What Is an Aircraft Mechanic?

An Aircraft Mechanic is a trained aviation technician responsible for maintaining, inspecting, repairing, and servicing aircraft to ensure they remain safe, airworthy, and compliant with regulations. Aircraft mechanics work on a wide range of systems including airframes, engines, avionics, hydraulics, landing gear, and environmental systems.

Not all aircraft mechanics hold the same certifications. There are two main pathways:

• Aircraft Mechanic (Non-A&P)

• Aircraft Maintenance Technician (A&P Certified)

Both roles contribute to aircraft safety, but each has different responsibilities, privileges, and career opportunities. Aircraft mechanics are employed by airlines, corporate aviation departments, MRO facilities, repair stations, manufacturers, flight schools, cargo operators, and the military.

Their work requires mechanical skill, attention to detail, discipline, and the ability to follow technical manuals and FAA procedures.

How to Start Your Journey as an Aircraft Mechanic

1. Meet basic eligibility requirements

• At least 18 years old

• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English

• Willingness to work nights, weekends, holidays, and shift schedules

• Strong mechanical aptitude and attention to detail

2. Choose your mechanic pathway

You can enter the field in two different ways:

Pathway 1: Aircraft Mechanic (Non-A&P)

This pathway allows you to work in aviation maintenance without the FAA A&P certification. These mechanics cannot sign off major repairs or return an aircraft to service but can perform valuable work under supervision.

Where non-A&P mechanics work:

• Aircraft manufacturing (Boeing, Airbus, Gulfstream)

• Component repair shops

• Avionics installation and wiring teams

• Military maintenance units

• UAV and drone maintenance

• Line service tech roles at airports

• Interior refurbishment and modification shops

Common responsibilities:

• Assisting with inspections

• Performing basic repairs or installations

• Working on avionics, interiors, structures, or manufacturing

• Helping A&P mechanics with component replacement

• Learning systems on-the-job

Many non-A&P mechanics eventually pursue their A&P once they gain experience.

Pathway 2: Aircraft Maintenance Technician (A&P Certified)

This is the more advanced pathway and opens the door to more responsibility and higher-level jobs. A&P stands for Airframe & Powerplant—the FAA credentials required to sign aircraft logbooks and legally return aircraft to service.

Where A&P mechanics work:

• Airlines (line & heavy maintenance)

• Cargo carriers

• Corporate and business aviation

• MRO facilities

• Flight schools

• Air ambulance and regional operators

• AOG (Aircraft on Ground) rapid response teams

Common responsibilities:

• Inspecting airframes, engines, and major systems

• Troubleshooting electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical issues

• Repairing structural components

• Conducting routine and non-routine inspections

• Documenting logbook entries and airworthiness releases

• Ensuring full FAA Part 43 compliance

A&P mechanics carry legal responsibility for the work they sign off, making this role critical to aviation safety.

Training Pathways for Aircraft Mechanics

Option A: Attend an FAA Part 147 Aviation Maintenance School

Most common route. Programs last 12–24 months and include training in:

• Airframe systems

• Powerplant systems

• Electrical and avionics basics

• Hydraulics and fuel systems

• Turbine and piston engine theory

• Structural repairs

Graduates qualify to take the A&P exams.

Option B: On-the-Job Experience (OJT)

Mechanics can qualify for the A&P tests by accumulating:

• 18 months of airframe experience or

• 18 months of powerplant experience or

• 30 months of combined experience

Often completed through military service or repair stations.

Option C: Military Aviation Maintenance

Aircraft maintainers in the Air Force, Navy, Marines, or Army can credit their experience to earn their A&P after service.

FAA Certification (A&P pathway only):

• 3 written exams (General, Airframe, Powerplant)

• Oral exam

• Practical exam

Career Pathways Within Aircraft Mechanics

Line Maintenance Mechanic

Works at airports on aircraft between flights.

Responsibilities include:

• Troubleshooting discrepancies

• Fixing write-ups from pilots

• Performing daily and transit checks

• Responding to AOG events

• Servicing fluids and systems

Heavy Maintenance / Base Mechanic

Works in hangars performing major inspections and overhauls.

Responsibilities include:

• Structural inspections

• Landing gear and system overhauls

• Cabin and interior work

• Complete system tests

• Major component replacements

Avionics Technician

Specializes in aircraft electronics.

Responsibilities include:

• Installing and repairing radios, navigation, and autopilot systems

• Diagnosing electrical faults

• Updating flight management systems

• Working on wiring and circuitry

Powerplant / Engine Technician

Works specifically on turbine or piston engines.

Responsibilities include:

• Engine removal and installation

• Hot-section inspections

• Borescope evaluations

• Performance runs and testing

• Fuel and ignition system troubleshooting

Maintenance Controller

A senior technical support role in airline operations centers.

Responsibilities include:

• Supporting mechanics in the field

• Making go/no-go decisions

• Approving MEL (Minimum Equipment List) items

• Coordinating with pilots, dispatchers, and safety teams

• Ensuring compliance with Part 121 regulations

Top Schools for Aircraft Mechanics and How to Get Involved

• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Daytona Beach & Prescott)

Advanced training labs, turbine engine facilities, and strong hiring pipelines.

• Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics (PIA)

Highly reputable A&P school known for consistent job placement.

• Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM)

Large network of FAA Part 147 schools nationwide.

• Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology

Hands-on training with strong industry partnerships.

• Community College–Based Part 147 Programs

Affordable programs with strong regional airline hiring connections.

Tip: Attend open houses, tour hangars, and ask schools about direct hiring relationships with airlines and MROs.

Trends & Opportunities in Aircraft Mechanics

• Major global shortage of certified mechanics

• Airlines offering higher pay, bonuses, and relocation packages

• Growth in corporate aviation maintenance and business jets

• Demand for technicians trained in composites and advanced materials

• Increased need for UAV and drone maintenance technicians

• Rise of electric aircraft and eVTOL maintenance roles

• Greater use of digital maintenance tools and real-time diagnostics

Final Thoughts

Aircraft Mechanics are essential to aviation safety. Whether working in manufacturing, military maintenance, corporate aviation, or airline operations, these professionals ensure aircraft remain reliable and airworthy. For students who enjoy technical work, problem-solving, and being close to real aircraft every day, the Aircraft Mechanic career offers stability, growth, and opportunities across every sector of aviation.