How to become an aircraft mechanic

1. 1Finish high school with math, physics and shop classes

   Time: 4 years (high school)Sources 2, 1

   Aircraft maintenance uses algebra, measurement, basic physics and electricity every day, along with reading dense technical manuals. Shop, automotive, welding and electronics classes give you hands-on practice with tools. You must be at least 18 to receive an FAA mechanic certificate. If you can, get a part-time job at a local airport or repair shop washing aircraft or helping in the hangar; it shows you the work and can lead to a supervised position.

2. 2Choose school, on-the-job experience or the military

   Time: Decide before trainingSources 3, 2, 1

   The FAA allows three routes to test eligibility: graduating from a certificated aviation maintenance technician school, documenting 18 months of practical experience for one rating or 30 months for both, or completing the military's Joint Services Aviation Maintenance Technician Certification Council course. School is the most common civilian path because it qualifies you for both ratings in the least time.

3. 3Complete an FAA-certificated (Part 147) program

   Time: About 1.5-2 yearsCost: $4,467-$4,536/yr median public in-state tuitionSources 4, 5, 7, 6

   Part 147 schools must teach a curriculum aligned with the FAA's Aviation Mechanic General, Airframe and Powerplant Airman Certification Standards. At North Central Texas College, the airframe certificate is designed for two semesters, the powerplant certificate for three, and the associate degree takes about 1.5 to 2 years; at the University of Alaska Anchorage, the program takes 4 semesters over 2 years. Graduates receive a document that replaces the experience requirement.

4. 4Pass the FAA knowledge tests

   Time: A few weeks of study per testCost: Testing center feesSources 2, 3

   There are three computer-based knowledge tests: General, Airframe and Powerplant. School students can take the General test after finishing the general part of the curriculum. All required tests must be passed within 24 months. Normally you pass the knowledge tests first, though a Part 147 school can clear a well-prepared student to take the oral and practical tests during the final subjects.

5. 5Pass the oral and practical tests

   Time: One or more days with an examinerCost: Set by the examinerSources 3, 2

   A Designated Mechanic Examiner gives the oral and practical tests for each rating. You answer questions and complete hands-on projects such as inspections, repairs, safety wiring and paperwork, graded against the Airman Certification Standards. Pass both ratings and you receive the A&P mechanic certificate, which does not expire as long as it is not surrendered, suspended or revoked.

6. 6Build experience and add an Inspection Authorization

   Time: 3+ years after certificationCost: Usually paid workSources 8, 1

   New mechanics join airlines, repair stations, manufacturers or charter operators, where shifts can include nights and weekends. After holding both ratings for at least 3 years and working actively in maintenance for the prior 2 years, you can apply for an Inspection Authorization by passing an FAA written test. IA holders approve major repairs and alterations and do annual inspections, and they renew every 2 years.

Programs, tuition and graduates’ earnings

U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard (most recent cohorts, released 2026-10-15). Scorecard groups programs by 4-digit field, so a row can include related programs. Tuition is the median published undergraduate tuition and fees of the colleges offering the program (shown only for undergraduate credentials); debt is the median of programs’ median federal loan debt at completion; earnings are the national median for the field and credential four years after completion.

Requirements differ by state. Check your state’s rules in the CareerOneStop License Finder (U.S. Department of Labor) before you enroll.

Attention to detail

A missed safety wire or a bolt torqued wrong can cause an in-flight failure, so every step follows the manual and is checked.

Reading technical manuals

Mechanics must find and follow the exact manufacturer procedure, part number and limit for each job before signing it off.

Troubleshooting

Pilot write-ups such as a vibration or intermittent warning often require tracing through hydraulic, electrical and mechanical systems to find the cause.

Physical stamina

The job involves climbing, crouching in tight spaces, reaching overhead and lifting heavy parts for much of a shift.

Accurate recordkeeping

Every inspection and repair must be documented in the aircraft's records, and the FAA holds the signing mechanic responsible.

O*NET 31.0 rates these skills as most important for the occupation: reading comprehension, critical thinking, monitoring, active listening, speaking.

Training cost

$6.7K–$11.3K

Before financial aid

Time

1.5-2.5 years

Typical path

Median pay

$79,870

All US jobs: $50,980

Payback once qualified

Under 1 year

Pay above the all-jobs median vs. cost

Low: 1.5 years x College Scorecard median published in-state tuition at public colleges for vehicle maintenance and repair certificate programs, $4,467 = $6,701. High: 2.5 years x the associate degree median, $4,536 = $11,340. Tools, books, school fees, FAA knowledge test fees and Designated Mechanic Examiner fees for the oral and practical tests are not included; examiner fees are set by each examiner. Median federal loan debt is $10,819 (certificate) and $12,000 (associate).

Rough guide only: ignores taxes, aid, interest and earnings given up during training. How we calculate it.

• Lead mechanic or shop supervisor

  Experienced mechanics who know the aircraft type well and can direct a crew move into lead and supervisor roles.

• Inspector with Inspection Authorization

  After 3 years holding both ratings and 2 years of active maintenance, pass the FAA IA test to approve major repairs and do annual inspections.

• FAA aviation safety inspector or designated examiner

  BLS notes that mechanics with broad maintenance experience may become FAA inspectors or examiners.

• Commercial pilot$123,220 median

  Some mechanics earn FAA pilot certificates, which takes separate flight training, and combine both skills in charter or general aviation.

• Diesel mechanic$61,770 median

  Engine and hydraulics skills transfer to heavy equipment and truck repair with some retraining on those systems.