What airplane mechanic training involves and where to get it

Airplane mechanic training teaches you to inspect, repair, and maintain aircraft systems — engines, hydraulics, electrical, avionics, and structures. The training combines classroom instruction with hands-on work on real aircraft or simulators. Most programs take between 18 months and four years depending on the route you choose, and they end with a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification exam.

You have three main paths: a Part 147 school (FAA-approved), military service, or on-the-job training at an airline or maintenance facility. Part 147 schools are the most direct civilian route and exist at community colleges, trade schools, and dedicated aviation centers. Military training through the Air Force, Navy, or Army also leads to FAA certification and includes paid employment during training.

The FAA does not require a specific educational background to start, but you must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent. You will need to pass a medical exam and a background check. After training, you take the FAA written exam, oral exam, and practical test to earn your Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate — the standard credential for aircraft mechanics.

Key Takeaways

  • Part 147 schools are FAA-approved programs at community colleges and trade schools that combine classroom and hands-on training, typically lasting 18 months to two years.
  • Military service in aviation maintenance roles provides paid training and experience that counts toward FAA certification, with no tuition cost to you.
  • The FAA A&P certificate requires passing written, oral, and practical exams after completing 1,900 hours of training or equivalent work experience.
  • Tuition at Part 147 schools varies widely — community colleges typically cost less than private aviation centers — and some employers offer tuition reimbursement after you are hired.
  • You must be at least 18, have a high school diploma or GED, pass a medical exam, and pass a background check before you can sit for FAA exams.

Part 147 schools: the civilian training route

Part 147 schools are accredited by the FAA and follow a standardized curriculum covering airframe systems, powerplant systems, and general maintenance practices. These schools exist at community colleges (often the lowest-cost option), private aviation trade schools, and some four-year universities. The FAA maintains a searchable list of approved schools on its website.

Most Part 147 programs run 18 to 24 months full-time and teach you both airframe and powerplant mechanics in one program, which qualifies you to sit for both A&P exams. Some schools offer separate airframe-only or powerplant-only tracks that take less time but limit your job options. You will spend time in classrooms learning theory, in labs working on engines and components, and on actual aircraft or in hangars doing real maintenance tasks under supervision.

Tuition ranges significantly. Community colleges typically charge between $10,000 and $20,000 total for a two-year program, while private aviation centers may charge $30,000 to $50,000 or more. Some employers — particularly airlines and maintenance contractors — offer tuition reimbursement or partnerships with schools, meaning you attend for free or at reduced cost in exchange for a work commitment after graduation. Ask schools directly about employer partnerships in your area.

Military aviation maintenance training

The Air Force, Navy, Army, and Coast Guard all train aircraft mechanics. Military training is free, you are paid during service, and the experience counts toward your FAA A&P certification. The Air Force and Navy have the largest aviation maintenance programs and the most aircraft to work on.

Military training typically lasts 6 to 12 months of formal schooling plus on-the-job training at your duty station. You will work on the same aircraft systems as civilian mechanics — engines, hydraulics, electrical, structures — but in a military environment with military procedures. After your service commitment ends (usually four to six years), you can take the FAA exams using your military experience as credit toward the required 1,900 hours.

The trade-off is that you commit to active duty for several years and follow military orders. However, many people find the structured environment, job security during service, and free training worth it. The GI Bill also covers additional education after service ends. If you are interested, contact a recruiter for the branch that interests you and ask specifically about aviation maintenance roles.

On-the-job training and apprenticeships

Some airlines, maintenance contractors, and repair stations hire people without prior training and teach them on the job. This route is less common than it once was, but it still exists, particularly at smaller regional carriers and independent maintenance shops. On-the-job training typically takes three to five years and combines classroom instruction (sometimes at a Part 147 school, sometimes in-house) with supervised work on aircraft.

The advantage is that you earn a paycheck while learning and avoid tuition costs. The disadvantage is that you are not may provide a job at the end, and you must accumulate 1,900 hours of documented experience before you can sit for FAA exams. Some employers will count all your hours; others count only certain types of work. Confirm the policy before you accept a position.

