What do aircraft mechanics do?
Aircraft mechanics repair, replace, and maintain aircraft parts and components. They also perform maintenance and functional checks on aircraft systems, such as hydraulic systems, pneumatic systems, electrical systems, and others.
There are many different types of aircraft mechanics, and each one usually specializes in one particular set of skills. For example, structural mechanics work on the frame of the aircraft, while avionics technicians work on the electrical systems and components.
Where do aircraft mechanics work?
Aircraft maintenance is performed in many different places all over the world. Aircraft mechanics can usually be found in one of the following places:
Most aircraft mechanics work for a company, but some aircraft mechanics also work independently. For example, some mechanics are hired by private aircraft owners to perform maintenance.
What's the difference between the terms aircraft mechanic, aircraft technician, airplane mechanic, and airplane technician?
Usually there is no difference between these terms. Sometimes, depending on the country or location, different terms are used more often than others. For example, in the United States “aircraft mechanic” is usually used more than the other three.
Some specific aircraft mechanic careers use the word “technician” instead of “mechanic.” For example, mechanics who work on the electrical systems are usually called avionics technicians instead of avionics mechanics.
Aircraft mechanics are also called aviation mechanics or aviation technicians. Again, most of the time these different terms are interchangeable.
What’s the best way to become an aircraft mechanic?
This is a simple question with a complex answer, and I hear it all the time. There are many different ways to become a mechanic, and one way might be good for one person, while a different way might be better for someone else.
By the time you’re finished reading this list of questions and answers, you will have a better understanding of how you should become an aircraft mechanic.
Is being an aircraft mechanic a good career?
Again, this is a simple question that’s also very common, and the answer can also be complex. In fact, there really is no single answer for this question when you think about it. After all, not everyone working as an aircraft mechanic enjoys the career.
For me personally, I absolutely love my career as an aircraft mechanic. I make a lot of money, get to travel to different locations all over the world, and get to take as much time off as I want (well, almost).
I think if more aircraft mechanics knew how to make all the money that’s out there, many more people would love the career.
I’ll tell you this: If you would like to make $10,000 - $15,000 or more each month as a mechanic, you definitely can. There are thousands of mechanics making this kind of money right now, and so can you once you know how.
What's a day in the life of an aircraft mechanic like?
Aircraft mechanics work all types of schedules, so different mechanics work at different times. I usually work what would be called “second shift,” meaning I start working in the afternoon and finish up around one or two o’clock in the morning. Some mechanics begin working early in the morning, while others work at night.
Once I wake up, I usually do the normal things most other people do: take a shower, eat something, and get ready for work. Once I have my work clothes on, I head to the maintenance facility.
At the job where I’m working now, the first thing we do is report to our crew meeting, where our supervisor tells us about the work that went on during first shift and what we’re going to be doing on our shift. We’re then given our work assignments. For example, today I spent most of my time changing out hydraulic fuses on a Boeing 757.
Different companies have different policies, but where I’m working now is pretty much standard: I get a break every two hours, and halfway through the shift I take a 30 minute lunch break. About an hour before the end of the shift, I clean up my work area and document the last maintenance work I did using the maintenance task card or cards I’m working off of.
After I’ve made sure all of my paperwork is correct, I clean and put all of my tools in my toolbox, lock my toolbox, then go home. Once I’m home, I take a shower, eat something, relax for a couple of hours, then go to bed.
There's a lot that goes on during a day as an aircraft mechanic, but since I am asked this question so often, I wanted to at least give you an idea of what your schedule might be like. Overall, a schedule like the one I have now is really easy, especially when you’re making $40 - $50 + an hour.
How hard is it to be an aircraft mechanic?
Aircraft maintenance is not always the easiest job out there, but it’s also far from being the most difficult. Usually, there’s a good mixture of days where the work is easy, and days where the work is hard.
Being an aircraft mechanic can be difficult both physically and mentally. You have to be very careful when you’re performing maintenance because a mistake can be disastrous. However, once you’ve worked in the field for six months to a year, you’ll start to get comfortable with the environment and the work.
