Aviation mechanics, or aircraft mechanics, have an intricate understanding of how several types of aircraft work. They can leverage this understanding to upgrade, maintain, and identify issues with several aircraft parts.
Given how complex aircraft are, it almost goes without saying that a great deal of training is involved in acquiring such expertise.
For aspiring aircraft mechanics in North Carolina, the journey starts with enrolling in a training program. From there, they can focus on other vital issues, such as licensure and securing employment.
How to Become an Aircraft Mechanic in North Carolina
The following is the general path to becoming an aircraft mechanic in North Carolina.
The Preparatory Steps
The preparatory steps to becoming an aircraft mechanic in North Carolina involve earning your high school degree or using a GED equivalent in its place. Candidates must also be at least 18 years old and be able to speak and understand the English language.
From there, you can then go on to select your specialty.
Usually, the FAA specifies two distinct fields for aircraft mechanics: the airframe and powerplant specifications. While focusing on one of these areas is impossible, many aircraft mechanics tend to certification in both.
Those who choose to do so are known as A&P mechanics.
Training and Experience
To obtain your airframe and powerplant certification as an aspiring aircraft mechanic in North Carolina, you must either attend a technical school or acquire training on the job with proof of experience.
Those who attend a technical school must ensure that they enroll in an accredited one. The FAA carries out accreditation for aircraft mechanic technical schools.
As for becoming certified through on-the-job training, candidates who choose this route must complete 30 months of experience in both aircraft and powerplant areas.
Passing the FAA Exams
After graduating from an accredited training program or acquiring the required work experience levels, the next step to becoming an aircraft mechanic in North Carolina is to pass the FAA certification exams. This is the most crucial step in the entire process, and as such, candidates are advised to prepare adequately before taking the exam.
To pass the exam, candidates must take a general knowledge test consisting of 60 questions and a practical demonstration test. Additionally, candidates may choose to take the airframe test, the powerplant test, or both.
After fulfilling their requirements, individuals can apply for jobs, join professional organizations, and seek Inspection Authorization advanced certification.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
The FAA carries out certification for aircraft mechanics in North Carolina. For this reason, candidates do not need to concern themselves with state-level licensure or even county/municipality bodies. The above steps should be enough to sit for the specific exams and secure employment.
It is also worth mentioning that military personnel who have completed the Joint Service Aviation Maintenance Technician Certification Council Training may also qualify for certification without additional courses.
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Top Aircraft Mechanic Schools in North Carolina
The following are the top aircraft mechanic schools in North Carolina.
Aviation Institute of Maintenance
The Aviation Institute of Maintenance has a beautiful campus in Charlotte where students can leverage a handful of educational resources and equipment to receive comprehensive training as aspiring aircraft mechanics.
This program maintains a class size of 25 students and includes topics in aircraft systems, electrical fundamentals, and FAA regulations, among others.
Wayne Community College
Wayne Community College is another beautiful destination to receive high-quality aviation maintenance technology training in North Carolina. As expected, the program is approved by the Federal Aviation Administration.
Craven Community College
Aspiring aviation mechanics in North Carolina may also receive their education through Craven Community College. The program offers certificates in both airframe and powerplant mechanic specializations.
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Salary & Career Outlook
As an aspiring aircraft mechanic in North Carolina, you can expect to start with an annual average salary of around $58,661. This is because this figure is given as the average yearly salary for the bottom 10% of earners in the field. Aircraft mechanics fall into this category because they are just starting their careers or working in one of the less-paying states.
The type of establishment and specialization are other essential factors.
Those in the average earning percentile take home an annual salary of $87,537 (8% higher than the national average), while those in the top 10% take home an average yearly salary of $ 130,626.
The annual average salary for aircraft mechanics in North Carolina is highest in cities such as Fletcher, Wilmington, and Kinston. They each have an average yearly salary of $131,238, $95,407, and $87,105, respectively.
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