To become an aircraft mechanic, most individuals earn an Associate of Applied Science degree in aviation maintenance technology. No matter where an individual chooses to earn this degree, most schools require students to take similar core courses.
Aircraft Mechanic Education Overview
Most aircraft mechanic associate's degrees take about two years to complete, and students must earn between 65 and 100 credit hours, depending on the school and degree program. Some aviation maintenance technology programs waive certain required courses if an aircraft mechanic student has past experience in aviation. Many schools also allow students to participate in a cooperative education program, which enables students to earn credit while gaining hands-on experience through a job in aviation.
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutAircraftMechanicPrograms">Important Facts About Aircraft Mechanic Programs</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td>Program Levels</td><td> Aside from associate's degrees, certificates are available</td></tr>
<tr><td>Concentrations</td><td> Airframe, powerplant, avionics</td></tr>
<tr><td>Online Availability</td><td> Due to the hands-on nature of this field, online availability is limited; FAA certification test prep courses are available online</td></tr>
<tr><td>Possible Careers</td><td> Aircraft airframe maintenance; aircraft powerplant maintenance; aircraft assembly; avionics maintenance; general aircraft maintenance</td></tr>
<tr><td>Median Salary (2021)*</td><td> $65,380 (<i>aircraft mechanics and service technicians</i>)</td></tr>
<tr><td>Job Growth (2021-2031)*</td><td> 6% (<i>aircraft mechanics and service technicians</i>)</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---CoreCourses">Core Courses</h3><p>In most aviation maintenance technology programs, students spend the first semester learning the history and fundamentals of aircraft mechanics. Students then spend the last three semesters taking specialized technical courses.
</p><p>Some of the core courses of an associate's degree in aviation maintenance technology include:
</p><ul><li>Aviation basics
</li><li>Aircraft electricity
</li><li>Hydraulics and landing gear
</li><li>Writing
</li><li>Sheet metal
</li><li>Structures
</li><li>Aircraft drawings
</li><li>Ignition and starting systems
</li><li>Airframe
</li></ul><h3 id="section---GeneralEducation">General Education</h3><p>In addition to the core courses in aircraft mechanics, most schools require students to complete several general education courses. Students take general education courses like:
</p><ul><li>English
</li><li>Psychology
</li><li>History
</li><li>Science/Math
</li></ul><h3 id="section---FederalAviationAdministrationCertification">Federal Aviation Administration Certification</h3><p>Most aircraft mechanics pursue the Certified Aviation Maintenance Technician credential through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Individuals must receive a score of at least 70% to pass the oral, written and practical exams and receive the aircraft mechanic certification, according to the FAA.
</p><p>The FAA regulates most aviation maintenance technology programs and issues a handbook that covers topics such as:
</p><ul><li>Mathematics
</li><li>Aircraft drawings
</li><li>Physics
</li><li>Aircraft components
</li><li>Safety and ground operations
</li><li>Tools and measuring devices
</li><li>Electricity</li></ul>