For me personally, I don’t mind the work at all and I don’t really consider any of it to be “hard,” mostly because I’m paid so well. Working as an aircraft mechanic allows me to live a very rich life, and I don’t just mean having money in the bank.
With my schedule and salary I’m able to take really good care of my family, and I also get to spend a lot of time with my friends and family. I have a great life because I’m an aircraft mechanic.
How long does it take to become an aircraft mechanic?
As I’ve mentioned, there are different ways you can become an aircraft mechanic. Most people either join the military or pay to attend a college to get the needed training. If you join the military or go to college, it will take you years before you can begin making money in the field.
But there are easier ways to become an aircraft mechanic aside from these two options. If you know how, you can become a mechanic and begin making money in 4 - 8 weeks in some cases.
What does it take to be an aircraft mechanic?
It isn’t difficult to enter this career and make great money working on aircraft, if you follow the right path. However, that doesn’t mean that just anyone will be a good mechanic.
You need to at least have some interest in aircraft and aviation in general. You also need to enjoy solving problems and working with your hands. If you like to take things apart and put them back together, you will like this career.
You don’t have to be the strongest person or the smartest person, and it doesn’t matter if you’re a man or a woman. As long as you like airplanes, helicopters, and other types of aircraft, and as long as you like working on things, you will probably be a good technician.
I’m interested in the aircraft mechanic career, but I don’t know where to begin. Should I go to college to become an aircraft mechanic?
Most people think that you can’t work in this career without going to college. Many colleges and technical schools advertise aviation courses all over the internet and in magazines, and most of these ads make it seem like you can’t become an aircraft mechanic without a degree or some type of certification.
This simply isn’t true...
If you go to college, you can expect to pay a lot of money and spend at least two years to complete the course. Going to college could be a big mistake for you, because there are methods you can use to become a mechanic and begin making money much faster.
How do you get into aircraft mechanic school?
If you choose to go to college or a technical school to become a mechanic, all you have to do is complete high school and then apply for the course. Once you start paying your tuition, you can then begin. There are thousands of schools all over the world that offer courses in aviation maintenance.
How much does aircraft mechanic school cost?
Most people pay between $10,000 and $30,000 to go through a two year program. However, even a two year program can cost much more than this (sometimes $50,000 or more). Some people attend a four year college to get a degree in aviation, and these colleges can be very expensive.
Most people who go to school specifically for aircraft maintenance get an A&P license or some other type of certification, depending on what country they live in.
What is an A&P license?
An “A&P license,” or “Airframe and Powerplant license,” which is also referred to as an "A&P certificate", is a type of certification issued by the Federal Aviation Administration. When a mechanic has an A&P license, he or she has gained the necessary hands-on experience and passed all of the testing required to get the license.
An A&P license basically demonstrates that the person is knowledgeable and can perform maintenance on airframe components, such as structural members of an aircraft, as well as powerplant components, such as engines. An A&P mechanic is certified to work on almost every component on an aircraft.
Note: Sometimes “A&P license” is written out like this: A and P license.
What is the difference between an Airframe license and a Powerplant license?
Not every mechanic has an A&P license and some mechanics working in aviation don’t have any license at all, while some mechanics only have one license.
Mechanics who have an “A” license, or “Airframe” license, are certified to work on structural components. Mechanics who have a “P” license, or “Powerplant” license, are certified to work on propulsion components and other components and systems used to operate the aircraft.
Do you have to have an A&P license to work on airplanes?
The A&P license is issued by the FAA, the aviation authority in the United States. Different aviation authorities in other countries use different types of certifications. However, many repair stations in other countries also recognize the A&P license, and you can work at these different companies if you have the license.
But the answer to the question is: No. You do not have to have an A&P license to work as an aircraft mechanic. However, some companies won’t allow you to work there unless you do have your A&P.
The most important thing to remember is: To make the most money as an aircraft mechanic, you need to get your A&P license.
Can you work on helicopters if you have an A&P license?
As the holder of an A&P, you can work on all types of aircraft, including helicopters. Again, some mechanics working on helicopters don’t have an A&P, but most companies that perform helicopter maintenance require the mechanics to be licensed.
