Aircraft Mechanic Schools in Hawaii

Becoming a professional aircraft mechanic can be a highly fulfilling career choice for several reasons. In addition to a robust employment market, professionals in this field are well compensated with competitive salaries and multiple career growth paths.

Hawaii residents can enter this profession easily by following the guide on this page. This will ensure they not only start their careers on a strong foundation but also receive the best possible education and meet all FAA requirements.

We also analyze top training programs and average annual salaries.

How to Become an Aircraft Mechanic in Hawaii

Hawaii residents may enter the aircraft mechanic discipline by following the steps below.

Complete an AMTS Program

Aviation maintenance technician schools are authorized to provide full education for prospective aircraft mechanics. However, candidates must first ensure they choose an FAA-approved school.

Additionally, they must also choose their desired rating/specialty. The two options here are the airframe rating and the powerplant rating. However, it is very common for candidates to choose both.

Those who choose a single rating can expect to complete their training in approximately 12-18 months. Those who choose both ratings will spend around 2 years in training.

AMTS Alternatives

Instead of attending an FAA-approved aviation maintenance technician program, aspiring aircraft mechanics in Hawaii can start their careers through two primary paths: military service or civilian training.

The military approach is available to individuals with experience in military aviation maintenance training and practice. At least 30 months of experience is required, along with proof of military service, such as training transcripts and work logs.

The civilian approach is available for individuals who have worked under the supervision of a licensed mechanic or an FAA-certified repair station for at least 18 months (one rating) or 30 months (two ratings).

Employment & Career Opportunities

Prospective aircraft mechanics who meet any of the requirements above will be able to qualify for the FAA certification examinations needed to practice as a fully-fledged professional in the field. Afterward, they can secure employment and continue to improve through continuing education. They can also improve their chances of career growth by earning advanced certifications and even starting their own repair stations.

In the next section, we examine in greater detail the certification requirements for aircraft mechanics in Hawaii.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• How to become a wind turbine technician in Hawaii

Licensure & Certification Requirements

After 3 years of working as a fully-fledged aviation mechanic, candidates in Hawaii may pursue the Inspection Authorized credential. This will give them the authority to operate their stations and oversee larger-scale repairs.

Of course, before they reach this stage, candidates must have met the FAA qualification requirements listed above and passed the certification examinations. Additionally, candidates must pass written, oral, and practical examinations in their chosen rating (s): airframe, powerplant, or both.

There is no state agency responsible for issuing aviation mechanic licenses, so candidates who meet FAA requirements are qualified to begin practicing in their state.

Top Aircraft Mechanic Schools in Hawaii

The following are some of the top training programs for prospective aircraft mechanics in Hawaii.

Explore aircraft mechanic schools in Hawaii by city:

• Aircraft mechanic schools in Honolulu

Salary & Career Outlook

It is common for an aircraft mechanic in Hawaii to earn an average annual salary of about $92,330, placing them among the state’s median earners. Candidates can also start slightly lower, typically at an average annual salary of $54,782, placing them in the bottom 10%.

The good news for professionals in this category is that they can continue to improve their annual returns by focusing on experience, work environment, continuing education, and professional credentials. They even optimize their location within the state to achieve a higher annual return.

Those who have done so can earn an average annual salary of up to $155,611, placing them among the top 10%.

As for location, Honolulu and Kāne‘ohe Bay boast the highest annual average salary for aircraft mechanics in Hawaii. Those who work here earn an average annual salary of $101,025 and $94,541, respectively.

Employees at Kailua-Kona and Wheeler Army Airfield ended the year with average salaries of $92,146 and $91,836, respectively.