Frequently Asked Questions About Being an Aircraft Mechanic
Here you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions I receive about being an aircraft mechanic. You can also find even more information by reading our articles.
How can I become an aircraft mechanic?
There are different ways you can become a mechanic. Most people do one of the following:
- Go to college
- Train in the military
- Become an apprentice
How long does it take to become a mechanic?
How long it will take you to become an aircraft mechanic depends on how you choose to become one. If you go to college, it will probably take you around two years. If you join the military, it will also take several years. If you choose to become an apprentice you can begin working as a mechanic or mechanic’s helper very quickly. Some apprenticeship programs will allow you to start working on aircraft in as little as one or two months.
How much money will I make?
This is probably the most common question, because obviously everyone wants to know how much money they can make before they choose a career. But the truth is, there is no definitive dollar amount. Even trying to give an average of how much aircraft mechanics make can be difficult. Some mechanics make a lot of money, while others don’t. There are several articles on this site that deal with how much you can make if you become an aircraft mechanic. You can read them here.
What type of license do I need?
Many mechanics in the United States have an Airframe and Powerplant license, while mechanics in other countries have different types of licenses, such as the EASA license. But what many people don’t realize is that some mechanics don’t have any license at all. In many cases you don’t need a license to work as an aircraft mechanic.
I’m a woman. Can I be an aircraft mechanic?
To me this is a silly question, but unfortunately it’s one I’m asked all the time. There are many women of all ages working as mechanics right now. No matter what type of aviation career you’re interested in, I guarantee there are women working in that career right now.
Do you have to be a pilot to be a mechanic?
This question’s one of the oldest ones in the book, and I usually have to answer it at least once a week. The answer is no, you don’t have to be a pilot to work as an aircraft mechanic, although there are quite a few mechanics who also have a pilot’s license.
Do you have to be a mechanic to be a pilot?
If I’m not answering the previous question, I’m usually answering this one. Most pilots I know have some kind of idea when it comes to turning wrenches, but not all of them. To be honest, I wouldn’t let some of them change a screw on my bicycle, much less perform maintenance on an aircraft. No, you don’t have to be a mechanic to be a pilot in most cases.
Is being an aircraft mechanic hard work?
During my junior and senior high school years, I worked part time on a construction crew. Hauling 80 pound bags of cement, huge bundles of lumber, and massive power tools that weighed almost as much as I did was hard, hard work. Compared to that job, my job as an aircraft technician is very easy. Right after I graduated high school I went to work for a pizza joint. Making and rolling dough, spreading the sauce and adding toppings, and boxing the pies was the easiest work I’ve ever done. Compared to that job, my job as an aircraft mechanic is very hard. Being an aircraft mechanic is a physical job, but it’s also not the most demanding job. Some days the work can be harder than other days.
Is working on aircraft the same as working on cars?
There are many similarities between auto mechanics and aircraft mechanics, but there are also many differences. I’ve never worked as a “professional” auto mechanic, but I work on my own vehicles, as well as vehicles owned by my friends and family. Working on vehicles is something I’ve always loved to do. Working on aircraft is a totally different ballgame than working on autos, in my opinion. But if you like working with tools, you can do either job.
How many hours a week will I have to work?
Most aircraft mechanics work full-time, meaning they work at least 40 hours a week. I know a few mechanics who work part-time, but they are definitely the rare exception. Most mechanics work overtime, and some weeks I’ve worked nearly 80 hours in a single week. Some mechanics have worked even more than me. I know mechanics who’ve worked 100 + hours in a single week. But you have to realize that how many hours you work each week will usually be up to you. If you only want to work 40, then you usually can, but there will be times where you’re asked to work more hours. You also have to realize this: If I work an 80 hour week, I bring home a check for nearly $4,000.
I’m from (insert name of Country here). Can I work as a mechanic in the United States?
Since many aircraft maintenance jobs in the United States don’t require mechanics to be licensed, you can easily find work at many different repair stations in America. I have worked with people from all over the world. Some of these mechanics didn’t have any license or certification, while others had an A&P license. Some mechanics who are trained outside of the United States have an EASA license, but an EASA license isn’t usually recognized in the United States. Many of these mechanics would get their A&P after they had worked in the United States for a while.
I’m from the United States. Can I work in (insert name of Country here).
If you have an Airframe and Powerplant license, there are many different job opportunities all over the world. Some of these jobs pay really well. It isn’t uncommon to find jobs overseas that pay $6,000 to $8,000 or more each month.
