The Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) is responsible for the mechanical integrity of aircraft, ensuring every flight is completed safely and efficiently. These technicians perform the detailed inspections, maintenance, and repair work that keeps U.S.-registered aircraft operating reliably. The role requires a meticulous approach to complex mechanical and electrical systems, demanding adherence to strict regulatory standards set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Without the work of the AMT, no other careers in the aviation sector could effectively exist.
Defining the Role of an Aviation Maintenance Technician
Aviation Maintenance Technicians are responsible for the entire lifecycle of an aircraft’s maintenance, from routine checks to complex overhauls. Their function is to diagnose, repair, and prevent mechanical or electrical problems on various types of aircraft. This requires a deep understanding of aerodynamics, propulsion, and intricate aircraft systems.
AMTs work in sectors including major commercial airlines, cargo operators, corporate aviation, and Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities. They follow detailed regulations that dictate specific maintenance schedules and procedures. Daily work involves using advanced diagnostic equipment, interpreting manufacturer specifications, and meticulously documenting every task performed.
The Core Certification: Airframe and Powerplant License
To legally perform and approve maintenance on U.S.-registered aircraft, an individual must possess the Aviation Mechanic Certificate, commonly known as the Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license. This certification is regulated under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) Part 65, Subpart D. The A&P license contains two distinct ratings: Airframe and Powerplant. Most technicians seek both ratings to maximize their employment opportunities.
Holding the A&P license grants the technician the authority to perform maintenance and alterations, and subsequently approve the aircraft or component for return to service. This approval confirms that the work meets all applicable FAA standards. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and demonstrate the ability to read, write, speak, and understand English. The certification process requires passing three knowledge tests, followed by an oral and a practical examination.
Detailed Responsibilities of an Aviation Maintenance Technician
Airframe Maintenance
Airframe maintenance focuses on the structural and non-engine systems of the aircraft, including the fuselage, wings, and landing gear assemblies. Technicians regularly inspect and repair mechanical structures, including flight control surfaces like ailerons, elevators, and rudders. They are responsible for the complex hydraulic and pneumatic systems that power flight controls and brakes. Work also involves servicing and troubleshooting internal systems such as air conditioning, pressurization, and fuel tanks.
Powerplant Maintenance
The Powerplant rating covers all aspects of the aircraft’s propulsion system, whether it is a reciprocating or a turbine engine. Technicians service, repair, and overhaul engines, including working on the fuel metering, ignition, and lubrication systems. For turbine engines, they perform compressor washes, hot section inspections, and manage the electronic engine controls. Powerplant specialists also maintain the propeller assembly on turboprop and piston aircraft, ensuring proper pitch control and balance.
General Maintenance and Inspections
All certified AMTs perform general maintenance tasks that apply to the entire aircraft. A major responsibility is performing required inspections, such as the comprehensive annual inspection or the 100-hour inspection required for aircraft used for hire. Technicians are involved in diagnosing and repairing general electrical and instrument systems. Detailed record-keeping of every inspection, repair, and alteration is mandatory, ensuring full regulatory compliance and accountability for the aircraft’s maintenance history.
Pathways to Becoming a Certified Aviation Maintenance Technician
There are two main routes to meet the experience requirements necessary to apply for the A&P license exams. The first and most common route is through an FAA-approved Aviation Maintenance Technician School (AMTS), certified under 14 CFR Part 147. These programs provide a structured curriculum covering General, Airframe, and Powerplant subjects, requiring around 1,900 to 2,000 hours of instruction. Graduates from a Part 147 school can take the FAA certification exams after completing their program, which usually takes between 14 and 24 months.
The second path involves gaining equivalent practical work experience, often acquired through military service or civilian on-the-job training. An applicant seeking both Airframe and Powerplant ratings must document at least 30 months of concurrent practical experience working on both systems. For a single rating, the requirement is a minimum of 18 months of experience. In both cases, the experience must be validated through documentation detailing the specific tasks performed.
Once the experience requirements are met, applicants must pass a series of three exams: the written knowledge test, the oral test, and the practical skills test. The written exam covers the knowledge areas for the General, Airframe, and Powerplant sections, and must be passed before the oral and practical exams. The final two exams are administered by an FAA Designated Mechanic Examiner (DME) and assess the applicant’s understanding and hands-on ability.
Career Outlook and Specializations in Aviation Maintenance
The job market for Aviation Maintenance Technicians is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations, with thousands of job openings anticipated annually. The median annual wage for aircraft mechanics was reported as $78,680 in May 2024, though compensation varies based on location, experience, and employer. AMTs find employment across sectors including major airlines, corporate flight departments, and large Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities.
Technicians often pursue specializations to advance their careers and increase earning potential. An A&P mechanic can pursue the Inspection Authorization (IA) designation, which permits them to perform and approve the most comprehensive maintenance, including the annual inspection and major repairs. Other specializations involve working as an avionics technician, focusing on electronic systems, or moving into management roles. Technicians who acquire specialized skills in areas like composites or complex electrical systems remain highly sought after.