- You can become an aircraft mechanic by completing targeted education, gaining hands-on experience, and earning FAA A&P certification.
- A clear training plan, practical hours in maintenance, and careful exam preparation shorten the path to your first job.
- Specializing in airframe, powerplant, avionics, or specific aircraft types increases job options and pay potential.
- Careful networking, a skills-focused resume, and ongoing training help you move from entry-level work to senior roles.
This guide explains how to become a aircraft mechanic, from initial research to landing your first maintenance job. You will get clear, step-by-step actions, concrete examples, and realistic expectations so you can plan training, track experience, and pass required exams.
Step-by-Step Guide
Research the role and local requirements
Start by learning what aircraft mechanics do and which tasks match your interests, such as inspections, repairs, or avionics work. Understanding daily duties helps you choose between airframe work, engine work, or a combined A&P path.
Next, check licensing rules where you live, especially FAA rules if you are in the United States, and note any state or employer-specific requirements. Look up local vocational schools, community colleges, airline hiring pages, and mechanics on LinkedIn to see common qualifications and entry experience.
Finally, set realistic timelines for training and certification based on whether you will study full time or part time, and write down a 12- to 24-month plan you can follow.
- Search for job postings for 'aircraft mechanic' in your area and note required certifications and preferred experience.
- Call two local maintenance shops and ask how they hire entry-level mechanics, what they pay, and what they expect on day one.
- Make a simple timeline with training start date, expected hands-on hours, and target FAA exam dates.
Get a high school diploma or GED and build fundamentals
A high school diploma or GED is usually required, and strong skills in math, physics, and reading help with technical manuals. These basics make it easier to follow wiring diagrams, calculate tolerances, and read aircraft maintenance documents.
Enroll in relevant classes now, such as algebra, physics, and shop or electronics, either at school or through community college night classes. If you are not comfortable with these subjects, use free online resources and short community classes to build confidence before starting a formal mechanic program.
- Take a basic electricity or electronics course, since many modern aircraft systems use electrical and electronic components.
- Practice reading technical manuals by downloading a public aircraft maintenance manual and following a simple inspection checklist.
- Use Khan Academy or community college refresher courses to strengthen weak areas in algebra or physics.
Enroll in an FAA-certificated A&P or accredited maintenance program
Choose a school with an FAA-certificated Airframe and Powerplant program if you plan to work in the United States, or the local accredited equivalent where you live. These programs combine classroom theory with hands-on labs and usually meet the hours required to sit for certification exams, which saves time compared with on-the-job hour accumulation alone.
When comparing schools, check graduate placement rates, shop facilities, instructor experience, and whether they offer externships with airlines or repair stations. Apply to two or three programs, visit the shops if possible, and ask current students about day-to-day instruction and how the school helps with job placement.
- Prefer schools that run mock oral and practical exams, because they mirror the FAA testing style and reduce test anxiety.
- Ask admissions for a breakdown of lab hours versus classroom hours to confirm sufficient hands-on practice.
- If cost is a concern, check for GI Bill benefits, state grants, or employer tuition assistance programs.
Gain hands-on experience through internships or entry-level shop work
Hands-on hours are crucial, and you should actively seek internships, apprenticeships, or helper roles while in school. Working in a real maintenance environment teaches time management, tool handling, record keeping, and how to follow maintenance manuals under supervision.
Approach local FBOs, repair stations, and flight schools and offer to work as a shop assistant or do supervised cleaning and basic tasks to learn procedures and shop culture. Track every hour, task, and aircraft type you work on in a logbook or spreadsheet, because documented experience helps with certification and interviews.
- Offer to do shift work or weekend shifts to get more shop exposure and faster hands-on hours.
- Keep a simple log of tasks, aircraft tail numbers, and tools used to show concrete experience at interviews.
- Ask a senior mechanic to mentor you and give short, targeted feedback after each task to speed learning.
Prepare for and pass the FAA A&P written, oral, and practical tests
Plan your exam schedule after you reach the required experience or complete a certificated program, and use official test guides and question banks for focused study. For the FAA A&P path, study the airframe and powerplant written test subjects separately, practice with sample questions, and attend a review course if you need structure.
For the oral and practical exams, practice typical tasks under supervision and rehearse answering why you did each step, because examiners test both procedure and reasoning. Schedule mock exams with an instructor, review common failure points like torque values and safety protocols, and correct weak areas before sitting the official tests.
