How to Become an Aircraft Mechanic

Do you want to be an aircraft mechanic? It is a wonderful career opportunity, as competent aircraft mechanics are universally in demand and will continuously be able to find employment because there are always more pilots entering the field. Aircraft mechanics are responsible for protecting the lives of the pilots, and no airfield can operate safely without them.

Choosing what type of planes you want to work on is the first step to becoming an aircraft mechanic. Since there is such a variety of aircraft out there to work on, you should have an idea of what direction you would like to go with in your career. Auto mechanics have to choose what type of vehicles to work on - sports cards, large trucks, tractors, etc. In the same way, there are many choices available for aircraft mechanics such as helicopters, airliners, personal aircraft, and military jets. Prior to entering any course of study, it is essential that you have your objectives planned out.

Next, select a quality program that specializes in aircraft maintenance. You receive your FAA Mechanic Certificate after passing written, oral, and practical exams, and your courses prepare you for those tests. Finding the right school for you is pivotal to your success. Do you find a four year degree desirable? This can be accomplished by attending a university with a well reputed 4-year maintenance program. Frequently, schools offer maintenance courses as part of their degree programs in aviation management or aircraft engineering. Would you rather just get certified instead of earning the degree? In that case, you may decide to choose a private technical school or a public community college.

Before you enter any program of study, you will want to explore it. Just like you would while pursuing any other career, you have to find the program that will give you the greatest chances of succeeding in your chosen career. Certified mechanic schools must offer students a minimum of 1,900 class hours according to the FAA standards established by law. School coursework will supply training with tools and equipment used in the profession. This classroom education typically lasts from 18 to 24 months. About 80% of your time should be spent learning real-world, on the job skills while being overseen by qualified instructors. You should select a program where you can gain hands-on experience using the newest industry-standard tools and equipment, so that you can feel comfortable with them and learn how they work. In the long run, learning on out-dated tools will hold you back.

Aircraft mechanic school is not just about lectures and tests. You will be required to learn about all aspects of aircraft - how they are built and how they function. Often, this necessitates disassembling and reassembling engines and other systems repeatedly. There, through lecture and practice, future aircraft mechanics will study all the parts of an airplane and become experts in the fields of maintaining and repairing aircraft.

Once your class work is over, you still will not be able to attain your license. In order to earn your license, a year and a half of supervised work must be completed. Only then are you qualified to take either the airframe or powerplant licensing test. A full 30 months of work experience is necessary before you will be able to take the combined A&P test. Your supervisor must record and sign off on your hours, or your employer may issue a notarized statement assuring that you have completed these hours.

Once you have spent those long days familiarizing yourself with every part of an airplane, you will have the knowledge and experience necessary to apply for your license. You have worked hard to earn your license, so enjoy it, but remember that your position on the airfield is vital. If you fail, lives could be lost. Work hard and you will succeed and be able to enjoy the career that you have chosen.

Article Source: http://www.inform.websiteuniversity.org

James Bunter is an avid aviator who knows the importance of finding a good aircraft mechanic. He needs mechanical work done on his plane, he goes to TGH Aviation. TGH has Aircraft Avionics mechanics who do aircraft instrument repair, as well as certified A&P mechanics who can tackle any type of problem. These men work hard and carefully, knowing that your life is in their hands.

Please Rate this Article

5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5 

Not yet Rated