While a pilot has to get an aircraft from one point to another, even experienced pilots sometimes find it challenging to diagnose critical issues with a plane. Thankfully, there is a group of professionals whose duty is to be familiar with every crucial component of an aircraft and be able to diagnose when something is wrong. These professionals are none other than aircraft mechanics.
In Washington, aircraft mechanics earn an impressive annual average salary and usually have an easy time securing employment. Below, we look at everything it takes to start a career in the field as a resident of Washington.
How to Become an Aircraft Mechanic in Washington
The process of becoming an aircraft mechanic in Washington can be broken down into a few steps. We discuss all of them in detail below.
Step 1: Understand the Basic Requirements
Along with being at least 18 years old, the basic requirements of starting an aircraft mechanic career in Washington include being proficient in English and having a solid high school foundation in physics, electricity, mathematics, and other related topics.
Step 2: Understand Specialty Areas
Generally, there are two specialty areas in aviation maintenance technology. These are the Airframe (A) and Powerplant (P) specializations. The airframe specialization involves the overall construction of an aircraft, while the powerplant specialization focuses on engines and fuel systems.
While it is possible to take certification exams in only one specialty area, it is common for aircraft mechanics to focus on airframe and powerplant specializations.
Step 3: Choose a Training Option
As an aspiring aircraft mechanic in Washington, you can choose between two training options. The first is to acquire your training through an accredited training program that can take 18 months to 24 months to complete.
Such training programs are popular in the state, and we highlight a few alternatives in an upcoming section.
Another option is to go through the real-world experience route by acquiring training on the job. You may need to work for 18 or 24 months, depending on whether you pursue one or two specializations.
Step 4: Pass the FAA Examinations
The FAA makes available training materials for both certification exams through its official aviation maintenance technician web page. Of course, those who have attended accredited training programs would have been prepared for these exams throughout their stay.
Step 5: Apply for Jobs
After completing the above steps, candidates may apply for jobs at pertinent establishments. Professional organizations such as the Professional Aviation Maintenance Association make networking and discovering job opportunities easier.
Licensure and Certification Requirements
The only relevant certification and licensure for aviation maintenance technicians is the one offered by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This means that candidates in Washington do not have to be concerned with any particular state body.
The FAA exams are divided into knowledge written tests, oral tests, and practical tests. Those pursuing Airframe (A) and Powerplant (P) specializations must conduct these tests in both areas.
Subsequently, after securing employment and practicing professionally for three years, aircraft mechanics in Washington may also obtain the Inspection Authorization designation to carry out advanced repairs and run aircraft repair stations.
Learn about aircraft mechanic licensing and certification in nearby states:
Top Aircraft Mechanic Schools in Washington
The following are the top aircraft mechanic schools in Washington.
South Seattle College
South Seattle College offers four categories of aircraft mechanic programs, including two short-term certificate programs and two associates of applied science programs.
Clover Park Technical College
Clover Park Technical College is one of the premier destinations for receiving top-class aviation maintenance technician training in Washington. The school offers both certificate options and associate degree options.
Everett Community College
At Everett Community College, students obtain aircraft mechanic training in a serene environment emphasizing hands-on learning. Students are prepared for the FAA certification exams in airframe and powerplant classifications.
Explore Aircraft Mechanic Schools by city:
Salary and Career Outlook
Aircraft mechanics in Washington earn an annual salary 6% higher than the national average. This figure is most pertinent to those in the midpoint of certain optimizable factors, including experience and location.
Those on the upper end earn as much as $117,887, while those on the lower end earn an annual average salary of around $62,900.
Sorting by location only, aircraft mechanics in Renton are the highest paid in Washington, earning an annual average salary of $95,486 per year. Those in Spokane and Tacoma earn average yearly wages of $91,504 and $91,384, respectively.
Aircraft mechanics in Seattle are the fourth highest paid in the state, with an annual average salary of $91,095.
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