Choosing to work as an aviation mechanic can be a rewarding career path for those who enjoy working with planes. To become an aviation mechanic in many areas, strict training and educational requirements are required. To obtain the necessary certification for this type of job, a combination of training, work experience, and demonstrable aptitude is required.
Some people choose to pursue a formal education in order to become an aviation mechanic. There are a variety of degree programs available to help people gain the skills they need to work in aircraft maintenance. In some areas, degree programs must be approved by a national aviation board before they can be used as a training course. Training programs last anywhere from one to three years and cover a wide range of theoretical and practical topics. Because different types of aircraft mechanics exist in different parts of the country, students may be able to specialize in a specific type of training that corresponds to a specific job description.
On-the-job training may also be an option for becoming an aviation mechanic. In some areas, an individual can work as an aviation mechanic or assistant without obtaining certification if he or she is closely supervised by a certified technician. The hours spent in this type of job can be tracked and applied toward a training requirement; after completing a certain number of hours, a mechanic may be eligible to take certification exams. Certain levels of mechanical certification may also necessitate both formal education and hands-on experience.
Mechanical certification frequently necessitates passing difficult exams. Tests can be practical, written, or oral, or a combination of the three. Some tests can take an entire day to complete, so certification testing could take several days. Those studying aviation mechanics in school may be able to enroll in preparatory classes for required certification exams, while those learning on the job may be able to find test preparation books, study guides, or even seminars.
Certain basic requirements must also be met in some areas in order to work as an aviation mechanic. Applicants, for example, must be legal adults and may be required to demonstrate fluency in the language in which the tests are administered. Citizenship requirements may also apply in some areas, such as native citizenship or status as a permanent resident and legal worker. All such requirements are usually listed on the websites of national aviation boards.