Aircraft Mechanic Schools in Florida

Aircraft mechanics are the unsung heroes of the aviation industry. While they may not get as much exposure or praise as pilots and aeronautical engineers, they nonetheless carry out a highly crucial role that includes making sure that aircraft are in absolutely perfect condition for flight.

Of course, to do their jobs at a high level, aircraft mechanics must first attend a training program. In fact, thanks to the rules laid down by the Federal Aviation Administration, it is virtually impossible for anyone to become certified as an aviation mechanic in Florida without first obtaining training either through an accredited program or an apprentice.

How To Become an Aircraft Mechanic in Florida

So to become an aviation mechanic in Florida, and indeed everywhere else in the country, you need to attend a training program. But is that the only step required? Well, no.

Along with obtaining training, an aspiring aircraft mechanic must also become certified, and, in certain cases, choose a specialty.

When it comes to choosing a specialty there are about four options. These include working as an Airframe and Powerplant (A&P), Avionics Technician, Inspection Authorized (IA) mechanic, or Aviation Investigator employed by the NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board).

Top Aircraft Mechanic Schools in Florida

Below are some of the most notable aircraft mechanic schools in Florida:

Explore Aircraft Mechanic Schools by City:

• Aircraft Mechanic Schools in Fort Lauderdale

Licensure and Certification Requirements

Certification for aircraft mechanics is handled by the FAA. Once aspiring aircraft mechanics complete their appropriate training programs, they may proceed to take the Airframe and Powerplant tests administered by the FAA.

Technically, these are two separate ratings. The Airframe (A) rating is considered by the FAA to be different from the Powerplant (P) rating. But both are combined in the A&P certificate.

Graduation from an approved aviation mechanic school or military training course qualifies candidates to sit for the certification tests, which include three components - the written test, the oral test, and the practical test.

Candidates can find helpful test standards and results on the official FAA website here.

Salary and Job Outlook

Aircraft mechanics in Florida earn a median annual salary of $78,793. This is around the same as the expected national average for other states in the country. Of course, your salary may end up being higher or lower than this figure depending on a handful of factors, including experience, establishment, and location.

Those who fall into the lower spectrum of earners usually take home around $52,027 per year, while those in the top ten percent earn as high as $119,261.

The highest-paying cities include Tampa, with an average annual salary of $99,575, Orlando, with $86,900, Fort Lauderdale, with $86,684, Key West, with $82,733, and Stuart, with $79,031.

Aircraft mechanics in Miami earn an annual average salary of $74,417.

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