You can also find high-paying jobs working on drone aircraft.
What is the difference between an A&P license and A&P certification?
There is no difference, these are simply two different terms that mean the same thing. Some people say “A&P license” while others say “A&P certificate,” and some people say “A&P certificates.” Once you have the license, you are a certificated A&P, and once you have the certification, you are a licensed A&P.
Note: Some people like to argue that "A&P license" isn't the correct term.
However, even the FAA uses the term "license" when referring to the A&P:
Taken directly from the AMT Handbook series released by the Federal Aviation Administration:
"The FAA Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbooks are designed for use by instructors and applicants preparing for the FAA Knowledge Exam and Oral & Practical (O&P) Exams required for obtaining an Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) certificate with Airframe or Powerplant rating or both (also called an A&P license)."
At the company I worked when I began my career, “A&P license” was the term that was used by most, so I usually say "A&P license."
Are there a lot of A&P license jobs?
There are many, many jobs available if you’re an A&P mechanic. Some A&P mechanics even travel to other countries to work. I’ve worked in several countries over the years, including Japan and Italy.
But what you need to understand is, only some of these positions will allow you to make as much money as possible. Once you have your license, there will be many great jobs available to you.
What is the cost of an A&P license?
This is another one of those questions that appears to be simple, but in reality has a complex set of answers. Technically, the license itself only costs a few hundred dollars, depending on where you take your tests. Some places charge more than others.
However, you can’t simply study for the tests and then go take them. You first need to gain the necessary hands-on experience, which requires learning about and working on actual aircraft components for at least a year and a half and sometimes longer. There are a few ways you can do this. Many people get their experience working in the military, while others gain the experience by going to a college or technical school.
However, there are other methods you can use to get your A&P license, and the best part is, these methods will allow you to get your license for free.
Do you have to go to school to get an A&P license?
Not only can you get your A&P license for free, but there are also methods that will allow you to get your license without joining the military or going to college.
In The 3 Month Mechanic I show you a resource you can use to get your A&P license with zero cost and without going to an aviation school or college.
What is the average cost of A&P school?
Again, you don’t have to go to school to get an A&P license. However, if you choose to go to school, the cost varies. Most people pay anywhere from $10,000 to $30,000 or more.
But let me ask you this: Why would you pay for something, especially $30,000 or even $10,000, when you can get it for free?
How can I get my airframe and powerplant license without going to school?
Despite what the aviation schools might want you to believe, every year many people get their A&P license without going to school. Again, I discuss a resource you can use to also do this in The 3 Month Mechanic.
Can you get your A&P license without finishing school?
If you’re concerned about getting your license without finishing college, or even going to college, the answer is yes you can. If you’re thinking about getting your license without finishing high school, the answer is no.
In fact, if that’s the case, you shouldn’t be thinking about quitting high school at all. Every aviation job I’ve taken required at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Dropping out of high school is always a terrible idea, and will only hurt you in the long run.
What text books should I buy to study for my A&P license?
Before you go and spend a bunch of money on text books, you first need to learn the technique that will allow you to get the hands-on training you will need before you can test for the license. Using this technique will also allow you to become an aircraft mechanic and begin making money in as little as 4 - 8 weeks.
Once you know the right way to enter this career, you can then begin studying so you can get your license. There are several great books available, including many study guides and test guides that will help you prepare for the test.
Right now you need to concentrate on choosing the right aircraft mechanic career and making sure you follow the right path to get into the career.
Is it worth it to get an A&P certification?
If you want to make $10,000 - $15,000 + a month as an aircraft mechanic, you need to get your A&P license. There’s no way I could make all the money I make without my A&P.
You need to read every bit of information on this website so you will know how to get your A&P license the smart way instead of the hard way.
Don’t even think about going to a college or technical school before you have reviewed all of this information and know all of your options. You can save yourself a lot of time and money.
Why should I become an A&P mechanic?
Actually, I never said you should, and you might not want to. What I did say is that you need to have an A&P license to make good money.
There are many different careers in the field of aviation maintenance, and just because you have your A&P license doesn’t mean you have to work as an A&P mechanic. No matter which career you choose, the A&P license will allow you to make the most money.
