Aviation maintenance technicians (AMTs) are at the top of the ladder when it comes to technical know-how, problem solving skills, mechanical aptitude and just plain desire to be a valued professional. Men and women who perform maintenance on today's fleet of modern aircraft are highly trained persons willing to accept a high degree of responsibility in a challenging career.
Civil aviation is a highly regulated industry. The FAA controls the design, production, operation and maintenance of civil aviation products (aircraft, aircraft engines and propellers) and the articles installed on those products. The aviation maintenance industry supports the operations of United States aircraft nationally and internationally. To appreciate the number of aircraft and therefore, installed equipment which will require maintenance at some point, the Aircraft Registry provides a listing of aircraft types, makes and models.
Certification Requirements
Certificates issued to individuals that support maintenance, preventive maintenance, rebuilding and alterations tasks and activities include:
An individual does not have to hold a certificate from the FAA to work in the civil aviation maintenance industry. However, non-certificated individuals must work under the direct supervision of an appropriately rated and authorized certificate holder. Persons that hold certificates are more readily employable in the civil aviation industry; specific positions and responsibilities require possession of a FAA-issued certificate. For example--
For more information on becoming a certificated mechanic, visit www.faa.gov/mechanics/become/.
Career Opportunities
Airlines
Air carriers perform work on their own aircraft and may also perform work for other air carriers with similar aircraft types under parts 121. Part 135 operators with larger aircraft may perform work under their operation certificates. In addition, the company may hold a separate repair station certificate under part 145 so it may perform work on other civil aviation products or articles.
There are many different types of air carriers, including scheduled, non-scheduled and part 129 operators that fly into the United States with and without aircraft with FAA-issued certificates of airworthiness. Jobs carry the potential of international assignments and travel.
Scheduled air carriers must have work performed at stations in cities around the world. Non-scheduled and charter operators, whether carrying cargo or passengers, use flight mechanics to fly with the aircraft internationally. While the latter needs a certificated and experienced mechanic; either type of operation provides a vast array of employment and career opportunities.
Employment opportunities for technically competent personnel include working on completed aircraft at line stations throughout the world, performing substantive work during heavy maintenance checks and working in engine and component shops.
Career opportunities and advancement include:
Business aviation
Corporations and business owners can own or lease one or more aircraft; when they do so, the opportunity to work in a wide ranging, rapidly changing technical environment exists for aviation maintenance professionals.
The business aviation community support individual corporate fleets, helicopters that survey rush-hour traffic, fixed-base operations and services that support flight operations at the nation’s 5,000 public-use airports.
While the vast majority of businesses in this community – 97 percent – are small- to mid-size businesses, business aviation is a diverse composite of entrepreneurs and organizations – nonprofits and companies of all sizes – located in all parts of the United States. You can find them in metropolitans, small towns and rural areas. Although, propeller-and turboprop- driven aircraft currently compose the majority of America’s business aviation fleet, there will also be aircraft ranging from helicopters to fixed-wing turbine airplanes.
Many corporate and business aviation aircraft are state-of-the-art machines; they do more than provide transportation, they contain comfortable working offices with all modern accruements. Highly sophisticated medical, firefighting or search and rescue equipment and devices are also installed and will need attention. Reliable communication and constant productivity during emergency and international travel is essential to business operations and is expected in a company’s aircraft.
Employment and career opportunities range from certificated mechanics performing routine and regular maintenance to specialized avionic technicians familiar with business and aviation hardware, software and technical and regulatory interfaces. Supervision and management opportunities range from managing aircraft and upgrade acquisition and implementation to responsibility for maximum usage and value of small fleets.
Fixed-based operators
These companies are located on or operate from an airport and provide aeronautical services such as fueling, aircraft care (hangar and tie-down space) and parking, aircraft rental and sales, aircraft maintenance and flight instruction.
When maintenance is required, the company must either hold a part 145 repair station certificate or offer the services of individuals with mechanic certificates and inspection authorization. The person with a certificate may be responsible for the supervision of others that may or may not hold a mechanic certificate.
Employment and career opportunities depend upon the extent of services being offered; it may range from independent mechanic duties to director of maintenance for a flight school.
