What it takes to be an Aircraft Mechanic in 2024
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- Опубліковано 8 лют 2025
- In this video we're going to talk about the requirements physically, mentally, and legally to be an aircraft mechanic.
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Recommended Study materials for mechanics:
2023 FAR/AMT: amzn.to/3rmlsSR
ASA General test study guide: amzn.to/3y5Rtm5
ASA Powerplant test study guide: amzn.to/3SuxFRB
ASA Airframe test study guide: amzn.to/3C0N19q
ASA Aircraft Mechanic handbook: amzn.to/3RnxbLta
RemoteAMT’s Favorite Mechanic Logbook: amzn.to/3fndgiw
Standard ASA mechanic’s logbook for school or apprenticeship: amzn.to/3RtTy21
Check out Left Seat Adventures for a pilot’s perspective and follow his journey with his Light Sport Repairmen Certificate and working toward his full A&P certificates.
/ @leftseatadventures
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Been watching your channel for some time now. I Graduate in December. Would love to sit and have a zoom call over my experience for future Aircraft mechanic students!
Let’s make it happen! Shoot me an email and we can hash out what you and I want to talk about and get that scheduled!
I'd love that! Right now, I'm just a lowly plumber, but I want to do something more technical, more interesting. I'm in the "watching videos to measure my interest and decide if i can hack it" phase lol
I start December 9th! Long Beach California classes I’m excited.
I graduated from National Aviation Academy (NAA) in St. Petersburg, FL in 1998 with my A&P and FCC Licenses, as well as an A.S. Degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology. I interviewed and tested with United Airlines in San Francisco right out of school and was hired as an R&E Mechanic (Radio & Electronics) doing “C” Checks. I was previously an Aviation Electrician in the Navy. Best job Ever !
FCC is a waste of time. Just like IA.
@justing42 the FCC is what allowed me to work on avionics, so no, it was not a waste of time.
wouldu mind me asking how much is yous starting pay
I actually started with Avionics. I graduated from Avionics in high-school this year. I start my General in January, working towards my A&P.
That’s awesome! I wish I’d had the opportunity to start in aviation that early!
Great video. This video seems more geared to General Aviation I worked for the airlines since 1983 and despite some ups and downs associated with any career really enjoyed the field and the people I worked with.
I wanna start Avionics now. Should I start with A&P first?
@HorizonNewsNetwork1 Do you want to work in Avionics specifically? Even if you do, A&P is probably the best route. It comes with higher pay, the tradeoff is that it's takes longer and is more difficult to get than just doing Avionics. If you really love Avionics, you can start with that and get a job as an Avionics technician while you go to school for your A&P.
@RobVI Really? Every where I search, I see that Avionics makes the most money. I honestly have no actual passion for either, but they both look like interesting, high-paying careers.
I did my generals test and passed at 77% i just need my powerplant and airframe
You got this! Good luck. Just follow the manuals.
@@cathytheotheralien1375i just started in july any recommendations
In an A&P school in Alaska. I’ve made a lot of friends and learned a LOT. Graduation is later this year, and I’m excited about the future!
Which school? I just started a new rotational job in Bethel.
@ University of Alaska Fairbanks. They’ve got a good program up here.
I know a couple people who got their a&p’s there! I’m glad you’re enjoying the program and learning a lot!
i work in a landing gear shop, while going to school, going to finish my powerplant and then get my airframe through a FSCO, im sooo excited, just nervous for the tests ngl
Sounds like you’ve got yourself a great opportunity! The testing is definitely nerve wracking! Just remember that as long as you pass no one cares what your scores were and no one can see how many times you attempted the test. Get lots of rest the night before and eat a good breakfast. Definitely keep in touch! I love hearing about the progress of everyone as they go through the different channels toward their certificates!
very true brother, i went to school back in 2019-2020 i was basically done with powerplant when covid hit and i couldnt go back, the voided 4 of my classes and it discouraged me from going back, until now. @@remoteamt
What state are you working in?
@@RobVI Florida
@@MCMX0212 I'm in Florida too, I'm asking because I'm trying to find a repair shop to work at while I'm in school. Most of them have a conflicting schedule with my classes.