What other jobs can you get if you have an A&P license?
Here's something that even a lot of aircraft mechanics don't know: Having an A&P license will also give you career opportunities outside of aviation.
Many different companies in many different fields employee A&P mechanics. For example, if you have an A&P license most jobs involving hydraulic systems or pneumatic systems will be available to you. I’ve known A&P mechanics who have worked for all types of different companies servicing hydraulic and pneumatic systems and components.
However, although all of these other jobs are available, I don’t think I would ever leave the field of aircraft maintenance.
I’m completely fine working on planes and making $3,000 - $4,000 each week.
What is an EASA license?
Many people ask me about an EASA license. “EASA” stands for “European Aviation Safety Agency,” the agency responsible for regulating this type of license. The EASA license is a bit more complicated than the A&P license that is issued by the FAA, and usually requires more strenuous testing. You cannot substitute your A&P license for an EASA license or vice versa, without going through a qualified training program.
If you plan to work in Europe, you will most likely need to get your EASA license instead of an A&P license. Even though some companies in Europe recognize and accept mechanics who hold an A&P license, some companies do not.
As with the A&P license, in The 3 Month Mechanic I also show you a resource you can use to get your EASA Part 66 Aircraft Maintenance Licence.
It’s important that you remember this: No matter what country or what type of certification you have, you can use the methods and resources I discuss in The 3 Month Mechanic to start your career as an aircraft mechanic the right way so that you will have the chance to make the most money.
Are aircraft mechanics paid hourly, with a set salary, or by the job?
Most mechanics are paid hourly, meaning the amount of money they make is determined by how many hours they work. However, some are paid with a set salary, meaning they make the same amount each week no matter how many hours they work.
I’ve heard of maintenance facilities that paid mechanics based on how many jobs they performed during the work week, although this would be an extremely rare situation and definitely not the norm.
However, I would most likely never work at a place like that. I probably wouldn’t want to be paid per job. I’m quite fine making $50 an hour!
I would also never work for a set salary. I make the most money as an aircraft mechanic working on an hourly basis, and I’ve never known a mechanic on a set salary who was able to make as much as I do.
Why do most websites say that the average aircraft mechanic salary is only $60,000 - $70,000 a year or less?
These websites base these numbers on average salaries across the industry. However, these websites are not giving you the whole picture.
While it’s true that there are many jobs that will pay you $60,000 - $70,000 a year, there are also many jobs that pay much more. The key to becoming a well-paid mechanic is entering the career the right way, choosing a career that will pay the most, and finding the jobs that will allow you to make the most money.
You can’t simply become an aircraft mechanic, choose any career in the field, then take any available job to make the kind of money I make and work only 3 months a year like I do.
But once you understand how the industry works and what you need to do, you can make $100,000 or more each year.
What is the salary of an A&P mechanic?
First of all, just because you are working as an A&P mechanic doesn’t mean you will make the most money. As I’ve already mentioned, there are several different careers that will allow you to make the most money, and you might not want to work as an A&P mechanic.
Having said that, how much A&P mechanics make is still determined by how they enter the career, which career they choose, and what jobs they take. I make the kind of money I make because I chose the right path, and I know the secrets to finding and taking the highest-paying jobs available.
As long as you have your A&P license, you can make great money.
I’ve been an aircraft technician for 20 years and I’ve never made more than $25 an hour, and I had to work weekends and holidays. There’s no way you really make that much money, is there?
If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the course of my career, it’s that there are quite a few unhappy aircraft mechanics. Most of these mechanics are angry because they know other mechanics are making more than they are, and they feel like they didn’t have the same opportunities.
How much aviation mechanics make is determined by several factors, as I’ve been explaining on this page.
For those unhappy mechanics reading this: Just because you chose the wrong path when you entered the career doesn’t mean that there aren’t others, such as myself, making great money and having great careers without having to work every weekend and every holiday.
In fact, I can’t even tell you the last time I had to work a holiday. I make my career go by my schedule, not the other way around.
How much airplane mechanics make per year varies depending on different factors.
