Aircraft mechanics have one of the most exciting jobs in the world. They are responsible for ensuring airplanes are in excellent condition to fly. They are called upon whenever these heavenly machines need maintenance or repair.
As one would expect, you can only become an aircraft mechanic in New York or anywhere else if you undergo rigorous training. And apart from the actual training process, there are other standards set by the Federal Aviation Administration that aspiring aircraft mechanics must meet.
To help make the journey a whole lot easier, we look below at the critical steps involved in getting started as a future aircraft mechanic, the licensing and certification requirements, the potential salary, and more.
How to Become an Aircraft Mechanic in New York
The following are the steps needed to become an aircraft mechanic in New York:
Meet the Prerequisites
All aircraft mechanics in New York must be at least 18 years old and able to write, speak, read, and understand English. These are the prerequisites always requested by training institutions, the Federal Aviation Administration, and sometimes employers.
Enroll in a Training Program
To become an aircraft mechanic, individuals must either obtain training on the job or through a formal educational program.
Candidates who wish to obtain their aircraft mechanic training from a training program must do so in an institution approved by the FAA.
As you’ll see below, there are several of these programs in the state of New York to consider. They offer quick graduation times and in-depth instructions for passing the FAA tests in both rating categories.
Obtain Training on the Job
Candidates who wish to obtain their training on the job can also do so, but they must accrue at least 18 months of work experience before they can sit for either of the Airframe (A) and Powerplant (P) rating tests.
Those who want to sit for both tests can do so by accruing 30 months of work experience.
Take the FAA Airframe & Powerplant Ratings Tests
Lastly, candidates can sit for either the Airframe (A) tests, Powerplant (P) tests, or both after training. The test will include 43 technical subjects and must be completed within 8 hours. You can find more information on the FAA Airframe and Powerplant website.
Consider Exploring Trades with Similar Paths:
Top Aircraft Mechanic Schools in New York
1. Western Suffolk BOCES
507 Deer Pk Ave, Dix Hills, NY 11746, USA
Western Suffolk BOCES offers a high-quality Aviation Maintenance Technology program approved by the FAA.
With over 50 years of experience, the school has perfected teaching everything students need to sit for and pass their Airframe (A) and Powerplant (P) exams. The program is held at Wilson Tech Republic Airport Campus in Farmingdale and includes 1910 hours of instruction.
2. Mohawk Valley Community College
1101 Sherman Dr, Utica, NY 13501, USA
Another incredible aircraft mechanic training program, Mohawk Valley Community College, is one of the few community colleges in the country training people to be aircraft mechanics.
The program includes 40 hours a week of training lasting for three semesters and 12 months. Those who wish to further their studies here may apply for the Associate of applied science degree in the Mechanical Technology: Aircraft Maintenance program.
3. Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology
Lastly, aspiring aircraft mechanics in New York may also consider the program at the Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology.
They may enroll in the associate degree or bachelor’s degree program here.
Explore Aircraft Mechanic Schools by City:
State Licensure & Certification Requirements
As the Federal Aviation Administration predominantly regulates aviation mechanics, aspiring aircraft mechanics in New York do not have to worry about state licensure. They only have to worry about obtaining a license from the FAA by passing the airframe and powerplant examination.
It is also worth mentioning that this license must be renewed through at least 16 hours of continuing education every two years. Aircraft mechanics must also work at least 1000 hours every two years, or they’ll need to take a separate refresher course.
Salary & Career Outlook
The average salary of an aircraft mechanic in New York is $91,169, around 14% higher than the national average. This figure is the average recorded for professionals in the field, but of course, it can get a lot higher or lower depending on a few factors.
New York aircraft mechanics who earn the highest in the state tend to take home an annual average salary of around $125,572, while those who fall into the bottom ten percent often make as low as $66,191.
Another essential factor to consider is location. Aircraft mechanics in Uniondale and Long Island earn the highest national averages, with annual salaries of $109,316 and $105,509 annually. Manhattan and White Plains follow annual standards of $105,340 and 101,209 dollars per year, respectively.
Aircraft mechanics in New York City earn an annual average salary of $91,709.
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