Aircraft Maintenance Technician (AMT)
Aircraft Maintenance
WHAT THIS CAREER ACTUALLY IS
AMTs perform scheduled inspections, troubleshoot and repair engines/airframes/systems, replace parts, and sign off that an aircraft is safe to fly. Most work toward the FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certificate, which qualifies them to work on both the airframe and the engine.
WHAT YOU CAN DO IN HIGH SCHOOL
- ✓Take any CTE aviation maintenance, auto shop, or manufacturing/machining courses your school offers
- ✓Build strong math skills — AMT work uses real measurement, tolerances, and troubleshooting logic constantly
- ✓Look for a hands-on internship or volunteer time at a local FBO, maintenance shop, or airport
- ✓Research which FAA Part 147 schools are within reach for after graduation
REAL ROUTES IN — CHOOSE WHAT FITS YOU
TRADE / TECHNICAL SCHOOL
FAA Part 147 Aviation Maintenance Technician School
An FAA-approved school (typically 18–24 months) that qualifies a graduate to sit for the A&P certificate exams directly — the most common route.
COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Community college AMT program
Many community colleges run FAA Part 147-approved AMT programs, often awarding an associate degree alongside A&P eligibility.
APPRENTICESHIP
Documented on-the-job experience
Without attending a Part 147 school, 14 CFR 65.75 allows sitting for A&P exams after documented supervised experience — 18 months for a single rating (airframe or powerplant), 30 months for both.
MILITARY
Military aircraft maintenance training
Military aircraft maintenance experience can count toward A&P certificate eligibility under the same experience-based route.
CERTIFICATION PATH
FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certificate under 14 CFR Part 65 — a written, oral, and practical exam after completing a Part 147 school or documented equivalent experience.
RELATED ORGANIZATIONS
- • Aviation Technician Education Council (ATEC)
- • Professional Aviation Maintenance Association (PAMA)
EXPLICACIÓN EN ESPAÑOL
Inspeccionan, mantienen y reparan aeronaves — las personas que mantienen cada vuelo en condiciones de aeronavegabilidad.