- Use timed practice tests to build test endurance and identify topics you need to revisit.
- Create flash cards for key regulations, torque values, and inspection intervals to study in short bursts.
- When preparing for the practical test, run through complete tasks from start to finish to avoid missing steps.
Build your resume, apply, and continue training on the job
After certification, create a concise resume that highlights hands-on hours, aircraft types, and specific tasks you mastered, such as landing gear inspections or engine runs. Apply to entry-level mechanic roles, apprenticeships, or line maintenance positions, and tailor each application to the employer by mentioning relevant aircraft or systems.
Once hired, seek additional training, get type ratings or avionics courses, and volunteer for varied tasks to broaden your skills and advance toward senior roles. Keep certifications current, log ongoing training, and set clear career goals such as becoming a lead mechanic, inspector, or maintenance supervisor.
- Include a short technical skills section on your resume listing tools, inspection software, and aircraft types you worked on.
- Follow up applications with a polite email and offer to visit for a shop tour or short skills demonstration.
- Plan one professional development course each year to stay competitive and increase promotion chances.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Pro Tips from Experts
Learn basic sheet metal and composite repair techniques early, because small repair skills make you more valuable at smaller shops.
Get comfortable with digital maintenance tracking systems used by employers, like AMOS or CAMP, by practicing on demo accounts or tutorials.
Network at local aviation events and join a mechanic association to find unadvertised job openings and mentors.
Becoming an aircraft mechanic requires planned education, documented hands-on experience, and careful exam preparation, but the path is achievable with steady steps. Start with research, enroll in a certificated program or apprenticeship, log your hours, and keep learning on the job to grow your career.
Take the first step today by mapping a 12-month training and experience plan and contacting one local shop about entry opportunities.
Step-by-step guide: Becoming an aircraft mechanic (A&P)
1.
- •What to do: Read FAA A&P requirements, inspect job listings for airlines, corporate flight departments, and FBOs to understand entry requirements and salary ranges (U.S. median: about $67,000/year as of 2024).
- •How to do it: Use FAA.gov, Glassdoor, and aviation trade journals. Note whether jobs require avionics, powerplant, or airframe specialization.
- •Pitfalls: Relying on anecdotal salary info; overlook region-specific demand.
- •Success indicator: Clear list of 3 target employers and required qualifications.
2.
- •What to do: Choose a Part 147 program with strong employer ties and at least a 75% job placement rate.
- •How to do it: Visit campuses, speak to instructors, check graduate certification pass rates.
- •Pitfalls: Picking a low-quality program with poor shop hours.
- •Success indicator: Acceptance to a program that offers 1,900+ lab hours (or equivalent experience).
3.
- •What to do: Log practical hours on sheetmetal, hydraulics, engines, and inspections; aim for 1,900 hours total or military equivalent.
- •How to do it: Ask instructors for hands-on assignments, track hours in a personal logbook, and get signed endorsements.
- •Pitfalls: Underreporting hours or lacking sign-offs.
- •Success indicator: Completed logbook sections with instructor signatures and documented competencies.
4.
- •What to do: Work part-time at an FBO, volunteer on local aircraft restorations, or join a student co-op.
- •How to do it: Use school job boards and networking events; target tasks like oil changes, 100-hour inspections, and avionics swaps.
- •Pitfalls: Doing only low-skill tasks — push for diverse exposures.
- •Success indicator: First paid maintenance shift and employer reference.
5.
- •What to do: Study the three FAA written tests (General, Airframe, Powerplant) using test banks and practice exams.
- •How to do it: Take timed practice tests until scoring 85%+ on each; schedule tests at an FAA-approved testing center.
- •Pitfalls: Skipping weaker subjects like regulations or electrical theory.
- •Success indicator: Passing scores on all three written tests.
6.
- •What to do: Arrange an FAA-designated mechanic examiner for oral/practical exams after meeting hour requirements and passing written tests.
- •How to do it: Prepare by performing full inspections and mock oral exams with instructors.
- •Pitfalls: Weak practical demonstration technique under time pressure.
- •Success indicator: Earning the A&P certificate.
7.
- •What to do: Apply to airlines, MROs, and corporate shops; tailor resume to specific experience (engines, composites, avionics).
