Aviation Mechanic Certification

by Tom Gresham

Aviation mechanics repair and perform maintenance on aircraft. An aviation mechanic must secure Federal Aviation Administration certification to work in the field. Mechanics can choose to pursue certification in airframe mechanics, power plant mechanics or a combination of the two. The general requirements are the same, but the testing varies depending on the certificate type.

Age and Language

FAA certification for aircraft mechanics requires that candidates be at least 18 years old. They also must be fluent in English, meaning they must be able to read, write, speak and understand the language, according to the FAA. The FAA occasionally waives the language requirement for applicants living outside of the United States who want to work on U.S.-registered aircraft. Those mechanics are restricted to working on U.S.-registered aircraft only when outside of the country.

Experience or Education

Prospective mechanics have a choice of meeting the requirement for certification through either practical experience or education. Those who opt for practical experience must acquire 18 months working experience on either power plants or airframes, depending on which certificate they will pursue. Those who seek a combined certification need 30 months working on both. Or a mechanic can graduate from an aviation maintenance technician school approved by the FAA. School programs typically take 18 to 24 months, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.


Aircraft mechanic certification requires the successful passing of three types of tests within a 24-month period. The written test, which requires proof of meeting the experience requirement, is taken at a computer testing facility. Tests vary between airframe, power plant and general, which is a combination of the two. The oral and practical tests occur with a designated mechanic examiner from the FAA. They cover 43 technical subjects and take approximately eight hours to complete, according to the FAA.

Continuing Education and Training

Once an aircraft mechanic has secured a certificate to work in the field, the continuing education and practice requirements kick in. Mechanics must handle an aircraft inspection or repair every 90 days to demonstrate they are continuing to work in the industry. They also must take a continuing education course at least once every 24 months. Airplane manufacturers and mechanics' employers frequently offer these courses, according to the BLS.

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