Aircraft Mechanic Schools in Hawaii

Becoming a professional aircraft mechanic can be a very fulfilling decision for several reasons. In addition to the fact that professionals in this field have no shortage of employment opportunities, they are also very well rewarded with competitive salaries and several career growth paths.

Hawaii residents can enter this profession easily by following the guide on this page. This will ensure that they not only start their careers on a very strong foundation but also receive the best education possible and meet all the requirements specified by the FAA.

We also analyze top training programs and annual average salary possibilities.

How to Become an Aircraft Mechanic in Hawaii

Hawaii residents may enter the aircraft mechanic discipline by following the steps below.

Complete an AMTS Program

Aviation maintenance technician schools are authorized to provide full education for prospective aircraft mechanics. However, candidates must first ensure that they choose a school that the FAA accredits.

Additionally, they must also choose their desired rating/specialty. The two options here are the airframe rating and the powerplant rating. However, it is very common for candidates to choose both.

Those who choose a singular rating can expect to complete their training faster, usually in around 12 - 18 months. Those who choose both ratings will probably spend around 2 years in training.

AMTS Alternatives

Instead of attending an accredited aviation maintenance technician program, aspiring aircraft mechanics in Hawaii can start their careers through two major approaches: the military approach and the civilian training approach.

The military approach is available for individuals who have experience learning and practicing aviation maintenance in the military. At least 30 months of experience is needed, along with proof of military service through training transcripts and work logs.

The civilian approach is available for individuals who have worked under the supervision of a licensed mechanic or an FAA-certified repair station for at least 18 months (one rating) or 30 months (two ratings).

Employment & Career Opportunities

Prospective aircraft mechanics who meet any of the requirements above will be able to qualify for the FAA certification examinations needed to practice as a fully-fledged professional in the field. Afterward, they can secure employment and continue to improve through continuing education. They can also improve their chances for career growth by earning more advanced certifications and even starting their repair stations.

In the next section, we explore the certification requirements for aircraft mechanics in Hawaii in more detail.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• How to become a wind turbine technician in Hawaii

Licensure & Certification Requirements

After 3 years of working as a fully-fledged aviation mechanic, candidates in Hawaii may pursue the Inspection Authorized credential. This will give them the authority to run their stations and oversee much larger repairs.

Of course, before they can get to this stage, candidates must have met the FAA qualification requirements listed above and passed the certification examinations. What’s more, candidates must pass written, oral, and practical examinations in their chosen ratings, which can be airframe, powerplant, or both.

There is no state agency responsible for issuing aviation mechanic licenses, meaning that candidates who meet FAA requirements are qualified to start practicing in their state.

Top Aircraft Mechanic Schools in Hawaii

The following are some of the top training programs for prospective aircraft mechanics in Hawaii to consider.

Explore aircraft mechanic schools in Hawaii by city:

• Aircraft mechanic schools in Honolulu

Salary & Career Outlook

It is common for an aircraft mechanic in Hawaii to make around $92,330 in annual average salary, putting them among the state’s median earners. Candidates can also start a little lower, typically at an annual average salary of $54,782, to be among the bottom 10%.

The good news for professionals in this category is that they can continue to improve their yearly returns by working on things like experience, work environment, continuing education, and professional credentials. They even optimize their specific location within the state for a better yearly return.

Those who have done so can earn an annual average salary of as much as $155,611, putting them among the top 10%.

As for location, Honolulu and Kāne‘ohe Bay boast the highest annual average salary for aircraft mechanics in Hawaii. Those who work here earn an average annual salary of $101,025 and $94,541, respectively.

The employees of Kailua-Kona and Wheeler Army Airfield ended the year with average salaries of $92,146 and $91,836.