- •How to do it: Highlight logbook hours, certifications, and any inspection or troubleshooting metrics.
- •Pitfalls: Applying broadly without customizing applications.
- •Success indicator: Securing a job or apprenticeship.
8.
- •What to do: Add type ratings, inspection authorization (IA), or manufacturer courses (e.g., CFM56, GE90, Pratt & Whitney). Aim for at least one type course within 3 years.
- •How to do it: Use employer-funded courses or paid manufacturer training; document completion and shop practice.
- •Pitfalls: Waiting too long to specialize—missing higher pay bands.
- •Success indicator: Completed type course or IA eligibility.
9.
- •What to do: Keep a digital portfolio of completed inspections, AD compliance logs, and recurring repair solutions; seek safety and quality feedback.
- •How to do it: Use Excel or an MRO system to track turnaround time (TAT) and error rates; aim to reduce TAT by 10–20% in first year.
- •Pitfalls: Neglecting documentation and safety culture.
- •Success indicator: Positive performance reviews, lower rework rates, and wage increases.
Actionable takeaway: Aim for structured training (Part 147), log 1,900 practical hours, pass FAA exams, and secure a mentor at your first employer to accelerate competence.
Expert tips and pro strategies
1. Treat the logbook like a legal record.
Always include date, task code, hours, and a signature—missing entries can delay hiring or IA eligibility.
2. Master torque settings and wrench calibration.
Keep a torque chart for common hardware; a mis-torqued bolt causes 40–60% of fastener failures in GA incidents.
3. Invest in a quality borescope.
A $400–$1,500 borescope reveals internal damage during pre-inspection and saves hours compared with disassembly.
4. Learn one engine family deeply.
Specialize in a common thrust class (e. g.
, CFM56 or PT6) to command a 10–20% pay premium on shop bids.
5. Use checklists for every procedure.
A 10-step written checklist reduces rework by measurable amounts; standardize forms for 100-hour and annual inspections.
6. Memorize Airworthiness Directives (AD) tracking.
Set calendar reminders for recurring ADs; missing an AD can ground an aircraft and cost thousands in delays.
7. Shadow avionics techs for wiring skills.
Knowing wire colors, shielding, and connector pinouts speeds troubleshooting and avoids electrical squawks.
8. Network at maintenance fairs and pilot associations.
A targeted 15-minute conversation at an aviation job fair can lead to a referral that shortens job search by weeks.
9. Keep a personal tool inventory and photo record.
Insurers sometimes require proof of tools; a $2,000 documented toolkit prevents disputes after theft.
10. Practice oral exams aloud.
Simulate FAA oral questions and answer them verbally; this reduces exam anxiety and improves pass rates.
Actionable takeaway: Pick two tips—logbook discipline and one technical specialization—and apply them in the next 30 days.
Common challenges and how to overcome them
1.
- •Why it happens: Employers prefer experienced applicants; schools may offer limited shop time.
- •How to recognize: Repeated rejection or only entry-level offers.
- •Solution: Volunteer at a local flying club, do 100-hour inspections for owners, or apprentice with an FBO to log practical hours. Prevent by choosing programs with guaranteed shop hours.
2.
- •Why it happens: Tests cover broad topics like regulations, electricity, and physics.
- •How to recognize: Low scores in practice tests, anxiety under timed conditions.
- •Solution: Use timed practice banks; focus two weeks on weak subjects and join a study group. Prevent by taking tests only after consistent 85%+ practice scores.
3.
- •Why it happens: Airlines fund training for high-need types; smaller shops do not.
- •How to recognize: Job postings requiring type ratings without offering training.
- •Solution: Negotiate tuition reimbursement clauses or apply to MROs that list training benefits. Prevent by targeting employers known to fund courses.
4.
- •Why it happens: Good tools are expensive; new mechanics lack capital.
- •How to recognize: Borrowing tools frequently or passing on tasks due to missing tools.
- •Solution: Buy essentials gradually (torque wrench, safety gear, multimeter) and join tool pools at work. Prevent by budgeting $500–$2,000 over the first year.
5.
- •Why it happens: Frequent regulatory changes and service bulletins.
- •How to recognize: Missed compliance dates or last-minute groundings.
- •Solution: Use an AD tracking spreadsheet or MRO software and set calendar alerts. Prevent by reviewing ADs weekly.
