Careers in Aviation Maintenance

Have you considered a career in aviation maintenance? If you haven't, you are missing out on an exciting, challenging, fulfilling and lucrative opportunity! Aviation maintenance technicians (AMTs) are at the top of the ladder when it comes to technical know-how, problem solving skills, mechanical aptitude and just plain desire to be a valued professional. Men and women who perform maintenance on today's fleet of modern aircraft are not just mechanics, they are highly trained persons willing to accept a high degree of responsibility in a challenging career.

About 170 technical schools and colleges provide the training to qualify an individual to hold a Federal Aviation Administration mechanic certificate. Depending on which school you choose, the training will normally require 15 months to 2 years to complete. The various aviation maintenance schools offer degrees, diplomas or certificates, but all prepare you to successfully pass the test necessary to earn your FAA mechanic certificate. Interested? Find a school in your area.

To learn more about this exciting industry, review the additional resources provided below and visit:

• FAA's website "Becoming a Mechanic" http://www.faa.gov/mechanics/become/ 
• ATEC's scholarship opportunities page: http://www.atec-amt.org/scholarships.html
• AVMRO, Careers in Aviation Maintenance http://avmro.arsa.org/careers/
• Bureau of Labor and Statistics Occupational Employment Data
  • ​Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes493011.htm
  • ​Avionics Technicians https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes492091.htm

You Can't Fly Without Us

A documentary produced by the Aeronautical Repair Station Association (ARSA).  The film was developed as part of the Leading Edge video series, which is hosted by former football coach and sports broadcaster Jimmy Johnson and distributed to public television stations in all 50 states

Big Metal Bird

Join host Katie Nolan as she goes behind the scenes in San Francisco to learn what goes into aircraft heavy maintenance.

FAA Guidebook to Aviation Maintenance

In 2014, industry representatives submitted a proposed rewrite to an advisory circular (AC) – the kind of document typically used to offer regulated entities methods for rule compliance – called “Overview of the Aviation Maintenance Profession.” While the rewrite has not been officially adopted by the agency, it provides some valuable information about careers in aviation maintenance.

What is an Aircraft Mechanic

The video explains ​the many different responsibilities of this occupation and the skills you need to be successful in the aerospace and advanced manufacturing industries. You can become an Aircraft Mechanic through  apprenticeship program.