Apprenticeships in aircraft maintenance are less standardized than in other trades, but some unions and large maintenance facilities offer formal apprenticeship programs. These combine paid work with structured classroom time and typically last three to four years. Check with your local union hall or major maintenance facilities in your area to see what is available.

FAA certification requirements and the A&P exam

To sit for FAA A&P exams, you must have 1,900 hours of maintenance experience or complete an FAA-approved training program (Part 147 school). If you attend a Part 147 school, you are done with the hours requirement upon graduation. If you pursue on-the-job training or military training, you must document your 1,900 hours and submit them to the FAA before testing.

The FAA exam has three parts: a written test (multiple choice, taken on computer), an oral exam (questions asked by an FAA examiner), and a practical test (you perform maintenance tasks on actual aircraft or components while an examiner watches). You must pass all three to earn your certificate. Most people take the written exam first, then schedule the oral and practical exams together a few weeks later.

The written exam covers airframe systems, powerplant systems, general maintenance practices, and regulations. Study materials include FAA test prep books, online courses, and practice tests. Many Part 147 schools include exam prep in their curriculum. The oral and practical exams test your ability to explain what you know and actually perform maintenance tasks correctly. Examiners are looking for safe practices and correct procedures, not speed.

Cost, timeline, and job prospects

Total cost depends on your route. Part 147 school ranges from $10,000 to $50,000 depending on the school type. Military training is free and you are paid. On-the-job training is free but takes longer and may not lead to a job. Many Part 147 schools offer payment plans or work with lenders to spread costs over time.

Timeline also varies. Part 147 school: 18 to 24 months. Military: 6 to 12 months of formal training plus service commitment. On-the-job: 3 to 5 years. After training, you need time to study and schedule FAA exams — typically one to three months more.

Job prospects for aircraft mechanics are steady. Airlines, maintenance contractors, repair stations, and manufacturers all hire A&P mechanics. The FAA and industry groups project ongoing demand. Pay varies by employer, location, and experience but typically starts in the $40,000 to $55,000 range and rises with seniority. Union positions at major airlines often pay higher wages and include better benefits.

Choosing between training routes

Choose Part 147 school if you want to start working quickly, prefer civilian employment, and can afford tuition or find an employer partnership. Choose military if you want free training, do not mind a service commitment, and value job security and benefits during service. Choose on-the-job training if you have found an employer willing to hire and train you and you are comfortable with a longer path and less certainty about the outcome.

Consider your location, financial situation, and timeline. If you live near a community college with a Part 147 program, that is often the most affordable and flexible option. If you are interested in military service anyway, aviation maintenance is a solid career path within it. If you already have a job offer from an airline or maintenance facility, on-the-job training may make sense.

Research specific schools or military branches before committing. Visit schools, talk to current students and graduates, and ask about job placement rates and employer partnerships. Contact military recruiters and ask detailed questions about the specific aviation maintenance roles they offer and what happens after your service ends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a college degree to become an airplane mechanic?

No. The FAA requires 1,900 hours of maintenance experience or completion of a Part 147 school program, but not a degree. Many Part 147 programs are offered at community colleges and award a certificate or associate degree, but the degree itself is not required — the training and certification are.

How long does it take to become an airplane mechanic?

Part 147 school typically takes 18 to 24 months. Military training takes 6 to 12 months of formal schooling plus your service commitment. On-the-job training takes 3 to 5 years. After training, add one to three months to study and take FAA exams.

What is the difference between an A&P mechanic and an aircraft technician?

An A&P (Airframe and Powerplant) mechanic holds an FAA certificate and can legally sign off on maintenance and repairs. An aircraft technician may perform similar work but does not hold the FAA certificate and cannot sign off on work. Most employers prefer or require the A&P certificate.

Can I work on aircraft while I am still in training?

Yes, if you are in a Part 147 school with a lab component or in an on-the-job training program. You will work under supervision and cannot sign off on maintenance until you hold your A&P certificate. Military training also includes hands-on work during your service.

What happens if I fail the FAA exam?

You can retake it. There is no limit on attempts, but you must wait a set period between attempts and may need to do additional study or training. Many people pass on the first try if they studied thoroughly and completed a good training program.