There are several pathways to launching a successful career as an aircraft mechanic in New Mexico. The FAA sets these pathways and designs them to ensure that candidates are properly trained before being cleared to secure employment.
The following guide analyzes all these pathways and discusses other important aspects of starting an aircraft mechanic career in New Mexico. Readers will also discover which schools offer the best programs and how much they can expect to earn at the end of each year, depending on their stage in their career journey.
How to Become an Aircraft Mechanic in New Mexico
The following steps are needed to become a successful aircraft mechanic in New Mexico.
High School Diploma & Soft Skills
Prospective aircraft mechanics in New Mexico should develop their soft skills as early as possible, encompassing reading comprehension, communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Having a high school diploma or a GED equivalent will also be valuable for securing admission into an aviation maintenance school.
Specialties
There are two major specialty areas for aircraft mechanics. These include the airframe and powerplant specialties.
The first category pertains to those who will work on the body parts and interface systems of an aircraft, while the second category pertains to those who will work on plane engines and fuel systems. The most common approach, however, is for candidates to focus on both ratings.
Proper Education
Students need to receive both theoretical and practical education to acquire the relevant skills needed to secure employment and pass FAA certification examinations. They can do so by attending an aviation maintenance school recognized by the FAA.
They can also choose to learn “on the job” by working under a licensed mechanic or at a certified repair station.
Military Education
The Joint Service Aviation Maintenance Technician Certification Council offers aircraft mechanic training for military personnel. Individuals with experience in this area can also qualify for the FAA certification examination as aircraft mechanics.
Some aircraft maintenance technician schools also offer tuition-free education to veterans looking to start a career in aviation maintenance.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
Since no state legislation or agency in New Mexico mandates local registration for aircraft mechanics, the only authority to worry about in this regard is the Federal Aviation Administration. The FAA allows candidates to become certified after passing the certification examinations in either the airframe or powerplant specification.
Candidates are expected to pass a written, oral, and practical exam. After certification, candidates can work for a few years before choosing to pursue even more advanced credentials. One of these is the Inspection Authorized credential, which allows professionals to operate their repair stations and sign off on major aircraft maintenance projects.
Top Aircraft Mechanic Schools in New Mexico
Below are some prominent aviation maintenance technician programs for candidates in New Mexico.
Central New Mexico Community College
Albuquerque, NM Campus Only
Central New Mexico Community College offers an aviation technology program designed to prepare students for FAA certification in both airframe and powerplant categories. The program emphasizes hands-on training, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings.
Tuition
$70 - $356 per CreditContact
(505) 224-3000
contactcenter@cnm.edu
Eastern New Mexico Community College
Roswell, NM Campus + Online
Eastern New Mexico Community College in Roswell provides a well-regarded aviation maintenance program with FAA accreditation, ensuring strong career prospects for graduates.
Tuition
$94 - $234 per CreditContact
(575) 624-7165
erica.quintana@enmu.edu
New Mexico State University
Las Cruces, NM Campus + Online
New Mexico State University offers aerospace technology programs with multiple tracks for aspiring aircraft mechanics, including an Associate of Applied Science degree and a certificate of completion program.
Tuition
$4,279 - $13,442 per SemesterContact
(575) 527-7665
aero@dacc.nmsu.edu
Explore aircraft mechanic schools in New Mexico by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
According to a survey of aircraft mechanics in New Mexico carried out on the employment platform Indeed.com, the annual average salary of professionals in the field can vary from around $55,296 on the lower end to around $120,423 on the higher end.
Instead of falling among the bottom 10% or the top 10%, the majority of aircraft mechanics in New Mexico are in the median category. The annual average salary is around $81,602.
Exploring the figures based on locations within the state, Truth or Consequences comes out on top with an annual average salary of $123,046 for aircraft mechanics. Those who work in Holloman AFB and Las Cruces are second and third, respectively, with annual average salaries of $113,838 and $105,872.
A professional’s credentials, work environment, and experience will also determine their annual earnings.
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