Aircraft Mechanic
(Students working on
an engine in class)
an engine in class)
Aircraft Mechanics are charged with keeping aircraft in peak operating condition, perform scheduled maintenance, make repairs, and perform inspections as required by the Federal Aviation Administration (or F.A.A.). They are required to hold certifications issued by the F.A.A. in either Powerplant, Airframe, or both Airframe and Powerplant maintenance.
Powerplant mechanics hold at least a Powerplant certificate and work on engines and limited work on propellers. Airframe mechanics hold at least an Airframe certificate and work on all parts of the aircraft except the instruments, powerplants, or propellers. Airframe & Powerplant (A & P for short) mechanics hold both certificates and work on all parts of the plane except instruments. Most mechanics get both a Powerplant and an Airframe certificate and work as A & P mechanics. Lastly, there are the Avionics technicians that repair and maintain instruments used for aircraft navigation, communications, weather radar systems, and others as well as computers that control primary functions, like engines. Avionics technicians are certified by the Federal Communications Commission (or F.C.C.) instead of the F.A.A.
Our Airframe and Powerplant Program prepares students for a career as an Aircraft Mechanic. The program includes both the Airframe and Powerplant certificates approved by the FAA. See our program's page for details.
Related Links
- Bureau of Labor Statistics,
U.S. Department of Labor,
Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2004-05 Edition,
Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians,
on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos179.htm - Federal Aviation Administration,
Mechanics Topics,
on the Internet at http://www.faa.gov/mechanics/ - California Employment Development Department,
California Occupational Guide #339,
Aircraft Mechanics (2002)
on the Internet at http://www.calmis.ca.gov/file/occguide/MECHAIR.HTM