Aircraft Mechanic Schools in Alabama

Aircraft mechanics, also known as aviation maintenance technicians, are professionals trained to repair, diagnose, and carry out all sorts of maintenance activities on aircraft. These professionals can work on both the exterior of a plane and the internal powerplant that makes flight possible.

On this page, we will be breaking down all the important requirements that candidates must know to launch an aircraft mechanic career in Alabama. We begin by highlighting each step one after the other before focusing on the licensure and certification requirements to ensure good standing with the appropriate regulatory authorities.

Candidates will also discover some of the top training programs in the state that have received the right accreditation, along with the potential salary they may expect to earn once they complete the steps and launch their careers.

How to Become an Aircraft Mechanic in Alabama

The following are the steps needed to become an aircraft mechanic in Alabama.

Step 1: Meet the Minimum Requirements

The minimum requirements to become an aircraft mechanic in Alabama include being at least 18 years old, having a high school diploma or GED, and reading, writing, and understanding English.

Training programs and the Federal Aviation Administration typically set these requirements.

Graduate from an Approved Training Program

Aircraft mechanics must receive comprehensive training to start their careers. However, they cannot just receive training from anywhere; they must attend programs approved and accredited by the FAA.

In an upcoming section, we highlight some accredited programs in the state.

Gain Hands-On Experience

Aircraft mechanics need a strong theoretical introduction to the field. However, the FAA allows candidates to acquire an aircraft mechanic license by working in a hands-on environment.

Most people fulfill this requirement by working in an aircraft maintenance facility like an airport.

It is also important to note that the time spent acquiring hands-on experience for aspiring aircraft mechanics will depend on their specialties. Usually, this is 18 months for either airframe or powerplant specialty and 30 months for both.

Pass the FAA Examination

Finally, before starting as employed aircraft mechanics, candidates must pass an examination organized by the FAA. Candidates specializing in the Airframe (A) rating must take the examination for that field. At the same time, those who specialize in the Powerplant (P) rating must also take the examination for that field.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Become an electrician in Alabama

Licensure & Certification Requirements

The only license needed to become an aircraft mechanic in Alabama is the one issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This can be acquired by completing the steps above and passing the relevant examinations.

The FAA also allows candidates to take the licensing examination if they complete the Joint Service Aviation Maintenance Technician Certification Council training course for military personnel.

The licensing examination in each rating contains three knowledge tests, an oral test, and a practical test supervised by a Designated Mechanic Examiner (DME).

Further along their career, aircraft mechanics in Alabama may also consider earning the Inspector Authorized (IA) license, a higher-level license required to take on bigger roles in aviation maintenance.

Top Aircraft Mechanic Schools in Alabama

The following are some top aircraft mechanic training programs in Alabama.

Explore aircraft mechanic schools in Alabama by city:

• Aircraft mechanic schools in Huntsville

Salary & Career Outlook

A survey of aircraft mechanics in Alabama showed that the average salary these professionals earn in the state can range between $57,792 - $112,308, depending on several factors. As expected, these factors include location within the state, experience level, and establishment of employment.

The bottom 10% take home an annual average salary of $57,792, the top 10% take home an annual average salary of $112,308, and the average earners take home an annual average salary of around $80,564.

The most notable locations to work as an aircraft mechanic in the state are Birmingham, with an annual average salary of $99,423; Lanett, with an annual average salary of $91,866; and Fort Novosel, with an annual average salary of $81,581.

The top five also include Huntsville, with an annual average salary of $81,048.