Manufacturers
Companies that produce civil aviation products and articles often have associated alteration and maintenance facilities. Additionally, the company can offer worldwide trouble-shooting and rectification services that require mechanics and technicians with and without FAA certificates.
Employment opportunities are available for certificated and non-certificated individuals interested in a broad range of precision production activities. Career potential ranges from apprenticeship opportunities to supervisory and management positions in a variety of technical departments. Examples include training, auditing, production, aftermarket services and sales.
More information on this segment of the aviation industry can be obtained from individual production approval holder websites. Most well-known aircraft, engine and propeller manufacturers provide comprehensive explanations of employment and career opportunities.
Repair stations
These businesses are issued certificates that allow them to perform a wide range of activities. Some repair stations work on small general aviation aircraft with reciprocating engines, others on large transport category aircraft for air carriers, still others may specialize in aircraft engines or specific components and parts.
These companies seek individuals with and without certificates; the ability to perform the work properly and understand the importance of following federal and customer requirements are essential to a successful career.
Job opportunities range from working on completed aircraft for air carriers to development and application of special technical skills in composite, sheet metal, welding, non-destructive testing and more.
Since employment and careers vary greatly in the repair station industry, it is difficult to assess entry, intermediate and management requirements and expectations. However, there are positions within the repair station that require a mechanic or repairman certificate. Additionally, all employees must be knowledgeable of the tasks being performed and show they are capable of performing those tasks correctly. Consequently, more knowledge through education, training and experience will result in more responsibilities and career opportunities.
Most large maintenance providers have comprehensive explanations of employment and career opportunities on the internet. Searches for a particular company or general searches will reveal detailed information on employment and career opportunities in this segment of the civil aviation maintenance industry.
Specialty fields
Avionics
The technology that enables automated aircraft flight functions, in-flight entertainment, global positioning usage and other electronic and integrated systems requires special skills, knowledge and understanding to ensure proper civil aviation maintenance and alteration. Careers in this field can be found in many industries; however, those in civil aviation provide excellent opportunities for growth.
In addition to searching particular company or industry segments on the internet, a general search for avionic technician or mechanic will reveal employment and career opportunities for this specialty.
Balloons
Hot air balloons are controlled by the FAA just like other civil aviation aircraft; only persons with certificates may perform or supervise maintenance, preventive maintenance and alteration of these unique flying machines.
While the industry is not extensive, opportunities to enjoy this unique aspect of aviation as a maintenance professional can be rewarding.
Airships: Blimps, Zeppelins and Dirigibles
Another aspect of aviation maintenance that may not immediately come to mind is taking care of airships. The aircraft are used by business aviation interests during sporting events and future usage may include heavy-lift operations.
Rotorcraft
Supporting helicopter operations presents a unique opportunity to explore the front lines of aviation. Rotorcraft are used by governments in fire-fighting, search and rescue, drug eradication, and to support law enforcement and medical emergency activities. These operations are supported by independent businesses that own and operate fleets of aircraft that can be dispatched for particular missions.
Private operators of rotorcraft specialize in sightseeing and external load operations responsible for laying cable and installing towers for utilities, precision placement of large building components (air conditioning units) and logging in remote areas.
These government entities and companies must ensure vital rotorcraft are dispatch-ready at all times. Proper maintenance and preventive maintenance support is essential; employment opportunities range from individuals holding mechanic certificates and inspection authorization performing soup to nuts activities to directors of maintenance for fleets of mission-critical rotorcraft.
Unmanned aircraft systems
The technology required to ensure precision flight of unmanned aircraft systems ensures a need for individuals familiar with civil aviation requirements. The design and production standards will establish the maintenance requirements; persons holding mechanic certificates can enjoy the advantage of understanding the rigors of aviation safety requirements.
The knowledge and experienced required to obtain and maintain a viable mechanic certificate and ratings will provide opportunities in employment and careers associated with unmanned aircraft system technologies.
More information on careers in this segment of the aviation industry can be obtained through general and specific internet searches on companies specializing in production and operation of unmanned aircraft systems. Many companies that participate in other civil aviation activities will also have opportunities in this specialty area.
