Aircraft Mechanic Schools in California

Anyone looking to become an aircraft mechanic in California will be glad to know that there is no shortage of demand for professionals in the field. Not only are there tons of employers looking to hire, but the profession also pays well, offers many benefits, and offers plenty of room for growth.

Naturally, before you begin to pursue a career as an aviation mechanic, there are a few important things to note. You don’t have to worry, though. We have provided below a collection of the most important details to ensure your journey as an aspiring aviation mechanic in California is smooth and seamless.

How To Become an Aircraft Mechanic in California

To become an aircraft mechanic in California, you must first obtain enough training to pass the FAA oral and written tests for Airframe and Powerplant mechanics. Naturally, most people choose to attend special programs for this reason, but attending a formal institution is not necessarily the only way to do it.

According to the FAA, those who complete an apprenticeship at an accredited establishment or a recognized military unit may also take the test.

Luckily, regardless of which route you choose, there are more than enough options in California to make the journey as straightforward as possible.

Top Aircraft Mechanic Schools in California

For those looking to pursue the accredited training program route, below are some of the best options in California.

#California

West Los Angeles College

Culver City, CA Online + Campus

What separates West Los Angeles College from the pack is the program's and indeed, the entire school's dynamism. Students learn through a framework that is considered to be highly rigorous yet flexible enough.

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Tuition
$1,238 - $10,130
Contact
  • 9000 Overland Avenue, Culver City, CA 90230

  • (310) 287-4200

  • WelcomeCenter@wlac.edu

#California

California Aeronautical University

Bakersfield, CA Campus Only

Based in Kern County, the California Aeronautical University remains one of the best institutions to study as an aspiring aviation mechanic.

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Tuition
$8,520 - $33,037
Contact
  • 1450 BOUGHTON DRIVE, BAKERSFIELD, CA 93308

  • (661) 615-5915

  • admissions@calaero.edu

#California

Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology

Inglewood, CA Online + Campus

Students who would like to learn to become aircraft mechanics in a serene environment with world-class faculty can consider applying to the Spartan College of Aeronautics aviation maintenance technician program.

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Tuition
$47,712 - $53,869
Contact
  • 8911 AVIATION BLVD., INGLEWOOD, CA 90301

  • (866) 635-3019

  • spartan@spartan.edu

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Licensure and Certification Requirements

The licensure and certification requirements for aircraft mechanics are quite straightforward. It involves getting certified by the FAA and no one else. So you don’t have to worry about compliance with a state body.

Now, when it comes to getting certified by the FAA, there is one thing you have to keep in mind, and that is the fact that there are two distinct certification ratings. The first is the Airframe (A) rating, while the second is the Powerplant (P) rating. Usually, both are sought together in the form of an A&P certification.

As mentioned earlier, to obtain this certification, you must have completed the required training and passed both the oral and written tests. There is also a practical aspect to the tests.

Once you complete all of the above, you officially become an aircraft mechanic.

Salary and Job Outlook

The median annual salary for aircraft mechanics in California is $96,750. The state remains one of the highest-paying for aircraft mechanics in the country, with an annual salary range that is at least 21% higher than the national average.

On the lower end of the spectrum, entry-level professionals take home an annual average salary of around $68,010, while those in the top 10 percent of earners take home an annual average salary of up to $137,635.

Factors that can influence your salary range as an aircraft mechanic in California include experience, establishment, and, of course, city/location. Some of the highest-paying cities in the state include El Segundo, Burbank, San Francisco, Sacramento, and Van Nuys.

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