Just started my job as a trailer mechanic and am looking into going to school to get into aircraft Maintenance
35 years at AA . Tech Crew Chief in engine shop. Goes by fast.
thanks for the vid. looking to do this when I ETS out the military. Might try to find an internship program.... honestly dont know where to start
Check into the Skillbridge program! Your last 6 months of your active duty contract are spent doing a crash course and that course is your place of duty.
After around 2 years… I graduated from school with a diploma in aviation maintenance… couldn’t pass my a&p .. gave up and now working in a complete different field but in still maintenance.
I’m sorry to hear about your failures on the tests. Are you enjoying the position you’re in now? What did you struggle with on the testing? Your completion of the 2 year program means you can still get authorization to take the test again.
@@remoteamtany suggestion when it come to studying
Thinking about giving up truck driving for A&P.
That would definitely be a big change! More power to you though if you decide to make the change!
@@remoteamt I’m also an instrument rated private pilot. Will that help?
Same brother...too many trucks on the road its annoying
I really appreciate this. Over at GTech in Greensboro so this dose or realiam is appreciatwd. :)
You’re welcome! I’m just glad to be able to provide a little insight for people entering the field! Keep me updated as you progress through the program and don’t hesitate to reach out with questions as you go along. Contact form is on my website linked in the description!
How is it so far planning to enroll
@@gonzagawasswa610 Challenging but worth it. Almost in Airframe 1.
I just became aircraft mechanic in ethiopian airlines 777 and 350 here I come .
That’s awesome! Good luck on your journey!
Can you please direct how I can join please 🙏
@@robertbentil5317 it depends on where you are living . there was a job opening in ethiopian airlines and I applied and got accepted . my best advice is be in close contact with the airline in your country . If it is a big airline like ethiopia there is definitely going to be a shortage of skilled workers . so they will put an available job opening sooner than you think .
This was an awesome video. I'm currently enrolled in an A&P program and have my General written exam scheduled since we can take those early if we had a high GPA and passed the schools exam which I did thankfully. When I first started, I had no mechanical experience and knew absolutely nothing about airplanes. I even remember my first question in class was, “What is an airfoil?”-and some of my classmates were shocked that I didn’t know. Since then, I've come a long way, but I still feel like I’m not where I should be and don't fully grasp some of the concepts. I was wondering if you have any advice on how I can become more mechanically proficient and improve my understanding of the material. Also, any tips on studying the concepts effectively would be really helpful. Thank you
Mechanical proficiency comes with time. The more you do the stuff the easier it gets. I’m not sure your learning style but I found that the more I got hands on things the more I understood the material as well.
As far as studying the concepts effectively, the only advice I have is to find what works best for you. Some people need to write things down, others need to say it, and some learn best by doing.
I will say that the people who feel like they have no room to grow or learn are the ones I’d rather not see in the industry. Even people doing this for the last 50 years can still learn something new.
Good luck on your journey! Keep us posted as you progress!
i graduated in 2011 from Aviation School. Thinking of going back in aviation
Definitely go for it! If you need help figuring out where to start shoot me a message using the contact form on my website in the description of this video!
I like your explanation and I will like to be a maintenance technician,but am just 13 years now.
I hope that you continue to pursue aviation maintenance! You can do it!
Am 1k subscriber . Aircraft Mechanic from 🇺🇬
Thank you for your support! Excited to have you as a part of our community! Do you enjoy maintenance in your country? You are very good with CAD. I am impressed, CAD is a difficult skill to learn for me.
@@remoteamt sir i do Cad and am maintance technican also with Uganda Airlines company here in Uganda
I've had my airframe license for a year and a month now. Got signed off through the civilian experience route for it. During that time I've still continued to documented Powerplant work every chance I get the opportunity to touch the powerplants system. Since its been a year now and I've gathered more powerplant experience would you say id be eligible for my Powerplant rating? I plan on finishing/obtaining the rating through the OJT route. I have documentation from the year of 2021 for the rating. Went from working on commercial aircraft to corporate aircraft.
If you have documentation of a satisfactory amount of powerplant work you should be eligible for your rating. You can always submit to get your tickets and see what the ASI at the FSDO says.
I really want to become an aircraft maintenance tech. The only problem is I don't know math. I'm horrible at it. Can I still have success in this line of work without having to know a lot of math? Thanks.
Programs will teach you the math needed to pass the exams. To be honest I very rarely use math in my day to day work.
