How To Become An Aircraft Mechanic

If you want a career that will give you the opportunity to check the safety and airworthiness of different types of airplanes and helicopters before they take off, then becoming an aircraft mechanic is something you might want to do. Using your knowledge, skill and modern tools like computers and diagnostic equipment, you will be testing the different parts of the aircraft just to make sure that they are all functioning as they should.

Of course, you don’t just stop at inspections. An even more important part of your role as an aircraft mechanic is fixing the structural, electrical or mechanical parts that are broken or not in synch with the rest of the plane. If parts need to be replaced, you see to it that the plane is grounded until such time that the screw, bolt or whatever missing object is replaced.

You typically carry out repairs using hand or power tools and then performing the necessary tests to ensure that repairs carried out were successful. The safety of the passengers and crew of these aircrafts can be greatly enhanced if you do your job correctly.

Why Become An Aircraft Mechanic

Aircraft mechanics performed schedule maintenance on aircrafts to ensure the components of an aircraft are safe and reliable. Aircraft mechanics must follow strict FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) guidelines and regulations in order to perform the proper maintenance and inspection of an aircraft. Aircraft mechanics may specialize in a specific field of aircraft repair or mechanics, such as electrical systems, engines, or hydraulic systems.

Aircraft mechanics are crucial to the safety of the aviation realm, as they perform maintenance, inspections, and repairs on aircrafts. Without their meticulous work and inspections, pilots and individuals could not fly above the clouds!

Aircraft Mechanic Work Environment

Aircraft mechanics typically work in aircraft repair stations, airfields, or aircraft hangars. It is the responsibility of the aircraft mechanic to perform and maintain safety standards while repairing aircrafts. As an aircraft mechanic, you may face hazards during your career.

Aircraft mechanics may handle dangerous chemicals, work in extreme weather conditions, operate large power tools, scale tall scaffolding, and lift heavy objects. Aircraft mechanics typically work full-time and over-time, rotating in shifts to complete tasks. The work of an aircraft mechanic can vary depending on the maintenance or repair situation.

Aircraft Mechanic Salary

The Occupational Employment and Wages Report of the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the US Department of Labor showed the median annual wage, of an aircraft mechanic, is $55,210. The annual wage of aircraft mechanics is dependent on experience and education within the field.

Average Aircraft Mechanic Annual Salary

$62,540

The average annual salary for aircraft mechanics is $62,540 a year. Salaries start at $36,030 a year and go up to $92,080 a year.

Average Aircraft Mechanic Hourly Wage

$30.07

The average hourly wage for a aircraft mechanic is $30.07. Hourly wages are between $17.32 and $44.27 an hour.

Stats were based out of 131,500 employed aircraft mechanics in the United States.

Highest Paying States For Aircraft Mechanics

1. Kentucky $41.18 / hr $85,650 / yr
2. Connecticut $38.49 / hr $80,050 / yr
3. Maryland $35.58 / hr $74,010 / yr
4. Georgia $33.99 / hr $70,700 / yr
5. Massachusetts $33.83 / hr $70,360 / yr

Top Paying Cities For Aircraft Mechanics

1. Bridgeport, CT $42.80 / hr$89,030 / yr
2. Cincinnati, OH $40.07 / hr$83,340 / yr
3. Atlanta, GA $37.70 / hr$78,420 / yr
4. Riverside, CA $37.43 / hr$77,850 / yr
5. Pittsburgh, PA $36.01 / hr$74,900 / yr

Data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Aircraft Mechanic Career Outlook

The career outlook for an aircraft mechanic appears to show little change in employment, from 2012 to 2022. Air travel will continue to increase throughout the future, and with the increase, new aircrafts and old aircraft will need repaired. Outsourcing of aircraft maintenance to other countries can also affect an aircraft mechanic’s job.

Aircraft Mechanic Degree

There are actually many entry points for a career as an aircraft mechanic. The first and most common option is by going to an Aviation Maintenance Technician School approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Specifically, the training given to students is covered under Part 147 of the FAA certificate. Completing this training means you are already able to take the tests that will make them FAA-certified aircraft mechanics.

Another mode of entry towards becoming an aircraft mechanic is by going into profession right after high school and then receiving training on the job. Still others get their training from the military. Those who enter the profession through these modes usually work under the supervision of a more experienced worker until such time that they know the job well enough to take tests and get FAA certification.

Strictly speaking, licenses and certifications are not needed to practice as an aircraft mechanic. However, employers prefer those who possess these certifications so many of them choose to be certified. Mechanics who know how to undertake body work and engine work as evidenced by their “Airframe Mechanics” or “A” and “Powerplant Mechanics” or “P” certifications have an edge over those who only hold either one of these ratings. To get their certifications, aircraft mechanics need to successfully pass the oral, written and practical tests which show that they are capable of undertaking the job. They must pass these tests in just a couple of years.