Aircraft mechanics are the lifeblood of the safest form of travel today: flying. By providing routine maintenance to all types of aircraft, certified aircraft mechanics are not only crucial to the aviation industry, but they are also in high demand. This career is not for everyone though. Aircraft Mechanics, or Aircraft Maintenance Technicians (AMTs) need an eye for detail, an understanding of planes, and most importantly, they need specific training. There are a lot of factors that go into becoming an aircraft mechanic. There are also two options available to the would-be AMT. Here is an overview of the options:

On the Job Training Option

The first option is to gain the needed experience to become and AMT through on-the-job training. Some companies offer this option to aspiring mechanics.. This is an option is for those who want to begin working immediately. Note that this is not an easier choice though: students taking this route still need to pass all of the same tests as those who attend a formal education program. It should also be noted that while the FAA will count work time toward the required training hours, the AMT student will still need to work in all aspects of aircraft maintenance in order to gain the needed experience. For example, working on aircraft engines will not give the experience needed to become an Airframe Mechanic.

Formal Education Option

For those looking to become an aircraft maintenance technician through a more structured route, an FAA approved training program to is the great option. These training programs can often allow faster completion of the required training. Also, the necessary FAA tests, are typically offered at the school. 

Required Tests for AMT Students

Regardless of how the required training is obtained, the aspiring Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) mechanic will be required to pass a comprehensive test in the general, airframe and powerplant subject areas. These comprehensive tests include a knowledge test which is taken at an FAA approved computer testing facility and an Oral and Practical test given by an FAA Designated Mechanic Examiner. The knowledge test is multiple choice and requires 70% or better to pass. The oral and practical test consists of oral questions and practical projects that demonstrate the on-the-job knowledge and abilities required to work as an aircraft mechanic. The knowledge tests are about one to two hours long for each subject area and the oral and practical exams require around four hours for each subject area. 

Getting an AMT Certification

At LeTourneau University, becoming an aircraft technician could not be more user-friendly and accommodating. The aircraft mechanic program at LeTourneau emphasizes hands-on learning. The University also takes pride in centering its structure around Christian values, ensuring moral and ethical training at every level of experience and in every field. With a host of student support resources, LeTourneau is committed to student success.

With the growing number of aircraft mechanics needed in the aviation industry, earning your A&P certificate is a great way to launch a successful career in a growing industry.

Aviation Maintenance Technician Salary

The increasing number of travelers choosing to fly is helping to grow the aviation industry to a record size. With so many flights, and so many planes in the air, safety is the number one concern. Aviation maintenance technicians are crucial to the continuing success of aviation, and the industry’s success means there are more jobs than ever for qualified personnel. These positions of responsibility can command good salaries, but they also require extensive training.

What Do Aviation Maintenance Technicians Do?

Aviation maintenance technicians perform a variety of tasks to ensure the safety of planes, pilots, and passengers. The primary goal of an aviation maintenance technician is to ensure that the aircraft about to take flight is safe. That means replacing and repairing various parts of the plane, as well as diagnosing problems before they become serious. This requires a lot of training, which is why aviation companies desire to hire FAA certified maintenance technicians. 

Salary Basics 

The starting salary for an aviation maintenance technician is around $36k a year, but the median wage for aviation maintenance technicians is closer to $55k. At the top of the salary spectrum for aviation maintenance technicians is a pay somewhere around $77k a year. 

Factors Affecting Salary

A range of salaries can be earned when working as an aviation maintenance technician, and there are some factors that help boost expected earnings. Management level technicians common in the industry command the highest salary. However, your level of education can also impact your earnings. If you received your training through an on-the-job program, you are likely to make less than someone who went through a formal aviation maintenance technician program and has an associates or bachelor’s degree. 

Factors Affecting Employment

Finding that first job in aviation is also an important consideration. You will want to look for an institution that offers career fairs where potential employers recruit future program graduates and offer summer internships. Another factor to consider is the reputation of the institution you attend. Typically, employers also look at their experience with people they have hired from an institution in the past. If you graduate from an institution with a solid track record, employers will be more eager to hire you. 

Choosing Where to Study

Many companies choose LeTourneau University for their aviation maintenance technicians. At LeTourneau, the program for aviation maintenance technicians is centered around a hands-on learning environment. The theoretical is blended with the practical in a way that equips the graduate with the skills and knowledge needed to excel. Likewise, the University’s emphasis on Christian values helps shape students and make them more desirable to employers looking to hire ethical mechanics. It also helps graduates see their work is an extension of their faith.

There is a growing number of AMT jobs in commercial flight and a number of openings in aviation maintenance technician positions all over the country. Take advantage of this opportunity by enrolling in LeTourneau University's School of Aviation today.