Which Aircraft Mechanics Licenses are for You?

Knowing what you want to do in life before you start any educational program is very important. For example, someone with a degree in math has the option to go into teaching, accounting, or even the NASA program. In the same way, someone having a desire to become an aircraft mechanic must know what types of airplanes they wish to work on as well as which licenses are most highly coveted. Becoming an aircraft mechanic involves much more complexity than becoming an automotive mechanic, so here are some of the basic facts on the different types of aircraft mechanics.

An FAA licensed mechanic may opt to get an airframe or a powerplant grade license. An airframe rating is concerned with the overall composition of the aircraft, encompassing everything from the smallest to the largest parts of the structure. The powerplant rating only looks at the engine. To earn either one of these certifications, you have to fulfill an 18-month, hands-on maintenance requirement before you can apply for the examinations. You need to have your work time confirmed by your supervisor or you will have to provide a notarized certification from your employer. This maintenance work only comes about after you have satisfactorily completed a certified education program at an aircraft maintenance school.

You can obtain both certificates by working for two and a half years, and passing a different exam. You will become an A&P mechanic, and you will be approved to work on the whole plane with the exception of the instrumental panel (this is called avionics). Most mechanics in the field hold the A&P certificate; this is fairly common for a standard mechanic.

Avionics repair is a specialized area that is worth getting into. The focus of avionics is the airplane's electronics and instruments, and the majority of aircraft mechanics aren't trained to work on these specialized parts. Avionics technicians perform repairs and maintenance services on aircraft navigation, communications, and weather radar systems, plus computers and other instruments that are used to control flight, engine, and other basic functions. These responsibilities demand supplemental licenses.

The future of aviation -- even general aviation -- rests in avionics, and experts anticipate that the job market will have a high demand for avionics mechanics for many years to come. If you have the capacity to work on both avionics and engines, employers will value you. After all, they won’t have to employ two individuals to work on the engine and the instruments. Avionics requires you to have an understanding of the most current technology, as well as the ability to apply this knowledge to your work as a mechanic.

Every aircraft mechanic has the option of specializing in one particular area. You might seek employment with an aircraft manufacturer, at an airfield that houses several planes, or working for the military and helping to ensure the safety of our servicemen and women. The majority of aircraft mechanics choose to work on many different types of aircraft and mechanical systems, but there are some mechanics who specialize in fixing only certain parts of the plane, like the instruments and the hydraulic systems.

Select your career wisely, as maintenance work is performed all day every day. FAA licensing standards also make ongoing training obligatory, particularly if you hold an A&P certificate. Be certain that you've logged at least 1,000 hours of mechanical work over 24 months, otherwise you will be required to take a refresher course.

Here you can see the options you will have to choose from if you're thinking of becoming an aircraft mechanic. The particular area of study you select, combined with the type of aircraft you wish to work on, will directly influence the amount of education and certifications you will require. Think it over, and then go into your field with the knowledge that you've chosen your career path carefully.