Ultra-light and sports vehicles
While many ultra-light and sports pilots fabricate, operate and maintain their own aircraft, some request the help of mechanics holding FAA certificates. Whether interested in the area because of the desire to fly these small aircraft or to help maintain a high degree of safety, maintenance is an important element.
Individual business opportunities
The possibility of opening a business becomes available to persons with a mechanic certificates that have experience and knowledge. It is possible to own and operate an independent business offering services to general aviation and business aircraft owners and operators, fixed based operators as well as air carriers at remote locations or line stations.
A mechanic certificate limits the amount and type of work that can be performed. However, the ability to expand that work scope by obtaining an inspection authorization or a repair station certificate and continuous technical education and knowledge allows for a successful independent civil aviation career.
More information on opening a civil aviation maintenance business can be obtained by investigating the information available from various trade associations representing those businesses, visiting airports and the aviation maintenance businesses they support and through general internet searches for businesses located on or near airports that offer aviation maintenance services. Becoming involved in local aviation events will help generate connections and information on employment and career opportunities available for independent aviation maintenance businesses.
Additional Resources
To learn more about this exciting industry, visit:
Civil aviation is a highly regulated industry. The FAA controls the design, production, operation and maintenance of civil aviation products (aircraft, aircraft engines and propellers) and the articles installed on those products. The aviation maintenance industry supports the operations of United States aircraft nationally and internationally. To appreciate the number of aircraft and therefore, installed equipment which will require maintenance at some point, the Aircraft Registry provides a listing of aircraft types, makes and models.
Certification Requirements
Certificates issued to individuals that support maintenance, preventive maintenance, rebuilding and alterations tasks and activities include:
- Mechanic—an individual’s privileges and limitations are established by part 65.
- Repairman—an individual’s privileges and limitations are established by part 65 and repair stations (see part 145) or air carrier’s (see part 121 or 135) job description and technical requirements.
An individual does not have to hold a certificate from the FAA to work in the civil aviation maintenance industry. However, non-certificated individuals must work under the direct supervision of an appropriately rated and authorized certificate holder. Persons that hold certificates are more readily employable in the civil aviation industry; specific positions and responsibilities require possession of a FAA-issued certificate. For example--
- Supervisors in repair stations must hold a mechanic or (be qualified to obtain a) repairman certificate.
- Persons authorized to perform required inspections and issue aircraft releases for air carriers must hold a mechanic or (be qualified to obtain a) repairman certificate.
- Persons holding mechanic certificates with airframe ratings may perform required inspections and maintenance actions for business and private aircraft owners.
- Persons wishing to perform annual inspections under an inspection authorization (IA) must first hold a mechanic certificate with airframe and powerplant ratings. The IA allows for more responsibilities and opportunities for employment and careers with fixed based operators, business aircraft owners and general aviation repair stations.
For more information on becoming a certificated mechanic, visit www.faa.gov/mechanics/become/.
Career Opportunities
Airlines
Air carriers perform work on their own aircraft and may also perform work for other air carriers with similar aircraft types under parts 121. Part 135 operators with larger aircraft may perform work under their operation certificates. In addition, the company may hold a separate repair station certificate under part 145 so it may perform work on other civil aviation products or articles.
There are many different types of air carriers, including scheduled, non-scheduled and part 129 operators that fly into the United States with and without aircraft with FAA-issued certificates of airworthiness. Jobs carry the potential of international assignments and travel.
Scheduled air carriers must have work performed at stations in cities around the world. Non-scheduled and charter operators, whether carrying cargo or passengers, use flight mechanics to fly with the aircraft internationally. While the latter needs a certificated and experienced mechanic; either type of operation provides a vast array of employment and career opportunities.
Employment opportunities for technically competent personnel include working on completed aircraft at line stations throughout the world, performing substantive work during heavy maintenance checks and working in engine and component shops.
Career opportunities and advancement include:
- Supervisory positions at maintenance bases, stations and shops.
- Maintenance control department positions that are responsible for troubleshooting and resolving maintenance issues on operating aircraft, such as deferring items or directing restoration that enable aircraft to keep flying.
- Quality assurance and auditing department positions that oversee heavy maintenance activities as well as qualifying and ensuring continued regulatory compliance by other maintenance personnel and providers.
