How much money can you expect to make as a mechanic is one of the most frequently asked questions when considering a career as an A&P mechanic. Before choosing a career, it’s always important to learn everything you can about that field of work. The potential earnings for A&P mechanics at all levels and with various levels of experience are covered below.
The upkeep of an aircraft in accordance with FAA safety regulations and standards is the responsibility of A&P mechanics. This involves regular inspections, maintenance, and repairs of each aircraft. It is the responsibility of the A&P mechanic to fix and approve any issues with an aircraft that need to be fixed.
Without A&P mechanics, aviation would come to a stop. These technicians are crucial to maintaining the worldwide operability of all aircraft for pilots and passengers. An A&P mechanic is in charge of conducting examinations, taking notes, and fixing any issues with an aircraft’s exterior and engine. Mechanics also regularly inspect aircraft and do routine safety checks.
Although commercial mechanics may earn more money, general aviation mechanics also have a number of advantages. Being able to spend a significant amount of time in a more rural area as opposed to a large city close to an airport could be advantageous. Additionally, general aviation mechanics typically have better working conditions and interpersonal connections with management. Many mechanics favor this way of life over working in commercial aviation.
Your location of employment, length of employment, and whether you work on helicopters or airplanes are a few variables that will affect your income. Some general aviation companies pay mechanics more to work on helicopters because they are more difficult to maintain and repair. You must receive training in helicopter-specific maintenance methods before working on helicopters. Nevertheless, not all AMT programs include helicopter maintenance as a required course of study. Find a program that offers these courses if you want to work on helicopters.
You won’t be earning as much early in your career as you will later on. Depending on where you work, the starting salary for an A&P mechanic ranges from $40,000 to $60,000 annually. As you gain more experience, your pay will increase until you eventually reach an annual salary of about $99,000. Wherever you work, you’ll begin as an entry-level A&P mechanic and can advance in rank until you’re a lead A&P mechanic as you gain more experience.
how to get an A&P license, A crash-course for those with short attention spans
Airframe license vs. powerplant license
You can acquire the A&P licenses jointly or separately, as was previously mentioned. The areas you can work on an aircraft depend on whether you obtain even one of the licenses. The airframe refers to the mechanical structure of an aircraft. For instance, aviation maintenance specialists with an Airframe license could independently work on the wings, fuselage, and tail. The various parts and systems that produce energy and operate an aircraft are represented by the powerplant. For instance, aviation maintenance specialists with a Powerplant license could independently work on the engine, pistons, and fans.
What is an A&P license?
An A&P license is a certification for aviation maintenance technicians. This certification covers the airframe and the powerplant, and people can get these licenses either separately or jointly. However, technicians can only work on specific areas of an aircraft with just one of the licenses. Having both components makes it possible for technicians to take on more duties and advance their careers.
To prove they have the necessary training to perform the job, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires individuals to obtain licensure as aviation maintenance technicians. An aircraft’s maintenance is performed and supervised by certified aviation maintenance technicians. These people work with a variety of aircraft, including helicopters, private and commercial aircraft, and unmanned aircraft systems.
What does an aviation maintenance technician do?
Aviation or aircraft mechanic is another name for an aviation maintenance technician. They frequently find work in hangars, repair shops, and airports, as well as for private businesses and the federal government. Technicians may have to work nights and weekends because this position typically requires shift work. The following are some typical tasks carried out by mechanics or maintenance technicians in the aviation industry:
How to get an A&P license
You can follow the steps below as a guide if you want to pursue an A&P license as part of your career as an aviation maintenance technician:
1. Meet the basic requirements
If someone wants to enroll in Aviation Maintenance Technician schools, they must first meet the Federal Aviation Administration’s basic requirements. You must fulfill the following conditions in order to pursue this career and obtain an A&P license:
2. Have professional experience
Obtaining an A&P mechanic license requires passing several exams. You must have prior experience working in the field of aircraft maintenance in order to apply for and take these exams. You must meet one of the Federal Aviation Administration’s two requirements for experience:
3. Pursue formal training as needed
You can also become eligible if you complete an aviation maintenance technician program at a school recognized by the Federal Aviation Administration even if you lack prior professional experience. You will complete 1,900 hours of training in order to pursue the A&P licensing route. This training consists of 400 hours of general aircraft mechanics coursework and 750 hours each of airframe and powerplant coursework. This program may take between 18 and 24 months to complete. The coursework you take as part of this program prepares you for the licensing knowledge tests.
4. Gather and submit documentation
Next, compile the paperwork necessary to demonstrate that you have the level of experience the Federal Aviation Administration requires. This paperwork typically lists the dates, the types of aircraft you worked on, their N-numbers when applicable, and the procedures you carried out. Proof of employment may also include paychecks and supervisors signatures. As previously mentioned, you can use a logbook to keep track of your work experience as you get ready for this step.
You can demonstrate your eligibility for the A&P licensing exams by submitting this documentation to an FAA Flight Standards District Office. Then, based on the information you provided, they ask you a series of questions about your experience. The administration will give you an 8610-2 form, also known as an Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application, if you satisfy their requirements. You need this document to take the licensing exams.
5. Study for the licensing exams
6. Pass the written exams
You must first pass the written or knowledge portion of the A&P licensing exam. You must take the general, engine, and airframe portions of this test. There are 60 questions on the general section, and 100 questions on each of the airframe and powerplant sections. Each of the three tests must be completed within two hours.
You must score at least 70% on each of the three tests in order to proceed to the oral and practical exams. You have 30 days to retake the exam if you don’t pass the first time. However, if you get a written confirmation that you’re prepared to retake the test from someone with an A&P license, you can test again sooner.
7. Pass the oral and practical exam
The DME will quiz you on various aspects of aircraft maintenance and repair principles, practices, and procedures during the oral portion. These inquiries gauge your comprehension of these ideas and might resemble inquiries from written examinations. You demonstrate your aptitude for performing tasks related to airframe and powerplant maintenance and repairs during the practical section. For instance, the examiner might ask you to troubleshoot an airplane’s engine. Based on your demonstrated proficiency in relation to their testing standards, the DME will either give you a satisfactory or unsatisfactory performance rating.
8. Receive your A&P license
If you pass both the oral and practical exams, the examiner will issue you a temporary license. Within 120 days, the Federal Aviation Administration will mail you a permanent A&P license. Similar to the written exam, you must wait 30 days before retaking any portions of the oral and practical exams that you did not pass.
FAQ
What is an A&P?
A&P stands for Airframe and Powerplant. As a result, A&P mechanics are authorized to service both an aircraft’s external frame (also known as the “airframe”) and engine (also known as the “powerplant”). A&P mechanics are also referred to as AMTs, or aircraft maintenance technicians.
How valuable is an A&P license?
Earn more according to payscale. com, the average A&P-licensed technician currently earns $68,000 per year. Further up the career ladder, an Aviation Maintenance Director can expect to make up to $90,000 annually on average.
How long does it take to become a A&P?
The quickest way to obtain the A&P license, which is required for mechanics to legally maintain aircraft in the United States, is to enroll in a part 147 aviation maintenance school. Depending on the school, this 1900-hour training typically takes two years.
HOW MUCH DOES A&P exam cost?
The General, Airframe, and Powerplant tests cost an average of $150 each. The cost of each test at the accredited testing facility of your choice is US$150.
