Along with inspecting aircraft systems, aircraft mechanics in Virginia are responsible for diagnosing critical issues, reading and interpreting manuals, and carrying out repairs to ensure that an aircraft can fly again.
Aspiring aircraft mechanics in the state must adhere to specific quality standards that require a handful of preparatory steps before securing employment. Below, we look at the significant requirements for kick-starting an aircraft mechanic career in Virginia and other vital information that will surely come in handy.
How to Become an Aircraft Mechanic in Virginia
Aspiring aircraft mechanics in Virginia may consider the steps below to kick-start their careers.
Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements
The FAA sets the basic requirements for becoming an aircraft mechanic in Virginia. Interested individuals must be at least 18 years old and have solid control of the English language. A strong foundation in physics, electricity, and technical drawings will also come in handy.
Step 2: Meet the Examination Qualification Criteria
There are three ways to qualify for the FAA’s certification exams. The first is to graduate from an approved training program in the state, the second is to acquire real-world experience, and the third is to complete the military training program.
graduating from an approved training program provides a solid theoretical foundation with much practical training. These programs take between 18 months and 24 months to graduate.
Those who choose the real-world experience route must acquire at least 18 months of training to qualify for a specialization or 30 months to be eligible for both fields.
Step 3: Prepare for the FAA Examinations
Candidates who attend accredited training programs will be prepared for the FAA exam throughout their training. Additional training materials are also available for aviation maintenance technicians through the official FAA web page.
Step 4: Pass the FAA Examination
The FAA examination is divided into three sections – written, oral, and practical. Knowing which specialization you are going for is essential before taking the exam. Those who go for the airframe or powerplant specialization will undergo different test conditions than those who go for both.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
Virginia does not have any certification or licensing requirements for aircraft mechanics. This duty falls solely on the Federal Aviation Administration. By following the above steps and passing the FAA examinations, candidates should have done enough to receive the FAA license to start applying for jobs.
It is advisable to join professional organizations such as the Professional Aviation Maintenance Association to increase their chances. Aircraft mechanics in Virginia who have spent three years on the job may also seek advanced credentials such as the Inspection Authorization (IA) certification.
Top Aircraft Mechanic Schools in Virginia
Below are some top programs for aspiring aircraft mechanics in Virginia to consider.
Aviation Institute of Maintenance
The Aviation Institute of Maintenance has two campuses in Virginia, including one in Norfolk and another in Manassas. Both schools operate at very high standards, incorporating a rigorous amount of hands-on training along with supplementary classroom instructions.
Blue Ridge Community College
Blue Ridge Community College is another beautiful destination for high-quality aircraft mechanic training in Virginia. Candidates receive airframe and powerplant specialization training to prepare for their certification exam.
The school offers an associate of applied science degree program for students pursuing airframe and powerplant specializations and a certificate program in airframe technology for those looking to follow only the airframe specialization.
The certificate program includes 30 semester hours.
Liberty University
Lastly, aspiring aircraft mechanics in Virginia may also consider the program offered by Liberty University, a Christian University with excellent aviation facilities and instructors.
The school’s aviation maintenance technology program includes a certificate, associate degree, and bachelor’s degree options in a 4-year college setting.
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Salary & Career Outlook
Virginia Aircraft mechanics earn an annual salary of $91,862, a figure 13% above the national average. Of course, this figure can vary depending on a handful of factors, the most important of which are experience, location, and employer.
Virginia’s highest-paid aircraft mechanics earn up to $133,802 in annual average salary, while the lowest-paid take home an average yearly salary of around $63,069.
As mentioned earlier, location plays a huge part in determining the annual average salary for an aspiring aircraft mechanic in Virginia. Currently, the highest-paid cities include Sterling ($122,015), Arlington ($89,852), and Richmond ($84,165).
Newport News and Dulles round out the top five with annual average salaries of $82,157 and $81,309, respectively.
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