Aircraft maintenance technician

Last updated
Technicians work on the mechanisms underneath a wing. Bombardier Maintenance (6240614231).jpg
Technicians work on the mechanisms underneath a wing.

In the US, an aircraft maintenance technician (AMT) is a tradesperson and also refers to a licensed technical qualification for carrying out aircraft maintenance. AMTs inspect and perform or supervise maintenance, preventive maintenance, repairs and alteration of aircraft and aircraft systems.

Contents

For a person who holds a mechanic certificate issued by the Federal Aviation Administration, the rules for certification, and for certificate-holders, are detailed in Subpart D of Part 65 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), which are part of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations. [1] The US licensed qualification is sometimes referred to by the FAA as the Aviation Maintenance Technician and is commonly referred to as the Airframe and Powerplant (A&P).

Certification

The general requirement for eligibility for a mechanic certificate include the following. The candidate must:

The required tests include a set of knowledge tests, followed by a practical test, which includes an oral examination component, and which is administered by a Designated Mechanic Examiner (DME).

A person who fulfills the necessary requirements is issued a mechanic certificate with either an airframe or powerplant rating, or both. [3] These ratings together account for the common practice of referring to mechanics as "A&Ps." Until 1952, instead of the Powerplant rating, an Engine rating was issued, so the abbreviation "A&E" may appear in older documents. [3]

Eligibility for the mechanic tests depends on the applicant's ability to document their knowledge of required subject matter and ability to perform maintenance tasks. [4] [5] The FAA recognizes two ways of demonstrating the needed knowledge and skills: practical experience or completion of a training program at a school certificated under Part 147 of the FARs. [6]

Industry competitions

The AMT Society presents the annual maintenance skills competition, which recognizes top AMT teams across all aviation including commercial and military.

Applications based on experience

Applicants for a mechanic certificate with a single rating—either airframe or powerplant—and who base their application on practical experience must demonstrate 18 months of work experience applicable to the chosen rating. Those applying for both ratings must show a total of 30 months of applicable experience. [6] The United States military provides an opportunity to gain practical experience, and there is a simple process of obtaining eligibility from military experience to earn an Airframe and Powerplant License as long as the members careers meet the required career specialty codes or MOS. [7]

Applications based on education

Applicants who attend an aviation maintenance school program certificated under Part 147 study an FAA-approved and supervised curriculum. Those applying for a mechanic certificate with a single rating—either airframe or powerplant—study a "general" set of subjects for at least 400 hours, as well as at least 750 hours of material appropriate to the chosen rating, for a total of 1,150 hours. Those who pursue both ratings study the "general" material, as well as the 750 hours for each rating, for a total of at least 1,900 hours. [8] Completion of such a program of study typically requires between 18 and 24 months.

Required areas of study in the "general" curriculum include electricity, technical drawings, weight and balance, hydraulics and pneumatics, ground operation of aircraft, cleaning and corrosion control, basic mathematical calculations, forms and record-keeping, basic physics, maintenance manuals and publications, and applicable federal regulations. [9] Thorough knowledge of FAA rules and regulations (especially with regard to accepted repair/modification procedures) is also expected of A&P mechanics.

Required areas of study in the airframe curriculum include inspection, structures—wood, sheet metal, composite—and fasteners, covering, finishes, welding, assembly and rigging, hydraulics, pneumatics, cabin atmosphere control systems, instrument systems, communication and navigation systems, fuel systems, electrical systems, position and warning systems, ice and rain control systems, and fire protection systems. [10]

Required areas of study in the powerplant curriculum include inspection, reciprocating and turbine engine theory and repair, instrument systems, fire protection systems, electrical systems, lubrication systems, ignition and starting systems, fuel metering systems, fuel systems, induction and airflow systems, cooling systems, exhaust and reverser systems, propellers, unducted fans, and auxiliary power units. [11]

Inspection authorization

Some AMTs, after at least three years of working in their field, choose to acquire an inspection authorization (IA), which is an additional rating added on to the individual's mechanic certificate. These individuals are allowed to perform annual inspections on aircraft and sign off for return to service on major repairs and alterations on the required block of the FAA form 337. Certification and limitations, including renewal requirements, of mechanics with inspection authorization is contained in 14 CFR Part 65.

The requirements for obtaining an inspection authorization is that the AMT must be licensed for a minimum of three years and actively exercising the rights of an A&P for the two years prior to the date that the IA examination is to be taken.

Renewal of the IA rating must be done every two years (on odd years) by submitting to the FAA a form showing a minimum of activity in which the IA exercised his or her authority. This activity comprises either annual inspections, major repairs, major alterations, or a minimum of 8 hours of FAA approved training. This activity must be accomplished every 12 months even though the renewal period is every 24 months.

