Aircraft mechanics—often called A&P mechanics (Airframe & Powerplant)—keep aircraft safe, compliant, and ready to fly. This guide breaks down the requirements, realistic timelines, and typical costs to enter the field, plus practical steps to land your first job.
What does an aircraft mechanic do?
Aircraft mechanics inspect, troubleshoot, repair, and document work on airframes, engines, and aircraft systems. Day-to-day responsibilities typically include:
· Performing scheduled inspections (including 100-hour and annual inspections in GA environments)
· Diagnosing mechanical, electrical, and avionics-adjacent issues
· Replacing components and performing repairs per approved data
· Completing maintenance records to meet FAA compliance standards
· Coordinating with inspectors, supervisors, and flight operations
The core requirement: FAA certification (A&P)
In the U.S., the most common pathway is earning an FAA mechanic certificate with Airframe and/or Powerplant ratings.
Eligibility basics (FAA)
You generally must:
· Be at least 18 to hold the certificate (you can test earlier in some cases)
· Read, write, speak, and understand English
· Meet experience or schooling requirements (below)
· Pass the required knowledge, oral, and practical tests
Authoritative reference: FAA requirements are outlined in 14 CFR Part 65.
· FAA eCFR Part 65: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-65
Pathways to become an aircraft mechanic
There are two main routes: FAA-approved school or documented work experience.
Path 1: Attend an FAA-approved AMTS (school)
An FAA-approved Aviation Maintenance Technician School (AMTS) is the most straightforward route for many candidates.
· Typical program length: 18–24 months
· Outcome: training aligned to Airframe and Powerplant requirements
· Best for: career changers, recent grads, and anyone who wants a structured path
Find an FAA-approved school:
· FAA AMTS directory: https://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/aircraft_certification/aircraft_registry/amts
Path 2: Gain practical experience (apprenticeship / on-the-job)
You can qualify by documenting hands-on experience.
Typical experience requirements (high level):
· 18 months practical experience for either Airframe or Powerplant
· 30 months practical experience for both Airframe and Powerplant
Source reference:
· FAA eCFR Part 65 (experience requirements): https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-65
Best for: people already working around aircraft maintenance (e.g., military maintenance backgrounds or entry roles under supervision).
Step-by-step timeline (realistic ranges)
1) Choose your route (1–4 weeks)
Decide whether you’ll pursue AMTS or experience-based eligibility. Consider:
· Your current income needs
· Time available for school
· Local employer demand (GA, airlines, MROs, corporate)
· Whether you want Airframe only, Powerplant only, or full A&P
2) Complete training or experience (18–30 months)
· AMTS: typically 18–24 months
· Experience: 18–30 months depending on rating(s)
3) Prepare for testing (4–12 weeks)
Most candidates spend 1–3 months on:
· Knowledge test prep
· Oral & practical (O&P) prep
· Documentation organization (especially for experience route)
4) Take FAA tests (2–8 weeks)
Testing includes:
· Written knowledge tests
· Oral and practical exams with a Designated Mechanic Examiner (DME)
Scheduling can vary by region and examiner availability.
Typical costs (what to budget)
Costs vary widely by state, school, and your situation. Here are the most common categories.
AMTS tuition and fees
· Tuition can range from several thousand to tens of thousands depending on the institution and residency.
· Additional fees may include lab fees, tools, and testing prep.
To estimate your local cost, start with:
· FAA AMTS directory (then check each school’s tuition page): https://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/aircraft_certification/aircraft_registry/amts
Tools and equipment
Many entry-level roles require a basic tool set. Budget for:
· Hand tools, safety wire tools, torque wrenches
· Tool storage
· PPE
Some employers provide tools; many expect you to bring your own basics.
Testing fees
You’ll typically pay for:
· Knowledge tests
· DME oral & practical exam fees
Fees vary by provider and region.
Opportunity cost (often the biggest cost)
If you attend school full-time, the biggest “cost” may be reduced income during training. If possible, compare:
· Full-time AMTS vs. part-time programs
· Working while training
· Employer-sponsored pathways
What employers look for (beyond the certificate)
An A&P is the baseline. To stand out, focus on:
· Documentation discipline (logbooks, work cards, compliance)
· Safety mindset and procedural consistency
· Familiarity with common maintenance environments (GA, MRO, airline line maintenance)
· Soft skills: communication, shift handoffs, teamwork
If you’re early in your career, highlight:
· Projects completed in school (sheet metal, powerplant teardown, inspections)
· Any internship, shadowing, or hangar experience
· Willingness to work shifts and relocate
Career outlook and earning potential
Aircraft maintenance remains a high-demand field, especially as fleets grow and experienced technicians retire.
For U.S. wage benchmarks, the Bureau of Labor Statistics tracks aircraft and avionics mechanics and technicians:
· BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/aircraft-and-avionics-equipment-mechanics-and-technicians.htm
How to get your first aircraft mechanic job faster
1) Build a targeted resume
Focus on:
· A&P status (Airframe, Powerplant, or both)
· Inspection experience, troubleshooting, and documentation
· Tooling familiarity and safety practices
2) Apply consistently (and track your applications)
Treat it like a pipeline:
· 10–20 targeted applications per week
· Follow-ups after 5–7 business days
· Keep a simple spreadsheet of roles, dates, and contacts
3) Use aviation-specific job boards
General job boards are crowded and expensive for employers. Aviation-focused boards help you get in front of the right hiring teams.
· Browse aircraft mechanic jobs: https://www.allaviationjob.com
If you’re hiring, you can post roles and reach aviation candidates quickly:
· Post a job on AllAviationJob.com: https://www.allaviationjob.com
For employers: hire aircraft mechanics without the high job-board costs
If you’re an aviation company hiring A&Ps, you don’t need to pay the high costs of broad job boards to get qualified applicants.
AllAviationJob.com is built for aviation hiring:
· Post jobs for free (and upgrade only if you need unlimited postings)
· Reach a large, aviation-specific candidate pool
· Fill roles faster with a focused audience
READY TO START?
Ready to start (or accelerate) your aircraft mechanic career?
· Create your free profile and start applying today: https://www.allaviationjob.com
Hiring A&P mechanics right now?
· Post your aircraft mechanic opening on AllAviationJob.com and start getting applicants: https://www.allaviationjob.com
Recruiting support (OSI Recruit)
If you need help filling hard-to-staff aviation maintenance roles—especially when time-to-fill matters—work with a specialized aviation recruiting partner.
· OSI Recruit: https://www.osirecruit.com
Sources
· FAA — Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR Part 65): https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-65
· FAA — Aviation Maintenance Technician Schools (AMTS) directory: https://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/aircraft_certification/aircraft_registry/amts
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technicians: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/aircraft-and-avionics-equipment-mechanics-and-technicians.htm