But just because you have made some mistakes in your career doesn’t mean you can’t change the path you’re on and make great money like I do.
It will probably take you longer than it does when someone makes the right choices when they are just starting out, but you can still do it if you use my methods.
I work as an aircraft mechanic but my salary isn’t that good. How can I make more money?
Some aircraft mechanics struggle in the industry because they don’t know where to find the highest-paying jobs, or they don’t even know these jobs exist. But finding the highest-paying jobs is only part of the puzzle.
Again, what kind of aircraft mechanic career you have chosen will also determine how much money you can make. Only a few different career types will allow you to make the most money.
All of this information is detailed in The 3 Month Mechanic. You’ll know exactly how I make over $10,000 a month, but more importantly you’ll know how you can too.
Why do some aircraft mechanic jobs pay so low?
The only reason that an aircraft mechanic job “pays low,” is because there are mechanics who choose to accept the low amount of pay the company offers them. Period.
However, some mechanics, because of poor choices they have made, think that they don’t have any other option but to take these low-paying jobs. These mechanics could change the path they’re on, but they either don’t know that, or they don’t know where to begin.
If you’re one of these mechanics, you can use my plan to make good money and follow my success. It really isn't that difficult.
Do helicopter mechanics make more than aircraft mechanics?
This is another question I hear often. First of all, even though it really isn’t relevant to the question, I can’t help but say this: A helicopter mechanic is still an aircraft mechanic. After all, a helicopter is an aircraft.
Even though it’s true that some aviation authorities issue different certifications for helicopter mechanics, that doesn’t automatically mean that they make more money.
The bottom line is this: You can make the kind of money I make working on helicopters, airplanes, or even drones. Again, it’s not what type of aircraft you are working on, but how you enter the career, which aircraft mechanic career you choose, and whether or not you know how to find (and get) the best available jobs.
What is the most money an aircraft mechanic can make?
Although I can’t give an exact answer to that question (and neither can anyone else), I’ve known aircraft mechanics who have made upwards of $250,000 a year, but jobs that will allow you to make that amount of money can be rare.
If you use my methods to become an aircraft mechanic and only work the types of jobs I work, you can expect to earn $100,000 - $150,000 + a year, but only if you choose to work the entire year.
Again, I choose to only work 3 to 4 months each year.
Who are the highest paid aircraft mechanics?
This is another question I don’t have a solid answer for, but I consider anyone who makes at least $10,000 a month some of the highest-paid mechanics. These mechanics can be found all over the world doing all types of aircraft maintenance jobs. You can be one of these mechanics as well.
I want to have the highest aircraft mechanic salary like you. How do I get started?
The first step is to know the right way to enter the career, meaning you can’t just become an aircraft mechanic by randomly selecting one of the options available.
Once you’re on the right path after you’ve actually entered the career (which can take just 4 - 8 weeks if you follow my plan), you can then make sure you choose one of the careers that is not only right for you, but will also allow you to make as much money as possible.
Those are the "hardest" steps, but they really aren’t hard at all once you know how to use my methods.
The third step is simply knowing the secrets that will allow you to not only find high-paying jobs, but that will allow you to actually get these jobs.
Right now there are aircraft maintenance jobs available that are paying $40, $50, or even $60 or more each hour. But that doesn’t mean that any aircraft mechanic can get them. If you follow the right steps, you can be assured you will have those opportunities.
What is an avionics technician? Is that the same as an aircraft mechanic?
An avionics technician is an aircraft mechanic who specializes in maintaining the various electrical systems and components found in aircraft.
What is an aircraft engineer?
Most people who ask this question are a bit confused, because they don’t realize that what they really mean to ask is: “What is an aircraft maintenance engineer?” Aircraft engineers are people who design aircraft and aircraft components.
An “Aircraft Maintenance Engineer,” also referred to as an “AME,” is someone who is licensed to perform aircraft maintenance in certain countries other than the United States. Some of the countries that use this term include Australia, India, and New Zealand (among many others).
Certain countries might also use the term “Aircraft Maintenance Technician,” which is also used in the United States. Aircraft maintenance technicians don’t always have a license, unlike aircraft maintenance engineers.
