Aircraft Mechanic Schools in Oregon

Individuals with a passion for aircraft, particularly analyzing their components and breaking them down to understand their external and internal components, would do well to consider a career as an aircraft mechanic. These professionals are in charge of all sorts of technical repairs and maintenance on aircraft.

To launch a career in this profession in Oregon, candidates must go through a few steps, ranging from preparation for training to enrolling in the right training program and meeting the licensure guidelines set by the Federal Aviation Administration.

In the upcoming sections, we will examine these requirements, breaking them into easily digestible chunks. Those curious about the potential earnings in this profession will also find the answers on this page.

How to Become an Aircraft Mechanic in Oregon

Below is a quick outline of the steps to becoming an aircraft mechanic in Oregon.

Step 1: Have a High School Diploma or GED

Aircraft mechanics must have a high school diploma or a GED equivalent. Ideally, they should also participate in mathematics, engineering, science, and construction classes.

Other prerequisites include being at least 18 years old and fluent in English.

Step 2: Choose a Training Route

There are generally three routes to receive the relevant training necessary to become an aircraft mechanic in Oregon. They include the following.

Academic Program

Candidates may become aircraft mechanics by attending a program accredited by the FAA. Here, they will discuss key topics in electricity, hydraulics, aircraft operation, physics, technical drawings, documentation, inspection, and fuel systems.

Accredited aircraft mechanic schools must provide 400 hours of instructions in basic aircraft mechanic fundamentals and 750 hours of specialty training. Most programs can be completed within 18 to 24 months.

On-the-Job Training

Another way to qualify for an aviation maintenance technician license is to receive training in the real world. Candidates may receive training in an actual aviation maintenance facility at an airport.

This can take either 18 months or 30 months, depending on specialty area(s).

Military Route

The Joint Service Aviation Maintenance Technician Certification Council’s training course is another viable way to begin an aircraft mechanic career in Oregon. This is available only to military personnel.

Step 3: Complete the FAA Examinations

The training avenues in step 2 are enough to qualify for the FAA examination. Candidates must pass this examination in their relevant specialty area(s) before becoming professionally licensed aircraft mechanics.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Become an electrician in Oregon

Licensure & Certification Requirements

The FAA is the only association responsible for licensing aircraft mechanics. This means that candidates in Oregon don’t have to worry about local regulatory bodies before securing employment.

The FAA licensing examination is divided into three main aspects: the written/knowledge test, the oral test, and the practical test. An Airframe (A) specialist must pass all three tests in their specialty area, while Powerplant (P) specialists must do the same.

Those who choose the A&P ratings must pass both examinations.

Aircraft mechanics with extensive experience in the field may also pursue the Inspection Authorized (IA) credential, which qualifies them to take on more complex roles in the industry.

Top Aircraft Mechanic Schools in Oregon

Aspiring aircraft mechanics in Oregon may consider the following training programs for their introduction to the field.

Explore aircraft mechanic schools in Oregon by city:

• Aircraft mechanic schools in Portland

Salary & Career Outlook

Oregon boasts an annual salary of around $80,223 for the average aircraft mechanic in the state. This figure is generally in line with the national average.

Of course, aircraft mechanics in the state need to be consigned to earn around this figure for the duration of their careers. Those with more experience, for example, may fall among the top 10%, earning an annual average salary of around $107,868.

Those among the bottom 10% still manage an annual average salary of $59,224. Experience is not the only factor determining these figures; location also plays a huge role.

Klamath Falls, for instance, is the state’s highest-paying city for aircraft mechanics. Professionals here take home an annual average salary of $108,560. Portland and Hillsboro are among the top three, with annual average salaries of $83,920 and $80,334, respectively.

The top five are Baker City and Aurora, with annual average salaries of $78,992 and $72,413, respectively.