So you have decided to become an aircraft mechanic? That is wonderful. New pilots are continuously entering the field, so high-quality aircraft mechanics are always needed. No airfield can operate without aircraft mechanics, as these men and women are responsible for keeping the pilots and passengers safe.

Deciding what type of planes you want to maintain is the first thing you need to do before becoming an aircraft mechanic. It is necessary for you to have an idea of what you want to do with your mechanic's license, just like a car mechanic has the choice of working on Porsche sports cars, Ford trucks, or tractors. Are you interested in working on commercial airliners, helicopters, military jets, or small personal aircraft? You should know exactly what your goal is before entering any program of study, so take the time to discover exactly what you would like to do.

Secondly, you should decide on a reputable aircraft maintenance school. Schooling prepares you for successfully completing the oral, written, and practical exams necessary for an FAA Mechanic Certificate. You should realize that you must choose a school that is appropriate for the goals you wish to achieve. If you desire a four year degree, then attending a four-year university with a good maintenance program is necessary. Aircraft maintenance programs are usually offered by universities in conjunction with degrees in aviation management or aircraft engineering. A public community college or private technical school may be what you need if you are not interested in obtaining a degree and merely want to earn your certificate.

Before entering any program of study, you will want to investigate it. As with any other field, discover the best program that will enable you to succeed and attain a successful career after graduation. Certified mechanic schools must offer students at least 1,900 class hours, as required by FAA standards established by law. School coursework generally continues for 18 to 24 months and utilizes the same type of tools and equipment used on the job for training. You will be supervised by qualified instructors while learning practical on-the-job skills about 80 percent of the time, rather than merely sitting in a classroom, if you choose a quality school. The school you choose should be equipped with modern industry-standard equipment for you to learn with so that you can gain experience and feel comfortable handling these tools. Using out-dates tools will be of no benefit to you in the future.

A lecture and a test are not the only things involved in school for aircraft mechanics. Aircraft mechanics have to completely understand the workings and build of the aircraft, so you will have to dismantle and reconstruct entire systems, like the engine. Students in aircraft maintenance school, through lecture and practical courses, will learn about all components of an airplane and become experts in aircraft repair and maintenance.

However, you won't have your license once school is over. FAA regulations decree you must have 18 months of supervised work in order to qualify for taking the powerplant or airframe licensing tests, and 30 months of work are required to take the A&P combined test. You must obtain a notarized statement from your employer or a documented work time sheet signed by the supervising mechanic in order to qualify for testing.

You will have the education and experience needed to apply for your license after countless long work days spent working on all aspects of planes. If you work hard for it, you will enjoy it. And remember that, on the airfield, you are the most important person. The lives of the pilots and passengers are in your hands, and it is your responsibility to keep them safe. I hope that you will appreciate your new career as an aircraft mechanic and succeed in all that you do.

About the Author:
James Bunter is an avid aviator who knows the importance of finding a good aircraft mechanic. He needs mechanical work done on his plane, he goes to TGH Aviation. TGH has Aviation GPS mechanics who do airspeed, as well as certified A&P mechanics who can tackle any type of problem. These men work hard and carefully, knowing that your life is in their hands.