The career of an Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) is built upon a foundation of regulatory compliance and a commitment to safety. This profession is fundamental to the entire air transport system, as no aircraft can legally fly without the approval of a certified mechanic. The integrity of every flight, from a small private plane to a large commercial jet, rests on the meticulous inspection, maintenance, and repair work performed on the ground. A federal certification is mandatory to perform most maintenance tasks on United States-registered aircraft, making the attainment of this license the first step into the industry.
Defining the Role of an Aviation Maintenance Technician
The professional designation for a certified aircraft mechanic is Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT). AMTs are responsible for diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining every mechanical and structural aspect of an aircraft to ensure it remains in an airworthy condition. Their work is governed by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and detailed manufacturer specifications, requiring precise adherence to procedures.
The AMT’s expertise is divided into two distinct certification ratings. The Airframe rating covers structural components, including the fuselage, wings, landing gear, flight controls, and hydraulic and pneumatic systems. The Powerplant rating focuses on the engines, whether reciprocating or turbine, along with associated systems like propellers, ignition, fuel metering, and exhaust. Daily tasks range from routine oil changes and scheduled inspections to complex troubleshooting and the replacement of major components.
Educational and Experience Requirements to Qualify for Testing
Before an applicant can take the certification exams, the FAA requires them to meet specific experience prerequisites outlined in Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) Part 65. The qualification process is rigorous and requires documentation that verifies the applicant has received comprehensive, hands-on training. This ensures the candidate possesses the necessary practical skills and theoretical knowledge to safely perform maintenance.
Attending an FAA-Approved Part 147 School
The most common path to qualification is through an Aviation Maintenance Technician School (AMTS) certificated under FAA Part 147. These programs offer a predetermined curriculum covering all required subject matter for both the Airframe and Powerplant ratings. A typical Part 147 program takes 18 to 24 months to complete and includes a minimum of 1,900 to 2,000 hours of combined classroom instruction and practical shop training.
Graduating from a Part 147 school provides a certificate of completion, which is the direct evidence of qualification required to take the FAA’s knowledge and practical exams. This route streamlines the process by removing the need for an individual to prove their experience to the FAA inspector, as the school’s curriculum is already approved. The school handles the necessary administrative steps.
Qualifying Through Military Experience or On-the-Job Training
The alternative to attending a Part 147 school is accumulating practical work experience through military service or civilian on-the-job training (OJT). Applicants must document at least 18 months of practical experience for a single rating (Airframe or Powerplant). To qualify for both ratings simultaneously, a candidate must demonstrate 30 months of concurrent experience working on both airframe and powerplant systems.
This experience must be full-time, which the FAA defines as a typical 40-hour work week, and performed under the supervision of a licensed mechanic. Candidates must gather detailed documentation, such as maintenance logs or employer letters, to substantiate the type and duration of work performed. This documentation is then reviewed by an FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) or authorized representative. Military personnel can use their service records and training certifications, but careful verification is still required to ensure the experience aligns with civil aviation standards.
Understanding the Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) License
The Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license is the common term for the Mechanic Certificate issued by the FAA. This credential is the legal authorization required to approve an aircraft for return to service after maintenance, preventative maintenance, or alterations have been performed. The license is comprised of the Airframe and Powerplant ratings, which are typically earned together to provide the broadest scope of work privileges.
Holding the A&P certificate signifies that the technician has met the knowledge and skill standards established by the FAA. This broad authorization is why the initial training and testing process is comprehensive, covering a wide array of aircraft systems, materials, and repair techniques. The license itself does not expire, but the technician must meet specific recent experience requirements to exercise its privileges, ensuring they remain current in their field.
Navigating the FAA Certification Examination Process
Once an applicant meets the experience requirements and receives FAA authorization, they proceed to the three-part certification examination process. The entire sequence of tests must be completed successfully within a 24-month period. This phase confirms the applicant’s command of the technical knowledge and practical skills required to work independently.
The first step involves passing the three knowledge tests, commonly referred to as the written exams: General, Airframe, and Powerplant. The General exam covers foundational subjects like basic physics, regulations, and maintenance forms. The Airframe and Powerplant exams test knowledge specific to those respective systems. Each written exam is multiple-choice, and a passing score of 70% is required before the candidate can move on.
Following the written exams, the candidate must pass the oral and practical tests, collectively known as the “O&P.” These final assessments are administered by a Designated Mechanic Examiner (DME), a seasoned mechanic authorized by the FAA. The oral portion involves the DME questioning the applicant on a broad range of technical subjects, often covering up to 43 areas from the Airman Certification Standards (ACS), to ensure theoretical understanding. The practical portion requires the candidate to physically demonstrate proficiency by performing maintenance tasks, such as sheet metal repair or engine troubleshooting, following approved procedures.
Gaining Initial Employment and Career Specialization
The newly licensed AMT is immediately eligible for employment across various sectors of the aviation industry as an entry-level technician. Primary employers include major airlines, Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities, general aviation shops, and corporate flight departments. The first few years involve intensive on-the-job training (OJT) under the supervision of experienced mechanics and specialized training in the employer’s specific aircraft fleet.
For example, an airline will enroll a new AMT in aircraft-specific “familiarization” courses to learn the unique systems and maintenance procedures of models like the Boeing 737 or Airbus A320. This OJT process is distinct from the experience used to qualify for the license, focusing instead on developing deep expertise on particular airframes and engine types. As technicians gain experience, they often specialize in areas such as avionics, rotorcraft (helicopters), or engine overhaul. They may also move into roles like lead technician or quality control inspector.
Career Outlook and Earnings Potential
The career outlook for Aviation Maintenance Technicians remains favorable, driven by high demand for skilled labor and the anticipated retirement of an aging workforce. Employment for aircraft mechanics is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations over the next decade. This consistent need for certified professionals creates a stable job market.
Earnings potential is competitive and tied to experience, specialization, and the employer’s sector. The median annual wage for aircraft mechanics was reported as $78,680 in May 2024, with the highest earners often exceeding $120,000 annually. Mechanics working for major airlines in high-cost-of-living areas typically command the highest salaries and receive comprehensive benefits packages. Advancement depends on continuing education, including recurrent manufacturer training and the pursuit of advanced certifications like an Inspection Authorization (IA) to perform annual inspections and approve major repairs.