For the most part, “aircraft maintenance engineer” means the same thing as “aircraft mechanic.”
How can I become a well-paid helicopter mechanic?
You can become a well-paid helicopter mechanic using the same methods I’ve been discussing. It really doesn’t matter what type of aircraft you work on. If you use the methods to start your career correctly, you can become a well-paid helicopter mechanic or any other type of mechanic.
How much does training cost to become an A&P mechanic?
I receive this question a lot in my email, and I think most people, when they say “training,” mean college. There really isn’t a way that you can pay to “train” as an A&P mechanic, unless you pay to attend a college or technical school.
As I’ve already discussed earlier in this FAQ, it isn’t necessary for you to go to college to get your A&P license and become an A&P mechanic, if that is the career you want to choose.
Can you go to school for free to become an aircraft mechanic?
Although I’ve never used the methods because I didn’t have to go to school to become an aircraft mechanic, I do know that it’s possible in some cases for people to attend a college or technical school without having to pay for the course.
In The 3 Month Mechanic I also discuss a reference you can use to find out how this works if that is something you would like to do.
You can also find more information about this on this website: www.theaircraftmechanic.com
How can I break into aviation right out of A&P school?
I can’t say this enough: You don’t have to go to school to get an A&P license. But if you’ve already went, or you are in school right now, it’s easy to break into aviation.
I also can’t say this enough: Once you know and understand how to use my methods, you will easily be able to become a mechanic the right way, choose the right career that will allow you to make the most money, and take a high-paying job so that you can make as much money as thousands of aircraft mechanics, including myself, make each and every month.
What are some of the best cities to work in as an aircraft mechanic?
I’m sure that every aircraft mechanic would give you a different list of cities. Some of my personal favorite cities in the United States are Dallas, Texas, Virginia Beach, Virginia, and Miami, Florida.
I’ve also worked in and visited many other great cities all over the world. Going to Tokyo was an amazing experience, as was working near Sydney in Australia.
Is there a difference between an aircraft mechanic and a jet mechanic?
The answer to this question depends on what the “aircraft mechanic” in the question does. Some aircraft mechanics work on airplanes that are not powered by jet engines, so technically they are not “jet mechanics.”
However, most aircraft mechanics I’ve ever met have, at one time or another, worked on a jet engine aircraft. A pure “jet mechanic” is a mechanic who only works on aircraft powered by jet engines. In many cases, the terms “aircraft mechanic” and “jet mechanic” are interchangeable.
Do jet mechanics make more money?
Although they don’t always “make more,” as a jet mechanic you can make a lot of money. However, being a jet mechanic might not be the right career for you.
Again, before you choose a specific type of career in this field, you need to know what all of your options are. There are other careers that will allow you to make even more money than a jet mechanic in some cases.
I want to become a helicopter mechanic. Where do I begin?
You should become a helicopter mechanic using the same methods I’ve been discussing. There are courses and schools that teach helicopter maintenance, but you don’t have to use these schools to get the necessary training you need to become a well-paid helicopter mechanic.
As I've mentioned, there are better methods that you can use to enter this career, if you know how to use them. Once you've read all of the information I'm providing to you on this website and in The 3 Month Mechanic, you will know exactly what you need to do.
Is it worth it to get your A&P license?
As I’ve already discussed, if you want to make the most money as an aircraft mechanic you will most likely need an A&P license. I know there’s no way I could make as much money as I do without having my license. Whenever someone asks me whether or not to get an A&P, I always tell them that they should.
Is being an aircraft mechanic a good job?
I’ll answer that question with a question, so let me ask you this: Would you like to make $10,000 - $15,000 + each month, have the opportunity to go almost anywhere in the world, and take as much time off as you want each year? If all of that sounds good to you, then being an aircraft mechanic is definitely a good job.
I’ve been making good money and living my life by my own rules for over ten years, and the only way I’m able to do it is because of my great career as an aircraft mechanic.
If you’re ready to take the first step and have an amazing career like myself and so many other mechanics have, then you have found the only resource that will allow you to have the same success.
