Certificates and an Associate degree in aviation technology are one of them.
In fact, this Airplane maintenance technician school offers programs that award certificates and associate degrees in aviation maintenance technology or airframe and powerplant upon completion of course work.
Additionally, its AMT training school has been approved by FAA since 50 years ago and the school’s curriculum is delivered in 8-quarters of 2,247 hours of study. Interestingly, these hours of study covers 40 subject areas.
The school posits that “our AMT school teaches students to maintain both reciprocating and turbine engines, repairing systems and components.
For more information, click the button below.
Salt Lake Community College Utah
Tuition Fees: $12,500
Contact Number: (801)957-2061
Location: 551 North 2200 West Salt Lake City Uta 84116
This is a public community college in Salt Lake County and it is the largest two-year college with the most diverse student body.
It houses over 60,000 students on 10 campuses and through online classes comfortably. Basically, it has a student-to-faculty ratio of 20:1. Mostly, it focuses on providing associate degrees that can help students get into a four-year university program.
Consequently, it offers a full-time associate degree certificate program in aviation technology and maintenance. This course will last over a time-space of six semesters. Also, this program is available during the Fall or Spring Semesters as day and evening classes.
Furthermore, Salt lake’s Aviation Maintenance program is one of the FAA-approved programs in the US. The program covers courses like:
- Aircraft Regulation
- Aircraft Electrical Hardware
- Powerplant systems
- Airframe systems I, II and III.
- Airframe inspection
- Powerplant System: Reciprocating Engines
- Powerplant System IV: powerplant inspection
Visit the school website for more information.
Gateway Community College Phoenix
Tuition Fees: $2,046 in-state:out-state $7,830
Contact Number:(314)776-3300
Location: 5101 Mcree Ave. St Louis Mo63110
Gateway community college is a public community college and its motto is Education that works, so you learn more and live better. Actually, its been in existence since 1968 and offers an associate degree in aviation and aeronautics which covers areas like;
- Aircraft Maintenance technology
- Airframe maintenance
- Flight Technology
- Airway Science and Technology, flight emphasis
- Powerplant maintenance
For more information Visit the school’s website.
Portland Community College Portland OR
Tuition Fees: $16,000
Contact Number: (971)722-72914
Location:17705 NW Springville RD Portland Or 97299
Well, Portland Community College is a public community, the largest in the state which serves 1.9 million residents in the five-county area of Multnomah, Washington, Yamhill, Clackamas, and Columbia Countries.
It enrolls over 83,000 students annually, so you may apply to this university as their acceptance rate is quite encouraging. However, this community college has existed since 1961 and offers programs that award a certificate or associate degree upon completion of coursework.
Consequently, the program offers a curriculum that covers the following areas:
- Intro to airframe and powerplant
- Aircraft Electricity
- Aviation CFRs and related subjects
- Materials and processes
- Assembly and Rigging
- Reciprocating Engine theory and maintenance
- Propellers and engines installation
- Turbine engine overhaul
- AMT practicum/powerplant
- Instruments, communication, and navigation systems
For more information, click the button below.
Conclusion
This post from us seeks to enlighten you on a good career choice to make as an airplane mechanic. Basically, I bet you now understand why airline maintenance technicians are called the pilot’s hero.
If your teacher does a good job while teaching; excelling in your exams may not be a problem. In fact, this explains the duties of an aircraft technician. Actually, no matter how good a pilot is, he won’t do much with a faulty plane.
So, the smooth airline travels we enjoy, aircraft mechanics make it possible by continuous maintenance of the aircraft, helicopter or jet. Hence, this article state categorically where aeronautic engineers work, and how much they are likely to make.
Also, because I have your best interest at heart, I have made provisions for good aircraft mechanic schools with their tuition fees and program type available for you.
Consequently, all you have to do is check up the prerequisites once you satisfy them all, scroll down and chose a school that best suits your interest. Then, enroll and begin your journey to becoming a licensed aircraft mechanic.
References
- Work Chron: Degree College for Aircraft Mechanic
- Care Explore: Aircraft mechanic
- Vocational Training: Cost of Aircraft Training
- Federal Aviation Administration: Basic requirements to become an aircraft mechanic
- Aviation Maintenance: What does it take to become an Aircraft Mechanic
- Wikipedia: Aircraft maintenance Technician
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