6.
- •Why it happens: Military experience doesn’t map 1:1 to FAA hours.
- •How to recognize: Confusion over documentation or unmet FAA hour counts.
- •Solution: Work with an FAA certifying official to translate military experience into FAA requirements; request letters of competency. Prevent by documenting all maintenance tasks with dates and signatures.
7.
- •Why it happens: AOG situations and multiple concurrent inspections create pressure.
- •How to recognize: Missed steps, skipped documentation.
- •Solution: Prioritize safety-critical tasks, use short checklists, and communicate handover notes. Prevent with standard operating procedures and delegation.
Actionable takeaway: Pick one challenge you face now and apply the listed solution this week.
Real-world examples: Paths to success
Example 1 — From community college to regional airline (entry-level ramp to A&P)
- •Situation: Sarah graduated from a 24-month Part 147 program with 2,000 lab hours but no airline contacts.
- •Approach: She accepted a part-time FBO role doing 100-hour inspections, documented improvements (reduced inspection time by 15%), and networked at local pilot meetups.
- •Challenges: Competitive hiring and limited type exposure.
- •Results: Hired by a regional airline in 10 months; within two years she completed a turboprop type course paid by the airline and increased her salary from $18/hr to $28/hr (55% increase).
Example 2 — Military mechanic to civilian MRO lead
- •Situation: Javier had 6 years as an avionics/mechanic in the military but lacked FAA paperwork.
- •Approach: He translated his service records into FAA hour equivalents, obtained instructor endorsements for specific tasks, and passed the three FAA written exams within three months.
- •Challenges: Paperwork delays and an initial certification gap causing interview rejections.
- •Results: Secured a position at an MRO within six months, and after documenting 1,500 civilian hours, he earned an IA and led a two-person avionics team, improving shop turnaround by 22%.
Example 3 — Small GA shop reduces AOG time
- •Situation: A local GA maintenance shop faced frequent AOG events and inconsistent documentation.
- •Approach: The lead mechanic introduced standardized checklists, an AD tracking spreadsheet, and invested $1,200 in a borescope and calibrated torque wrenches.
- •Challenges: Initial staff resistance and training time.
- •Results: Within nine months, AOG response time dropped from 8 hours to 3.5 hours, repeat squawks declined by 35%, and customer retention rose 18%.
Actionable takeaway: Identify which example mirrors your situation and adapt one tactic—preferably logbook rigor or checklist standardization—this month.
Essential tools and resources
1. FAA website (faa.
- •What it does: Official rules, A&P application steps, exam guides, and AD database.
- •When to use: Always reference for regulatory compliance and exam study.
- •Cost/limitations: Free; can be dense—use search filters.
2.
- •What it does: Classroom and lab training required for many candidates.
- •When to use: Primary pathway to A&P certification.
- •Cost/limitations: $10,000–$40,000; vet placement rates and shop hours.
3. A&P test prep apps (e.
g.
- •What it does: Timed FAA written question banks and analytics.
- •When to use: 2–3 months before written exams.
- •Cost/limitations: $30–$200; ensure question set matches current FAA bank.
4.
- •What it does: Accurate fastening to spec—essential for safety.
- •When to use: Every maintenance task involving fasteners.
- •Cost/limitations: $70–$600; calibrate annually.
5.
- •What it does: Inspect internal components without disassembly.
- •When to use: Engine borescope inspections, inaccessible cavities.
- •Cost/limitations: $400–$1,500; image quality varies by price.
6.
- •What it does: Troubleshoot electrical systems and avionics.
- •When to use: Wiring diagnostics and component testing.
- •Cost/limitations: $50–$800; buy aviation-rated connectors.
7.
- •What it does: AD/SB tracking, work orders, inventory control.
- •When to use: For shop-level compliance and large fleet management.
- •Cost/limitations: Enterprise pricing (often custom); smaller shops can use spreadsheets or affordable cloud tools.
8.
- •What it does: Technical reference and documentation standards.
- •When to use: Study, procedures, and preparing manuals.
- •Cost/limitations: $20–$200; keep editions current.
Actionable takeaway: Start with the FAA website, an A&P prep app, and three basic tools (torque wrench, multimeter, borescope rental) to accelerate competence without large upfront costs.