Education · 1 of 5
The path
No degree needed. What you need is a federal certificate.
- 1
High school diploma
Grade 12
Shop, math and physics are the useful ones. Good eyesight, steady hands and a tolerance for detail matter more than grades.
- 2
Pick your route
Decision point
Either an approved maintenance school, or 30 months of documented hands-on experience under someone who will sign for it. The military is the classic experience route.
- 3
Aviation maintenance school
18 to 24 months
Federally approved programs follow a fixed syllabus known as Part 147. Classroom plus hangar time on real airframes and engines.
- 4
Pass the written tests
Weeks
Three computer tests: General, Airframe and Powerplant.
- 5
Oral and practical exams
1 to 2 days
A designated examiner quizzes you and watches you do real tasks. Pass and you hold the airframe and powerplant certificate.