Individuals who enjoy working with complex systems usually gravitate to a career in mechanics and engineering. And of all the jobs in this field, only very few are more thrilling than the duties of an aircraft mechanic.
For those who don’t know, aircraft mechanics are trained professionals in charge of maintaining, inspecting, and repairing parts of an aircraft to ensure that it is in the best shape possible to fly.
If you would like to consider a career as an aircraft mechanic in Illinois, the resource below is a great place to start. Here you’ll find everything you need to get started, including the best alternatives, certification and licensing requirements, and potential salary to expect.
How To Become an Aircraft Mechanic in Illinois
Below are all the steps involved in becoming an aircraft mechanic in Illinois:
The Prerequisites
Training programs, the FAA, and sometimes even employers will not admit candidates who do not meet the basic conditions for being an aircraft mechanic. These primary conditions include being at least 18 years old, fluent in English, and qualifying for the FAA examination criteria.
Qualifying for the FAA Examination
The FAA stipulates three conditions that aspiring aircraft mechanics must meet before they can sit for the Airframe and Powerplant examination (which they will need to secure employment).
These conditions include:
- graduating from an accredited training program,
- having at least 18 months of work experience in a civilian organization, or
- having work experience at a military organization.
For those who would like to go through the accredited training program route, you will be glad to know that there are a lot of high-quality FAA-approved institutions in Illinois.
For those who would like to go through the work experience route, the 18 months requirement is only enough to sit for either one of the Airframe or Powerplant rating tests. You must accrue up to 30 months of work experience to sit for both.
Passing the FAA Examination
Once you meet the requirements above, the next step is to pass the examinations.
The tests are divided into oral, written, and practical sections. And candidates must complete all three areas for the Airframe and Powerplant ratings.
In total, each rating takes 8 hours to complete.
Securing Employment
Lastly, once you’re done with the examination, you may secure employment in the establishment of your choice. Aircraft mechanics can work as maintenance technicians, supervisors, and managers.
Consider Trades with Similar Paths:
Top Aircraft Mechanic Schools in Illinois
1. Lewis University
1 University Parkway, Romeoville, Illinois 60446
Aspiring aircraft mechanics in Illinois would consider enrolling in the aviation maintenance program at Lewis University in Romeoville, founded in 1932. The Federal Aviation Administration approves the schedule and offers opportunities for working adults to take lectures online and meet for lab sessions in the evening.
2. Aviation Institute of Maintenance
3711 S Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60609, USA
The Aviation Institute of Maintenance is another popular destination for aspiring aircraft mechanics in Illinois. The FAA certifies all their aviation mechanic programs, while the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges accredits the school.
3. Southwest Illinois College
500 Carlyle Avenue, Belleville, Illinois 62221
Lastly, Southwest Illinois College is another option where students can enjoy learning in state-of-the-art training facilities under the supervision of knowledgeable instructors.
The Airframe and Powerplant certificate program here can be completed in one year.
Explore Aircraft Mechanic Schools by City:
Illinois State Licensure & Certification Requirements
As an aviation mechanic, you don’t have to worry about registering with the state. The Airframe (A) and Powerplant (P) licenses from the Federal Aviation Administration are enough to help you secure employment in any institution you choose.
It is also worth mentioning that just because you have received the license once does not mean it will last forever. To keep their licenses, aircraft mechanics must work at least 1000 hours and participate in continuing education through 16 hours of additional training every two years.
Salary & Career Outlook
Aircraft mechanics in Illinois earn an annual average salary of $77,312, which is basically on par with the national average. Aircraft mechanics in the highest 90th percentile take home an average yearly salary of $108,967, while those in the bottom 10% take home an average annual wage of $54,853.
As for the highest-paying cities in the state, Rockford, Des Plaines, and Romeoville make up the top three with annual averages of $96,438, $96,065, and $88,569, respectively. Elk Grove Village and East Alton comprise the remaining members of the top five, with annual average salaries of $83,159 and $82,368, respectively.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 6% increase in demand for aircraft mechanics in the period between 2021 to 2031.
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