I’m currently a car mechanic. Wanting to switch to air craft mechanic better pay and benefits 🙏
Definitely worth the switch! Especially if you are passionate about aviation. Being an automotive mechanic is definitely going to help you a lot but also be prepared for an entirely different world. Your troubleshooting and wrench turning skills will come in handy in aviation though for sure.
@@remoteamt thank yo 🙏
You’re welcome
Go to airlines amor certain corporate, you can make better than auto. GA mechanics, most will pay less than auto.
Also diesel and oilfield equipment mechanics make about the same
I'm 17 and really interested in this career what tips do you have to pass a two year community college course on this?
Pay attention in class, don’t be afraid to ask questions, learn to navigate the FAA source material. Good luck in your journey!
I do sheet metal and composite repairs presently in the army, looking to do my A&P in my final year to transition to civilian life.
That’s awesome! Great choice of MOS. I was a 15U Chinook mechanic. If you have the already been told about the skillbridge program you should look into it for sure your last 6 months of your contract can be spent essentially earning your A&P through that program and there is job placement afterwards. Check out my website for a memorandum you can have your commander sign that validates all your work experience. It’s a free download. If you have any questions during the transition don’t hesitate to email me.
@@remoteamt that's awesome man. I have experience with all aircraft as I started on Gray eagles and Apaches and then joined SOAR and work on both 60s and 47s
@venomsupe which BN? I was 4-160th from 2016-2020
@@remoteamt 3rd Bat. I have 2 4th bat guys who transferred here, you might even know them too.
@@venomsupe It's possible. Most guys I worked with have gotten out now but there's still some guys I know in the unit.
Is it worth it to start out getting my Aircraft Maintenance Technician Certification at AIM? Or just go for the A&P. I was in the Air Force weapons maintenance side.
If you plan to eventually move from wrenching to management then a degree program is a great pathway. If you already gave USAF experience and want to get straight to working and having a certification then I recommend just getting your 8610-2 signed at the FSDO and going to a prep course like Baker’s in Tennessee to earn them!
My son will be attending Liberty University's A&P program next fall. I wanted to find out what is an average salary for a mechanic and where is the best place to work? Repair facility? Major airlines?
Average salary starting out has been working out to be around 60k a year, but depending on where your son goes and their wage scale/overtime availability he can make upwards of 120-200k a year. The best place to work is really dependent on what he wants to work on and the benefits he’s looking for. As an example, I make around 75k a year with overtime before deductions and taxes. It’s not the top pay I could make, but I get half the month off to be home with my family every month and am paid for that time which makes up for the lower pay than if I had taken my experience to some place like the major airlines with higher hourly pay. A friend of mine makes almost twice as much, but he works 6 days a week and tons of overtime at the airlines. He doesn’t have a family and so he’s happy with the extra money and lack of time home.
@@remoteamt thank you for your response. He is very excited but also nervous. Seems like a lot of information in an 18 month program. He's been working at a flight school on the line crew and also been at BOCES in the aviation program getting some flight hours so at least he's been around that environment.
Sounds like he’s got a lot going on and is heading down a great path in his career!
Major airlines all day long
Depends on location. Some pays a little lower than a more higher cost of living state like California.
Im 17 from Los Angles and graduate in June I’ve been recently researching Aviation Technichian schools near me but haven’t really found anything. Is there anything you can recommend or any tips ? Please and thank you!
Try finding a community college that offers a part 147 program. Or look into going somewhere away from home if you can afford to do so.
West LA or Mt Sac.
heads up ; too much cuts, but very good text and knowledge!
Thanks! I’m still learning the editing side of things. I’m just glad I got my audio problems figured out. My earliest videos had terrible audio! 😂
Hey! I am wondering whether attending college has any benefit toward becoming an aircraft mechanic. Let me know what you think. Thanks!
Yes and no. If you want to be able to move into a management role then a degree in the field is useful. If you’re wanting to earn your certificates through a 147 program then a school is useful. If you are going to earn your certificates in any way other than attending a school program and you don’t want to potentially move into a management role then it doesn’t really benefit you to attend school for it. Most, if not all 147 college programs also have connections to employers and can help with job placement afterwards too so that’s a good reason to attend school.
looking for a start in A&P currently looking for schools and suggestions for maryland ?
