Becoming an Aircraft Mechanic Starts With Aviation Maintenance Technology Training
Training to become an aircraft maintenance technician is an exciting way to gain more skills and add value to the aviation industry. Aircraft mechanics repair and perform scheduled – and vital – maintenance on aircraft after training with an accredited program. These skilled professionals are what keeps us safe while we travel.
So, What do Aviation Mechanics do Day-to-Day?
Every day is different because aviation maintenance includes repairing, inspecting, modifying, or even a complete overhaul of an aircraft or aircraft component by an aviation maintenance technician. Aviation maintenance technicians ensure that aircraft are in an airworthy condition and are safe and functioning during flight. This includes a multitude of tasks on all types of aircraft. These tasks include but are not limited to the structure of the aircraft, the internal system in the aircraft, as well as maintenance to aircraft engines and their related systems.
It’s an interesting and diverse technical field. An aircraft maintenance technician performs repairs and maintenance on aircraft. That can include any of the following:
- Diagnose aircraft mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems issues
- Repair aircraft engines, landing gear, wings, brakes, and electrical systems
- Replace defective aircraft parts
- Examine replacement aircraft parts for defects
- Identify aircraft repair procedures
- Test aircraft parts
- Inspect completed aircraft repair and maintenance work
- Maintain aircraft maintenance and repair work records
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certified aircraft mechanics, or aviation mechanics, are also commonly referred to as airframe and powerplant mechanics (A&P mechanics).
Most people in this field train for aircraft maintenance at an FAA-approved aviation maintenance technology school which upon completion makes them eligible to take FAA certification exams.
Aviation Maintenance Technology Training
Interested in training to work on different types of aircraft? Enjoy working with hand, electric, pneumatic tools and more? Explore Spartan College’s Aviation Maintenance Technology program. This comprehensive program will train individuals with the skills to ensure an aircraft is safe to fly. These skills can be applied to major airlines, regional carriers, repair facilities, fixed based operators (FBO), general aviation, and so much more.
Those who graduate from the AMT program at Spartan College are trained to work on aircraft components and systems including airframes, piston engines, turbine engines, hydraulic systems, propellers, rigging, warning systems, and environmental systems just to name a few. These skills are transferable to other industries, as well.
Our Aircraft Maintenance Technician Admissions Process
- Talk with our admissions representatives about your options at Spartan College.
- Come for your in-person interview and begin the enrollment process. (Remember to bring your parents or legal guardian if you are under 18.)
- A confidential decision on the application will be made, and a letter of notification of acceptance or denial will be sent directly to your home.
- Provide proof of graduation (Official High School Transcripts, Diploma, or GED).
- Stay in contact with your admissions representative and attend an open house if one is coming up (check our Events Page for more details).
- Attend a new student orientation.
- Go to www.spartan.edu and refer to the College Catalog for complete admissions requirements and the Consumer Information page for various disclosures.
Aircraft Mechanic’s Certificate FAA Requirements
Since training to be an aviation mechanic directly involves the airworthiness of the aircraft, there are certain requirements that need to be met before being eligible for the FAA certification. Certification is required for some, but not all, positions within the aviation industry.
For US citizens, there are a few requirements that need to be met. Students must be:
- At least 18 years of age.
- Able to read, write, speak, and understand English.
- Graduate from an FAA-approved aviation maintenance technician school (or 18 months of practical experience with either powerplants or airframes, or 30 months of practical experience working on both at the same time).
Upon completion of the program, to work in some positions or for some employers, students may be required to pass FAA certification exams in order to receive their FAA Airframe and Powerplant certificate. These exams include:
- Three written examinations
- Three oral examinations
- A series of practical examinations
Aircraft Mechanic Career-Training May Lead to New Opportunities
When you earn your mechanic certificate it can open several doors that may have not been an option to you previously. Aerospace careers and aircraft mechanic jobs are essential to our society. Full-time aircraft maintenance technicians have the skills for multiple industries like the military, airlines, government, and many other private sector companies.
Aircraft mechanics working at repair stations need specific training, attention to detail, and a strong desire to understand how aircraft work. Their responsibilities ensure all aircraft are suitable for airworthiness, so being professional and diligent is important for aircraft mechanics.
AMT graduates who earn an airframe and powerplant certificate have the option to specialize in airframe or powerplant related work. With the right training, an A&P mechanic may have the opportunity to work in avionics in the exciting aviation industry.