What is a mechanic job like?
Do I need a license to be an aircraft mechanic?
Not necessarily. However, if you don't have a mechanic's certificate from FAA, you can work only when supervised by someone who does have a certificate. You cannot approve equipment for return to service. Without a certificate, you are less likely to advance to the top of the career field.The FAA issues mechanics and repairman certificates. Mechanics can get either an airframe certificate or a power plant certificate--most mechanics get both. Repairmen get certificates to perform only one or two specific tasks, and they must be supervised by FAA-approved Repair Stations, commercial operators, or air carriers where these specific tasks are done daily.
Do I need any experience to become a certified mechanic?
Yes. You can get the required experience through civilian or military on-the-job training, or by attending a special school for aircraft mechanics.Do I have to take any tests to become a certified mechanic?
Yes. You have to take both oral and practical tests. There is a fee for the test. The oral and practical tests cover 43 technical subjects. Typically tests for one certificate--airframe or power plant--takes about 8 hours.
Experience Requirements For FAA Aircraft Mechanic Licence.
You can get the experience you need to become a certified power plant or airframe mechanic in one of three ways.
1. You can attend one of the 170 FAR part 147 Aviation Maintenance Technician Schools nationwide. These schools offer training for one mechanic’s certificate or both. Many schools offer avionics courses that cover electronics and instrumentation.
You need a high school diploma or a General Education Diploma (GED) to get in to most schools. The schooling lasts from 12 months and 24 months, generally less than required by FAA for on-the-job training. When you graduate, you are qualified to take FAA's exams. Graduates often get higher starting salaries than individuals who got their required experience in one of the other two ways.
2. You can work an FAA Repair Station or FBO under the supervision of a certified mechanic for 18 months for each certificate, or 30 months for both. You must document your experience with pay receipts, a log book signed by your supervising mechanic, a notarized statement from your employer, or other proof you worked the required time.
3. You can join one of the armed services and get training and experience in aircraft maintenance. Make sure you are in a military occupational specialty for which FAA gives credit. You can get a current list of acceptable specialties from the local FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO).
You must present an official letter from your military employer certifying your length of service, the amount of time you worked in each specialties, the make and model of the aircraft or engine on which you got practical experience, and where you got the experience. You cannot count time you spent training for the specialty, only the time you spent working in the specialty.
With both types of on-the-job training you should set aside additional study time to prepare for the written and oral/practical tests. The FAA will give you credit for your practical experience only after we review your paperwork and you have a satisfactory interview with an FAA Airworthiness inspector.
FAA Aircraft Mechanic Licence Oral, Practical, & Written Tests
To become an aircraft mechanic, you must take oral and practical tests as well as written tests. There is a fee for the test. A Designated Mechanic Examiner gives you the oral and practical test. You can get a list of these examiners at the local FAA office. The oral and practical tests cover 43 technical subjects. Typically tests for one certificate--airframe or power plant--takes about 8 hours.
To apply to take the written test, you must present your proof of experience to an FAA inspector at the local FAA office. There are separate tests for airframe and power plant mechanic certificates, as well as a general test covering both. If the inspector decides you meet the requirements to take one of the tests, you may make an appointment for testing at one of the many computer testing facilities (PDF) world-wide. You can get a list of sample general, airframe, and power plant test questions.
If you fail part of a test, you have to wait 30 days before you can take it again, unless you give a letter to the Examiner showing you've gotten additional training in the areas you failed.
You must pass all the tests within a 24-month period. The FAA will then issue you a certificate.
Link: http://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/airmen/test_questions/
FAA Airmen Certification Frequently Asked Questions
Do you display my certificate number on the Internet?
We do not display your SSN, certificate number, or date of birth on the FAA website.Where can I find the nearest Flight Standards District Office (FSDO)?
Our FSDO Locator will help you find the nearest Flight Standards District Office.Where can I find the nearest designated pilot examiner?
You can find designated pilot examiners using the Designee Locator.Where can I find U.S. Civil Airmen Statistics?
U.S. Civil Airmen StatisticsWhere can I find the nearest computer testing site?
List of Airmen Test Centers (PDF, 347 KB)Where can I download Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application for:
Form 8610-2 (PDF, 415 KB) Mechanics, Repairman and Parachute Riggers
Form 8400-3 (PDF, 434 KB) Flight Engineers, Flight Navigators, Aircraft Dispatchers, and Control Tower Operators
Form 8610-1 (PDF) Mechanic's Application for Inspection Authorization