Pittsburgh Aviation Institute, is probably the most well known option. Any community college with an aviation maintenance program near you would be more affordable than PAI though. If you’re not wanting to pay for school but would like to get your knowledge while working you can call around to maintenance facilities near you and see if they would be willing to take on apprentices.
Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM)
I’m going to be a level 1 mechanic in Boeing is there anything I have to expect ?
Expect to have a lot of oversight at first. Boeing has quite the system in place. You’re essentially an assembly line worker at most facilities.
Im a sheet metal mechanic for spirit aerosystems but im surely not an a&p mechanic. Im in the army guard but not in an aviation mos. Im thinking of swapping my major from hvac to a&p because I find the job to be really cool. Is wsu tech a good school for a&p? Should I reclass my mos to aviation repair?
If you re-class then you can skip a&p school. You may actually be able to skip it due to your employment at Spirit. I would look into what program your employer might offer to obtain your a&p before spending money going to a 147 program. Any school will teach the same basic concepts and they all have the same regulatory requirements from the FAA.
@@remoteamt this is actually really informative. Thank you so much❤️👍
Can you refer me to a good school for aviation mechanics for a starter
Send me a message using the contact form on my website linked in the description. I would love to help find you a good place to start.
@@remoteamtWould like to hear more as well. TY!
@tajr.2650 utilize the contact form in the description and we can take a look at where might be a good place for you to start.
I passed my generals over two years ago so now ima starting over has anything changed recently? Or any tips for someone in my situation? Thanks
The entire testing process has changed. The written and oral/practical exams are structured differently, the better you do on your written tests the less oral questions you’ll have. I have a video about the testing process and it’s changes that have happened it’s titled 2023 airframe and powerplant test updates.
@@remoteamt thanks a bunch man
Why are you starting over?
Thank you for the information,
Iam a girl I was thinking about this field, is it a physical demending job? Because Iam not that strong. Thank you,
It can be physically demanding, but I know plenty of people on the smaller size who do very well in the industry.
@@remoteamtthank you sir
You’re very welcome! Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need help along the way!
There are some airlines that hire for cabin work or IFE work.
Is there any one studying in PIA Hagerstown? I'm starting this April or maybe August but don't have lots of info about that school.
I don’t know anyone personally, but I have read heard anything bad. In fact it’s a place that gets recommended quite often. I think you will do well there! Good luck in your education!
@@remoteamt I hope so. Thanks for your encouragement, you are the best
Where can I download that free manual FAA file again?
All the material used for test generation is available on the FAA’s website.
I am 25 year old truck driver. I can go to school for A&P certification covered by my job. It is listed year 1 ,2, and 3 year . What can I do with that certificate? Will 1 year be enough ? Or do 3 years? After the certification, will I need to keep going to school? Should I keep going and go for a degree? Really interested and would like to know more information Thanks.
I would guess that the 1 year program is just the a&p certification. The 2 and 3 year programs would likely include an associates degree. A degree isn’t entirely necessary, but depending on which area of the industry you plan to enter it can look better on an application. With your a&p certificate you can do pretty much anything except a select few things which require you to have additional privileges granted by an Inspection Authorization.
@@remoteamt Ima go ahead and get that A&P than. I appreciate the response and info. So as far as the area of industry , Is there a position or area that is better in any way in pay or just the environment or work? I’m fresh to this aircraft mechanic stuff. I did go for electrical technology to become an electrician a couple years back but I dropped out. I went with industrial because commercial was too much voltage that i didn’t want to mess with, and residential I’ve heard was more being in small spaces under a house or an attic. That kinda relates to my question about which area of the industry in your opinion is best.
The pay is much better working with the airlines or in corporate aviation. Work/life balance is much better in general aviation but the pay isn’t always great unless you work for yourself but that’s a whole other can of worms. General aviation is going to be a lot more small aircraft but airlines and corporate have things like lavatory work, and having to climb inside fuel tanks. It comes down to weighing what’s most interesting to you and what you’re willing to accept for pay and work/life balance.
@@remoteamt Im going to look more into corporate aviation. Making more money doing that? I’m interested in that forsure. Thanks again for the info
Do you know college to study aircraft mechanic rec?
There are several. It depends on your budget, eligibility, and location.
i have no degree no univerersity no nothing is it possible to just take certificates then get a training
You need the training and experience either through a college course, work, or military experience and then you can take the tests to get the certifications.
