As an aspiring aircraft mechanic in Rhode Island, one of the most important steps in entering this profession is choosing a training destination. The FAA allows candidates to choose among several educational approaches, and we have analyzed them below.
We have also discussed unique programs that offer admission to Rhode Island residents, helping them gain a strong foothold as early as possible. Furthermore, the guide includes sections dedicated to analyzing basic admission requirements, certification options, annual average salary projections, and other relevant information.
How to Become an Aircraft Mechanic in Rhode Island
The following steps are necessary to become a successful aircraft mechanic in Rhode Island.
Basic Requirements
The basic requirements to become an aircraft mechanic in Rhode Island include holding a high school diploma or a GED, developing soft and transferable skills, and understanding the fundamentals of the profession.
Specialty Considerations
Aircraft mechanics are not mandated to choose a specialty area. However, candidates must, at the very least, be familiar with the possible specialty ratings.
Currently, these include the airframe rating, which deals with aircraft construction, body parts, and interface systems, and the powerplant rating, which is for those who will be working on plane engines and fuel systems.
Training Options
The FAA allows the following training options for aircraft mechanics in Rhode Island:
Academic Education
Attending a technical school accredited by the FAA is the most common approach to starting an aircraft mechanic career. Programs may last between 18 and 24 months. Topics of focus range from electricity and hydraulics to documentation practices, aircraft operation, technical drawings, airframe inspection, welding, and fuel systems.
On-the-Job Education
Candidates may become aircraft mechanics by training “on the job " instead of attending an academic institution. They must learn from a licensed aircraft mechanic or at an FAA-certified repair station.
Candidates who will pursue either the airframe or powerplant rating need 18 months of work experience, while those who will pursue both ratings need 30 months of experience.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
As a new aircraft mechanic starting a career in Rhode Island, it is possible to secure job placement and entry-level employment, provided the applicant has already passed the FAA certification examination. Students should be prepared to take this examination in their chosen field.
This means that airframe mechanics must pass the certification examination in the airframe category, while powerplant mechanics must pass the exam in the powerplant category. Professionals pursuing multiple ratings must pass both.
After passing their certification examinations, candidates may work for a few years before pursuing more advanced credentials. One such credential is the Inspection Authorization credential, which grants an aircraft mechanic the authority to inspect an aircraft and determine whether it is in the proper condition to fly.
Top Aircraft Mechanic Schools in Rhode Island
The following are some of the most recognized training programs for aspiring aircraft mechanics in Rhode Island.
National Aviation Academy
Concord, MA Campus Only
National Aviation Academy in Concord is a top-tier program for aspiring aircraft mechanics, particularly for those in Rhode Island seeking quality training nearby. With a strong national reputation, the academy has produced many successful graduates and maintains a curriculum that blends technical, practical, and professional development.
Tuition
$19.25 per Clock HourContact
(781) 274-8448
info@naa.edu
Cape Cod Community College
Plymouth, MA Campus Only
Cape Cod Community College offers a two-year Aviation Maintenance program in the Engineering Sciences and Applied Technology department. Training is conducted at Plymouth Municipal Airport. Students gain hands-on experience working on over 10 aircraft while developing foundational knowledge in aviation maintenance.
Tuition
$250 - $456 per YearContact
(508) 375-5050
aviation@capecod.edu
Explore aircraft mechanic schools in Rhode Island by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
The annual average salary of an aircraft mechanic in Rhode Island can be distributed as follows:
- In the top 10%, professionals manage an annual average salary of $105,280;
- In the bottom 10%, the annual average salary to expect is $72,342;
- Those who are among the median earners earn an average of $87,271 per year.
The median earners are, of course, the most common.
It is also possible to analyze the average salary of an aircraft mechanic in Rhode Island through the lens of one specific actor. Sorting by location, we have the following distributions:
- Westerly is the highest-paying city, with an annual average salary of $94,012;
- Providence follows with an annual average salary of $94,012.
Other factors influencing the annual returns of aircraft mechanics in Rhode Island include experience, employer, work environment, and professional credentials.
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