- Management of aircraft fleet types, including the scheduling and implementation of engineering programs, which require interaction with other departments, manufacturers, engineers and finance.
- Positions responsible for establishing and maintaining recordkeeping and compliance requirements for new and current fleets of aircraft.
- Planning department positions that cover daily and long term maintenance, preventive maintenance and alteration actions. Responsibilities range from daily scheduling of tasks for aircraft and fleets to work that must occur 30 days to five year intervals.
Business aviation
Corporations and business owners can own or lease one or more aircraft; when they do so, the opportunity to work in a wide ranging, rapidly changing technical environment exists for aviation maintenance professionals.
The business aviation community support individual corporate fleets, helicopters that survey rush-hour traffic, fixed-base operations and services that support flight operations at the nation’s 5,000 public-use airports.
While the vast majority of businesses in this community – 97 percent – are small- to mid-size businesses, business aviation is a diverse composite of entrepreneurs and organizations – nonprofits and companies of all sizes – located in all parts of the United States. You can find them in metropolitans, small towns and rural areas. Although, propeller-and turboprop- driven aircraft currently compose the majority of America’s business aviation fleet, there will also be aircraft ranging from helicopters to fixed-wing turbine airplanes.
Many corporate and business aviation aircraft are state-of-the-art machines; they do more than provide transportation, they contain comfortable working offices with all modern accruements. Highly sophisticated medical, firefighting or search and rescue equipment and devices are also installed and will need attention. Reliable communication and constant productivity during emergency and international travel is essential to business operations and is expected in a company’s aircraft.
Employment and career opportunities range from certificated mechanics performing routine and regular maintenance to specialized avionic technicians familiar with business and aviation hardware, software and technical and regulatory interfaces. Supervision and management opportunities range from managing aircraft and upgrade acquisition and implementation to responsibility for maximum usage and value of small fleets.
Fixed-based operators
These companies are located on or operate from an airport and provide aeronautical services such as fueling, aircraft care (hangar and tie-down space) and parking, aircraft rental and sales, aircraft maintenance and flight instruction.
When maintenance is required, the company must either hold a part 145 repair station certificate or offer the services of individuals with mechanic certificates and inspection authorization. The person with a certificate may be responsible for the supervision of others that may or may not hold a mechanic certificate.
Employment and career opportunities depend upon the extent of services being offered; it may range from independent mechanic duties to director of maintenance for a flight school.
Manufacturers
Companies that produce civil aviation products and articles often have associated alteration and maintenance facilities. Additionally, the company can offer worldwide trouble-shooting and rectification services that require mechanics and technicians with and without FAA certificates.
Employment opportunities are available for certificated and non-certificated individuals interested in a broad range of precision production activities. Career potential ranges from apprenticeship opportunities to supervisory and management positions in a variety of technical departments. Examples include training, auditing, production, aftermarket services and sales.
More information on this segment of the aviation industry can be obtained from individual production approval holder websites. Most well-known aircraft, engine and propeller manufacturers provide comprehensive explanations of employment and career opportunities.
Repair stations
These businesses are issued certificates that allow them to perform a wide range of activities. Some repair stations work on small general aviation aircraft with reciprocating engines, others on large transport category aircraft for air carriers, still others may specialize in aircraft engines or specific components and parts.
These companies seek individuals with and without certificates; the ability to perform the work properly and understand the importance of following federal and customer requirements are essential to a successful career.
Job opportunities range from working on completed aircraft for air carriers to development and application of special technical skills in composite, sheet metal, welding, non-destructive testing and more.
Since employment and careers vary greatly in the repair station industry, it is difficult to assess entry, intermediate and management requirements and expectations. However, there are positions within the repair station that require a mechanic or repairman certificate. Additionally, all employees must be knowledgeable of the tasks being performed and show they are capable of performing those tasks correctly. Consequently, more knowledge through education, training and experience will result in more responsibilities and career opportunities.
Most large maintenance providers have comprehensive explanations of employment and career opportunities on the internet. Searches for a particular company or general searches will reveal detailed information on employment and career opportunities in this segment of the civil aviation maintenance industry.
