The path to becoming an aviation maintenance technician is exciting and rewarding. As an Aircraft Maintenance Technician (AMT), you will be responsible for carrying out routine and preventive maintenance and repairs when needed. Your road in this journey will include courses such as online pilot training, among others.
Requirements
You need the following qualities (in addition to specific requirements):
- Attention to details
- Quick thinking and ability to follow rules
- Mental and physical strength and patience
- Basic educational requirements including fluency in written and spoken English (this varies for different countries)
- Diligence and professionalism
Training Paths
There are two main training paths, and a less-used path from which you may choose to become an AMT:
- Attending an FAA-approved training school: Training schools approved by the FAA are focused on giving trainees a full-package training that includes lectures, practical, projects as well as group assignments. You and other trainees will undergo basic online pilot training related to your career. You will also undergo training in avionics and Airframe and Powerplant maintenance.
- Undergoing a minimum of 18 months of on-the-job training: You may decide on this option if you are not inclined to formal education. You will be apprenticed to a qualified and licensed aircraft mechanic for not less than 18 months for the first phase, and then a further 30 months for the second training phase. In the end, you will take qualifying exams and be presented with your AMT certificate.
- Military path: The FAA recognizes trainees who have served in the military and received aircraft maintenance training. They can simply transfer the training as credits to their training school or colleges and go on to receive the AMT certificate upon completion. This path will be useful if you have previous military experience in aircraft maintenance. Most trainees in this path receive online pilot training as they train.
Both paths will require you to undergo theoretical and practical classes, with qualifying exams topping the requirement. The certifying exam is divided into theoretical and practical sessions where you will have to demonstrate an understanding and proficiency in the things you have learned You will be examined on every unit of certifications registered for. The usual duration for each test unit is 8 hours.
In the end, you will be awarded an Aviation Maintenance Technician Certificate, and you can then proceed to register with the professional body in charge of AMTs.