Where did you get that hat???
It’s actually my own merch! I had some made for myself I was considering selling them but have been focusing on other projects.
@@remoteamti’m starting my amt program for pcc next term id love to buy that hat 😮💨😮💨😮💨
Shoot me a message on my contact page linked in the description. PCC Rock Creek in Hillsboro Oregon? I’m sure you’ve probably mentioned it on another comment. I’ve got family that way, maybe I can hand deliver for you.
Hello Sir, i am from Bangladesh and i am studying here in diploma on subject aerospace.. Now i want to know, is there any opportunity to attend exams without any courses... I mean is there any way to give exam with self study?? Please kindly reply me
Yes, you can take the tests without going to school. In order to take the FAA A&P exams and receive an FAA airframe and powerplant certification you need to legally be able to live/work in the United States, be over the age of 18, speak, read, and write English fluently, and have 30 months practical experience on N numbered aircraft, US military service time of 24 months, or an education from a Part 147 approved airframe and powerplant curriculum.
Oh may be this is eligibility check for candidates,,, i am over 18 and i can read and write English and i have completed higher school from here... Now, please could u tell me
, i'm eligible or not?? Please 🙏
Please Don't mind,, can i get ur gmail or any other link to communicate with u please...
Do you have a student visa, work visa, or residency in the United States? Is the school you attended an FAA part 147 approved program? I am not aware of any schools outside of the United States that are certified Part 147 programs. I do know there are a few schools in the USA that will sponsor an international student to obtain their I-20 and M-1 visas. My website is linked in the description of this video and contains a contact form. I can be reached that way, though I don’t always have time to respond immediately.
If you get a union job and go in there working really hard they might just fire you.
😂 naw, they’ll just work you to death until you match everyone else.
Hi, i have a degree of AMT but no licence how i get it can you help me plz....
There are a lot of different ways to go about getting your experience and earning your certificates. Shoot me a message using the contact form on my website in the description and we can talk more in depth there.
how i can contact you?
@@remoteamt
My second year of experience how much can i earn
That depends on where you are working, what their pay scale is, and how many hours/overtime you are getting.
Thank you sir but what can i expect let’s say if you live in Minnesota can i expect 50$ an hour or 45$ an hour
Trust me its not hard at the major airlines, I worked as an a&p for TWA,American for 12 years and your just a parts changer
A bunch of us TWA guys got laid off by American after the buy out. I never went back and started my own buisness best thing I ever did . The guys who went back now make 50 an hour ,full benafits go to work, work 4 hours a night sleep 3 hours and have 1 hour worth of breaks and bitch about how they are getting screwed. 40 % of the mechanics I wouldnt let touch my kids bicycle, 10% dont do shit all night, 5% play the race card. The unions allow it, the company cant change it, 45% do most of the work. The old timers pencil whip preflights because they are to lazy to leave the break room .They reward the good hard working mechanics by giving them more work. Plane and simple thats the truth about the major airlines now. I would never go back because I wouldnt take the pay cut😅They will hire any idiot with an A&P
I’d rather work for myself any day. The majors pay well for sure, but a good reputation and a mechanic who cares about their work can make more than enough on their own. I work as a field mechanic for a helicopter operation now as a main income, but I’m slowly building my reputation independently to go full time for myself. Eligible for my IA in October so that’s my next step.
@@remoteamt Starting to see some helicopters work paying big dollars.
Plenty of bad A&Ps out there, lots good too. Worked GA for 6 years, last year of that they got desperate and hired anybody with a pulse, it was crazy. Maybe two out of the six people they hired were decent mechanics. Not just lack of aircraft specific knowledge, it was a lack of mechanical skills and work ethic.
Probably sound like an old man, but I’m only 33
Nice hotel room.
Yes it was!
0:26 crusty mechanics 😂
REAL a&p's don't wear PLAID SHIRTS...
We don’t? I’d love to know the official uniform for REAL a&p’s. Is there a letter that was supposed to come with my certificate from the FAA that says what we are supposed to wear? Thanks for the heads up!
jesus, it’s not 1960 anymore. plaid is universally worn grandpa lol.
I feel you on those service manuals 🥲
Once you learn them they’re not too bad though!!