According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are around 170 aviation maintenance technician schools in the United States. These schools are accredited by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and must maintain their accreditation for students to be eligible for FAA aviation mechanic certification. Students can expect to attend school for 12 to 24 months, with some schools offering degrees in avionics, aviation maintenance management or aviation technology. Schools prepare students to take the necessary exams to obtain a mechanic's license. The FAA mechanic's license is also known as a mechanic's certificate.
The FAA requires that students must attend a minimum 1,900-hour program. Due to the technology used in aircraft, emphasis is placed on the study of computers and electronics. The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that schools are now offering courses that teach instruction on turbine engines, composite materials and aviation electronics.
To become certified as an aviation mechanic, within 24 months of graduation a student must pass three tests. The tests are written, oral and practical, and are administered by FAA-designated facilities and mechanics.
A mechanic must meet certain FAA requirements before receiving a mechanic's certificate. You must be at least 18 years old, able to speak and write fluent English, graduate from an FAA-approved school and pass all necessary tests. In certain situations, a period of 18 to 24 months of documented experience working with FAA-certified mechanics may be substituted in lieu of schooling. There may also be an exception to the language rule if you are working outside the United States.
Currently the FAA does not recognize online training for aviation mechanics. All work must be done either within an FAA-accredited institute or by working with an FAA-certified mechanic. In this situation, online coursework is not a proper substitute for practical experience.
To maintain certification, aviation mechanics must take a minimum of 16 hours of training every 24 months. While this training may be offered by an employer, it can also be found at FAA-accredited institutes.