Aircraft Mechanic Schools in South Dakota

Aircraft mechanics must possess a deep pool of technical knowledge to carry out maintenance and repairs on a wide range of aircraft. One thing that most people may not know, however, is that professionals in this field must also possess a set of transferable attributes that will help them stand out in the field.

These include attention to detail, dexterity, endurance, comprehensive reading skills, and communication, among others. Developing a combination of technical and transferable skills is one of the most important steps to becoming a successful aircraft mechanic in South Dakota.

Below, we discuss how candidates can fulfill all of these requirements and the other considerations they need to take into account when entering this profession.

How to Become an Aircraft Mechanic in South Dakota

The following are the requirements needed to become an aircraft mechanic in South Dakota.

High School Diploma or GED

Candidates in South Dakota should obtain essential credentials, such as a high school diploma or GED, before starting aviation maintenance training. Developing strong skills in reading comprehension and critical thinking early on can also be beneficial.

Aviation Maintenance Technician School

The Federal Aviation Administration requires candidates to pass both written and practical examinations to become certified aircraft mechanics. The majority of students will attend an aviation maintenance technician school to develop the crucial skills necessary for this certification examination.

Aircraft maintenance programs are expected to follow Part 147 regulations, which will provide the necessary approval from the FAA to validate their training. The majority of the last 18 months is when students are pursuing one rating, or 24 months for those going for comprehensive training in both airframe and powerplant ratings.

AMTS Alternatives

The FAA allows other alternatives to attending an aviation maintenance technician school. The first option is to acquire work experience by learning at a certified repair station under the supervision of a licensed mechanic.

The second option is to complete a military training program.

Specializations & Ratings

The FAA recognizes two main categories of aircraft mechanics. One group specializes in airframe maintenance, handling an aircraft’s external structures, while the other focuses on powerplant systems, working on engines and internal components.

Candidates can choose to train in one of these areas separately or pursue both together. The certification process for these ratings is outlined below.

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Licensure & Certification Requirements

Residents of South Dakota do not require authorization from a local body or agency to practice professionally in a licensed environment. The only authority they need approval from is the Federal Aviation Administration.

After meeting the requirements we discussed, candidates can then participate in the certification examination and achieve a passing score in all aspects, namely the oral, written, and practical sections. Additionally, aircraft mechanics are expected to pass the FAA certification exams in their chosen rating(s).

Candidates who wish to acquire multiple ratings must pass multiple examinations. Lastly, experienced aircraft mechanics can also become Inspection Authorized certified after 3 years of work experience.

Top Aircraft Mechanic Schools in South Dakota

The institutions below offer comprehensive education for prospective aircraft mechanics in South Dakota.

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Salary & Career Outlook

The annual average salary of aircraft mechanics in South Dakota follows a normal distribution. This means that the majority of professionals will fall among the median earners, but of course, they will be outliers on each side of the mean.

The annual average salary for those in the median category is usually around $80,389. Those in the top 10 percent make around $109,371 per year, while the lowest-paid still manage an annual average salary of $59,087.

Location plays a crucial role in determining where a candidate falls on the spectrum. Sandpoint and Driggs are the highest-paying aircraft mechanics in South Dakota, with yearly salary figures of around $103,362 and $99,455, respectively.

Experience, employment establishment, and professional certification levels also influence these numbers.