Aircraft Mechanic Schools in Kentucky

Aircraft mechanics are professionals with the technical expertise to perform maintenance and repair on multiple aircraft systems. These components range from engines and hydraulics to landing gear and electronic systems.

To start such a technical career, candidates in Kentucky must ensure that they receive adequate education in compliance with existing regulations. Becoming familiar with the exact requirements for this process can be challenging, so we have provided an in-depth guide on this page.

In the following sections, candidates will find everything they need to know about their basic educational prerequisites, accredited training programs, and potential licensure/certification requirements.

To round out the guide, we also include an extensive breakdown of the factors that affect the annual average salary of an aircraft mechanic in Kentucky, along with the figures candidates can expect.

How to Become an Aircraft Mechanic in Kentucky

Below are the steps involved in becoming an aircraft mechanic in Kentucky.

Step 1: Start with a Solid Preparation

Candidates in Kentucky must meet the basic requirements, including a high school diploma or GED, to prepare for a career as an aircraft mechanic.

The job also requires a minimum age of 18 and proficiency in English.

Step 2: Obtain Comprehensive Training

Aspiring aircraft mechanics in Kentucky may obtain comprehensive training through two options: academic and hands-on.

Classroom Training

Classroom training provides the theoretical basis upon which practical knowledge will be built. On its own, it is important to help students become familiar with the fundamentals.

Additionally, candidates will be assessed on theoretical knowledge before receiving their certificate.

Hands-On Training

Another way to become an aircraft mechanic is to acquire practical experience and hands-on training. In this approach, students secure an “on-the-job” learning placement at an aviation maintenance facility and learn everything they need to start their careers in the real world.

As with theoretical knowledge, a candidate’s practical knowledge will also be assessed before receiving their certificate.

Step 3: Pass the Licensing Examination

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) oversees the licensing examination for new aircraft mechanics. This examination includes written, oral, and practical test sections.

The questions are based on the AMT-General, AMT-Airframe, and AMT-Powerplant handbooks.

Step 4: Secure Employment

Candidates may proceed to secure employment after passing their FAA examination. It is common for individuals to continue working in the same environment where they receive hands-on training.

Freshly trained aircraft mechanics may also leverage professional organizations such as the Professional Aviation Maintenance Association to network and learn about open positions.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Become a welder in Kentucky

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Only those who have completed the above requirements can receive an aircraft mechanic certification from the Federal Aviation Administration.

Civilians looking to fulfill the hands-on training requirement may work at an aviation maintenance facility such as an airport. Military personnel may also qualify by participating in the Joint Service Aviation Maintenance Technician Certification Council training program.

The FAA provides several learning and practice materials to help candidates prepare for their licensing exam. These handbooks include instructions on aviation codes, rules, and regulations.

Top Aircraft Mechanic Schools in Kentucky

Below are some high-quality training programs for aspiring aircraft mechanics in Kentucky.

Explore aircraft mechanic schools in Kentucky by city:

• Aircraft mechanic schools in Louisville

Salary & Career Outlook

In Kentucky, aircraft mechanics, among the highest-paid in the state, earn an average annual salary of about $124,541. Those who are just starting may get lower, often starting with an annual average salary of around $60,870.

Those in the middle, however, are the most common. Professionals in this range earn an average annual salary of $87,068. The factors determining where candidates fall within this salary range are experience and location.

Lexington, for example, is the highest-paying city in Kentucky for aircraft mechanics. Professionals here earn an average annual salary of approximately $133,553.

Erlanger and Louisville follow with annual average salaries of $96,386 and $85,268, respectively.