Anyone looking to become an aircraft mechanic in California will be glad to know that there is no shortage of demand for professionals in the field. Not only are there tons of employers looking for individuals to hire, but the profession also pays great and offers a lot of benefits and room for growth.
Naturally, before you begin to pursue a career as an aviation mechanic, there are a few important things to note. You don’t have to worry, though. We have provided below a collection of all of the most important details that will ensure that your journey as an aspiring aviation mechanic in California is a smooth and seamless one.
How To Become an Aircraft Mechanic in California
To become an aircraft mechanic in California, you must first obtain enough training to pass the FAA oral and written tests for Airframe and Powerplant mechanics. Naturally, most people choose to attend special programs for this reason, but attending a formal Institution is not necessarily the only way to do it.
According to the FAA, those who complete an apprenticeship from accredited establishments or from a recognized military unit may also proceed to take the test.
Luckily, regardless of which route you choose, there are more than enough options in Los Angeles to make the journey as straightforward as possible.
Top Aircraft Mechanic Schools in California
For those looking to go through the accredited training program route, below are some of the best options to consider in the state of California.
9000 Overland Avenue, Culver City, CA 90230
What separates Los Angeles College from the park is the program’s and indeed, the entire school’s dynamism. Students learn through a framework that is considered to be highly rigorous yet flexible enough.
Having been in existence since 1974, the school has already produced a plethora of successful experts in the field. The program takes 2 years and 8 weeks to complete, with each semester lasting as long as 8 weeks.
Students who graduate are automatically qualified to sit for the FAA Airframe and Powerplant rating certification tests.
2. California Aeronautical University
1450 BOUGHTON DRIVE, BAKERSFIELD, CA 93308
Based in Kern County, the California Aeronautical University remains one of the best institutions to study as an aspiring aviation mechanic. Not only do students get to learn everything they need to know to pass the FAA oral and written tests and become licensed aircraft mechanics, they also get to enjoy a fast-paced environment with top quality instructors.
While it is possible to complete the program in a matter of 17 months, it is also possible to continue studying for 5 additional months in the hopes of earning an associate degree instead.
Graduates also get to leave with a personalized tool kit complement of the program.
3. Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology
8911 AVIATION BLVD., INGLEWOOD, CA 90301
Students who would like to learn to become aircraft mechanics in a serene environment with world-class faculty can consider applying to the Spartan College of Aeronautics aviation maintenance technician program.
The school provides two distinct programs, each with its durations and category. The first, the airframe and powerplant program, qualifies its graduates to earn a diploma and lasts 18 months.
The second, the aviation maintenance technician program, qualifies its graduates to earn an associate of occupational studies degree and lasts for 22 months.
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Licensure and Certification Requirements
The licensure and certification requirements for aircraft mechanics is quite straightforward. It involves getting certified by the FAA and no one else. So you don’t have to worry about compliance with a state body.
Now when it comes to getting certified by the FAA, there is one thing you have to keep in mind, and that is the fact that there are two distinct certification ratings. The first is Aircraft (A) rating, while the second is the Powerplant (P) rating. Usually, both are sought together in the form of an A&P certification.
As mentioned earlier, to obtain this certification, you must have obtained the proper training needed to pass both the oral and written tests. There is also a practical aspect to the tests.
Once you complete all of the above, you officially become an aircraft mechanic.
Salary and Job Outlook
The median annual salary for aircraft mechanics in California is $96,750. The state remains one of the highest-paying for aircraft mechanics in the country, with an annual salary range that is at least 21% higher than the national average.
On the lower end of the spectrum, entry-level professionals take home an annual average salary of around $68,010 while those in the top 10 percent of earners take home an annual average salary of up to $137,635.
Factors that can influence your salary range as an aircraft mechanic in California include experience, establishment, and of course, city/location. Some of the highest-paying cities in the state include El Segundo, Burbank, San Francisco, Sacramento, and Van Nuys.
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