Education Level

• The minimum education necessary to work as an airplane mechanic is a high school diploma. Individuals with no formal training typically require one to two years of on-the-job instruction to become proficient at their jobs. Only 7 percent of mechanics have only a high school diploma or GED, according to the Occupational Information Network. The majority, roughly 60 percent, have some post-secondary schooling but no degree. Often these professionals received certificates or diplomas from aircraft service technology programs. Around 27 percent of all mechanics have a two-year associate degree.
  
  

FAA Approved Programs

• Most employers prefer to hire airplane mechanics who graduated from a program approved by the Federal Aviation Administration. In addition, graduates of such programs can also bypass all or part of the 18-month supervised work experience requirement that is otherwise necessary for licensing as a mechanic from the FAA. To qualify for approval, programs must meet standards established by the agency. All programs must include at least 1,900 hours of training for prospective applicants.
  
  

Program Features

• FAA-approved aircraft service technology programs typically require 12 to 24 months of full-time study to complete. Programs focus heavily on critical aircraft components, such as engines and the electronics systems of aircraft, called avionics. Students participate in both classroom instruction and hands-on practice, making real repairs in laboratory settings. Programs cover the safe use of tools commonly used in aircraft maintenance, such as punches, snips and lifts. Many programs also incorporate training in interpreting blueprints and technical drawings.
  
  

Training Schools

• A variety of schools offer FAA-approved airplane-mechanic training programs. Public community and technical colleges frequently feature aircraft service technology accredited degree and certificate programs. Some public and private four-year colleges and universities also feature training courses. These schools offer financial aid assistance for mechanics, such as federal and state grants and loans. Some training schools exclusively specialize in aircraft maintenance or in programs related to aviation. If they receive approval from the U.S. Department of Education, these schools can also offer financial aid, but only some have this ability. Often, aircraft maintenance training program classes are held at local airport facilities, where students have access to a variety of planes.