How To Become an A&P Mechanic
A&P mechanics make sure our planes fly safely. Learn how to become a professional aviation tech yourself & about hands-on industry training at UTI!
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Skilled aviation maintenance technicians are essential in maintaining and repairing planes.
Fortunately, the Airframe & Powerplant Technician program at Universal Technical Institute (UTI) provides an education that helps students to develop skills needed in the field!1 After program completion, graduates are prepared to pursue work as aviation maintenance technicians.79
So, is aviation maintenance a good career?
Continue reading for more information! We’ll give you details about a career as an aviation tech and how to obtain training from UTI.
What Is an Aviation Maintenance Technician?
Aviation maintenance technicians are typically in charge of ensuring that aircraft are in safe working order. They perform inspections, repairs and overhauls of aircraft technologies and their systems. Here are some of their typical duties:
- Aircraft inspections: Aircraft inspections ensure that technicians identify problems or defects in accordance with FAA regulations.
- Routine maintenance tasks: Routine maintenance tasks are performed on aircraft systems, such as airframes, engines, avionics and electrical and hydraulic systems.
- Diagnosis and troubleshooting: Aviation maintenance technicians frequently diagnose and troubleshoot mechanical and electrical issues.
- Repairs or replacements of defective parts: Repairs or replacements of defective aircraft parts are usually carried out by aviation maintenance technicians.
- Functional tests: Functional tests, such as engine runs and electrical and instrument system checks, are performed to ensure that the repaired or installed systems are operationally sound.
Benefits of an Aviation Maintenance Career
Aviation maintenance techs are essential because they keep aircraft in good working order. These technicians also often work in a fast-paced environment and are frequently involved in complex situations requiring problem-solving skills.
This makes the task of working with cutting-edge aircraft technology both challenging and exciting! An aviation maintenance career can also allow aviation technicians to work in various locations, including internationally, which is a huge plus for many people in the industry.
Aviation Maintenance Job Outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported 11,000+ estimated average annual aviation technician job openings in the U.S.65
The BLS also reported that the median annual salary for aviation maintenance technicians in the United States was $75,020 in May 2023.57 This means that half earned more and half earned less. Remember that salary is affected by a variety of factors, including experience, employer, demand and the cost of living in the area.
How Long Does Aviation Maintenance Training Take?
Trade schools help students develop a thorough understanding of the technologies used in their desired fields through hands-on instruction taught by experienced industry professionals. These opportunities can help students gain in-demand skills needed to apply for potential technician jobs!
It may take several months or even years of dedicated industry-standard training before technicians are ready to pursue aviation maintenance work. UTI offers an 18-20 month Airframe & Powerplant Technician program (A&P). Students who complete the A&P program at UTI Canton can complete additional coursework as part of the Aviation Maintenance program, where they earn an associate of applied science degree upon completion!
Students learn the fundamentals of air science as well as a variety of airframe and powerplant course topics such as:
- Non-Destructive Testing
- Basic Sheetmetal and Welding Familiarization
- Paints and Finishes
- Engines
Read: What Is Airframe & Powerplant (A&P)? Ultimate Guide
Aviation Maintenance FAQ
Is Aviation Maintenance Hard?
Aviation maintenance careers can be difficult for several reasons.
First, aircraft technologies are made up of numerous complex systems such as mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic systems. To ensure the aircraft's safety and reliability, each system must be well-maintained, calibrated and repaired.
Second, aircraft maintenance technicians must work closely with precision tools and equipment, which requires a high level of technical knowledge and attention to detail.
Third, working in aviation maintenance can mean long hours in high-stress environments, such as during emergency repairs or meeting tight deadlines. They must also maintain a high level of safety awareness and stay current with the latest developments in aviation technology.
Many of our aviation maintenance technician students thrive off the potential challenges of confronting and overcoming these challenges with their hard-earned skills!
Is There a Lot of Math in Aviation Maintenance?
Yes, there’s a lot of math involved in aviation maintenance. That’s because working in this industry often involves measuring and adjusting engine components, computing fuel consumption, determining aircraft weight and balance, and other tasks that require precise mathematical calculations. All of these responsibilities are critical in ensuring the safety and performance of aircraft.
Do You Need a Degree To Become an Aviation Maintenance Tech?
There is no federal law that requires employers to include specific requirements, such as an aviation maintenance degree, in aviation maintenance job postings. Some states and cities, however, may require technicians to have training credentials before they can work.
In any event, these credentials can assist potential aviation maintenance technicians stand out from other applicants who need more technical training qualifications by indicating that they require less on-the-job training!
Read: Hands-on Training for Your Future
Enroll in Aviation Maintenance Training at UTI!
Experienced aviation maintenance technicians may have opportunities to work on some of the industry's most advanced aircraft and technologies. Even those without prior trade education experience can learn the skills required for entry-level positions in this field with the right training program, such as UTI's aviation program!1
Ready to enroll in an aviation maintenance program? Contact an Admissions Representative at 1-800-834-7308 or visit our website to request more information.
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1 ) UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.
2 ) For program outcome information and other disclosures, visit www.uti.edu/disclosures.
57 ) Estimated annual salary is for Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians as published in the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wages. The Airframe & Powerplant and Aviation Maintenance Technology programs prepare graduates to pursue entry-level careers in the aviation industry or related fields. Graduates are eligible to apply and test for an FAA-issued mechanic certificate. Career options may be limited without an FAA-issued mechanic certificate, and salaries may be lower. Some graduates get jobs within their field of study in positions other than as aviation maintenance technicians, such as turbine technicians or field technicians. Entry-level salaries are lower for graduates. UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary. Graduates’ achievements vary. Individual circumstances and wages depend on economic factors, personal credentials, work experience, industry certifications, the location of the employer, and their compensation programs. Salary information for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts: The average annual entry-level salary for persons employed as Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians (49-3011) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is $54,890 (Massachusetts Labor and Workforce Development, May 2022 data https://lmi.dua.eol.mass.gov/lmi/OccupationalEmploymentAndWageAllIndustries/OEWResult?A=01&GA=000025&OG=493011&Dopt=TEXT#). Salary information for North Carolina: The U.S. Department of Labor estimates the hourly median wage for skilled aviation technicians in North Carolina is $31.19 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wages, Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians). The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not publish entry-level salary data. However, the 25th and 10th percentile of hourly earnings in North Carolina are $27.78 and $21.93, respectively.
65 ) For Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an annual average of 11,500 job openings between 2023 and 2033. Job openings include openings due to net employment changes and net replacements. See Table 1.10 Occupational separations and openings, projected 2023–33, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov, viewed November 4,2024. UTI aviation maintenance programs prepare graduates to apply and test for FAA mechanic certification. Graduates who don’t obtain certification may have fewer career opportunities. Some graduates get jobs in aviation or related industries other than as aviation maintenance technicians. UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment, salary or FAA certification.
79 ) UTI aviation maintenance programs prepare graduates to apply and test for FAA mechanic certification. Graduates who don’t obtain certification may have fewer career opportunities. Some graduates get jobs in aviation or related industries other than as aviation maintenance technicians. UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment, salary or FAA certification.
Universal Technical Institute of Illinois, Inc. is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education.
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