Specialty fields
Avionics
The technology that enables automated aircraft flight functions, in-flight entertainment, global positioning usage and other electronic and integrated systems requires special skills, knowledge and understanding to ensure proper civil aviation maintenance and alteration. Careers in this field can be found in many industries; however, those in civil aviation provide excellent opportunities for growth.
In addition to searching particular company or industry segments on the internet, a general search for avionic technician or mechanic will reveal employment and career opportunities for this specialty.
Balloons
Hot air balloons are controlled by the FAA just like other civil aviation aircraft; only persons with certificates may perform or supervise maintenance, preventive maintenance and alteration of these unique flying machines.
While the industry is not extensive, opportunities to enjoy this unique aspect of aviation as a maintenance professional can be rewarding.
Airships: Blimps, Zeppelins and Dirigibles
Another aspect of aviation maintenance that may not immediately come to mind is taking care of airships. The aircraft are used by business aviation interests during sporting events and future usage may include heavy-lift operations.
Rotorcraft
Supporting helicopter operations presents a unique opportunity to explore the front lines of aviation. Rotorcraft are used by governments in fire-fighting, search and rescue, drug eradication, and to support law enforcement and medical emergency activities. These operations are supported by independent businesses that own and operate fleets of aircraft that can be dispatched for particular missions.
Private operators of rotorcraft specialize in sightseeing and external load operations responsible for laying cable and installing towers for utilities, precision placement of large building components (air conditioning units) and logging in remote areas.
These government entities and companies must ensure vital rotorcraft are dispatch-ready at all times. Proper maintenance and preventive maintenance support is essential; employment opportunities range from individuals holding mechanic certificates and inspection authorization performing soup to nuts activities to directors of maintenance for fleets of mission-critical rotorcraft.
Unmanned aircraft systems
The technology required to ensure precision flight of unmanned aircraft systems ensures a need for individuals familiar with civil aviation requirements. The design and production standards will establish the maintenance requirements; persons holding mechanic certificates can enjoy the advantage of understanding the rigors of aviation safety requirements.
The knowledge and experienced required to obtain and maintain a viable mechanic certificate and ratings will provide opportunities in employment and careers associated with unmanned aircraft system technologies.
More information on careers in this segment of the aviation industry can be obtained through general and specific internet searches on companies specializing in production and operation of unmanned aircraft systems. Many companies that participate in other civil aviation activities will also have opportunities in this specialty area.
Ultra-light and sports vehicles
While many ultra-light and sports pilots fabricate, operate and maintain their own aircraft, some request the help of mechanics holding FAA certificates. Whether interested in the area because of the desire to fly these small aircraft or to help maintain a high degree of safety, maintenance is an important element.
Individual business opportunities
The possibility of opening a business becomes available to persons with a mechanic certificates that have experience and knowledge. It is possible to own and operate an independent business offering services to general aviation and business aircraft owners and operators, fixed based operators as well as air carriers at remote locations or line stations.
A mechanic certificate limits the amount and type of work that can be performed. However, the ability to expand that work scope by obtaining an inspection authorization or a repair station certificate and continuous technical education and knowledge allows for a successful independent civil aviation career.
More information on opening a civil aviation maintenance business can be obtained by investigating the information available from various trade associations representing those businesses, visiting airports and the aviation maintenance businesses they support and through general internet searches for businesses located on or near airports that offer aviation maintenance services. Becoming involved in local aviation events will help generate connections and information on employment and career opportunities available for independent aviation maintenance businesses.
Additional Resources
To learn more about this exciting industry, visit:
- Industry-created draft Advisory Circular 65-30B, Overview of the Civil Aviation Maintenance Profession, available for download here. (Note: excerpts from the draft AC were used throughout this webpage. As of the creation of this page, the draft guidance has not been adopted by the agency.)
- FAA's "Becoming a Mechanic" http://www.faa.gov/mechanics/become/
- ATEC's scholarship opportunities resources page: https://www.atec-amt.org/industry-opportunities.html
- AVMRO, Careers in Aviation Maintenance http://avmro.arsa.org/careers/
- Bureau of Labor and Statistics Occupational Employment Data
- Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes493011.htm
- Avionics Technicians https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes492091.htm