Employment status

There are 180 maintenance schools in the United States. [12] In 2017 number of students was 18,000. [13] The scholarship for students ranges from $2,500 to $16,000. [14]

In 2019 number of aircraft technicians was 292,002, only 2.4% were women. [15] [16] According to the 2019 report from Boeing North America will need 192,000 new technicians over the next 20 years. [17]

The average annual income of aircraft maintenance personnel is $68,677 in the United States. [18]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Federal Aviation Administration</span> United States Government agency dedicated to civil aviation matters

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the largest transportation agency of the U.S. government and regulates all aspects of civil aviation in the country as well as over surrounding international waters. Its powers include air traffic control, certification of personnel and aircraft, setting standards for airports, and protection of U.S. assets during the launch or re-entry of commercial space vehicles. Powers over neighboring international waters were delegated to the FAA by authority of the International Civil Aviation Organization.

The Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) are rules prescribed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) governing all aviation activities in the United States. The FARs comprise Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). A wide variety of activities are regulated, such as aircraft design and maintenance, typical airline flights, pilot training activities, hot-air ballooning, lighter-than-air aircraft, man-made structure heights, obstruction lighting and marking, model rocket launches, commercial space operations, model aircraft operations, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and kite flying. The rules are designed to promote safe aviation, protecting pilots, flight attendants, passengers and the general public from unnecessary risk.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Private pilot licence</span> Type of pilot license

A private pilot licence (PPL) or private pilot certificate is a type of pilot licence that allows the holder to act as pilot in command of an aircraft privately. The basic licence requirements are determined by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), but implementation varies from country to country. According to ICAO, an applicant must be at least 17 years old, demonstrate appropriate knowledge and skill, and hold at least a Class 2 medical certificate. Different PPLs are available for different categories of aircraft, such as aeroplane, helicopter, airship, etc, and are not interchangeable, although experience from a PPL in one category may be credited towards the issue of another.

The airline transport pilot licence (ATPL), or in the United States of America, an airline transport pilot (ATP) certificate, is the highest level of aircraft pilot certificate.

Pilot licensing or certification refers to permits for operating aircraft. Flight crew licences are issued by the civil aviation authority of each country, which must establish that the holder has met minimum knowledge and experience before issuing licences. The licence, along with the required class or type rating, allows a pilot to fly aircraft registered in the licence issuing state.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pilot certification in the United States</span> Pilot certification

Pilot certification in the United States is typically required for an individual to act as a pilot-in-command of an aircraft. It is regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), a branch of the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). A pilot may be certified under 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 61 or 14 CFR Part 141. Pilots may also be certified under 14 CFR Part 107 for commercial drone operations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Type certificate</span> Document noting the airworthiness of a certain type of aircraft

A type certificate signifies the airworthiness of a particular category of aircraft, according to its manufacturing design. Certification confirms that the aircraft of a new type intended for serial production is in compliance with applicable airworthiness requirements established by the national air law.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aircraft maintenance checks</span> Periodic scheduled inspection performed on aircraft to keep it airworthy

Aircraft maintenance checks are periodic inspections that have to be done on all commercial and civil aircraft after a certain amount of time or usage. Military aircraft normally follow specific maintenance programmes which may, or may not, be similar to those of commercial and civil operators.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Flight instructor</span> Person who teaches others to operate aircraft

A flight instructor is a person who teaches others to operate aircraft. Specific privileges granted to holders of a flight instructor qualification vary from country to country, but very generally, a flight instructor serves to enhance or evaluate the knowledge and skill level of an aviator in pursuit of a higher pilot's license, certificate or rating.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aviation Career & Technical Education High School</span> School in the United States

Aviation High School, official name Aviation Career & Technical Education High School (24Q610), is a public high school owned and operated by the New York City Department of Education. Formerly known as the Manhattan School of Aviation Trades (SAT), Aviation High School has operated since 1936.

A practical test, more commonly known as a checkride, is the Federal Aviation Administration examination which one must undergo in the United States to receive an aircraft pilot's certification, or a rating for additional flight privileges. The name refers to the portion of the examination in which the candidate being examined flies in an aircraft with the Designated Pilot Examiner or other authorized examiner to demonstrate competency in the skills that are required for the certification. Although "checkride" is the most commonly used term, it is considered informal and is technically known as a Practical Test by the FAA and in all its literature, and the specific objectives which the candidate must meet are called the Airman Certification Standards, or ACS. However, some Practical Tests, notably those for helicopter, and balloon ratings, and those for certificates such as flight instructor, and aircraft mechanic, are still conducted using the older Practical Test Standards, or PTS. Other positions that often include checkrides include air traffic controllers and flight dispatchers.

A blade inspection method is the practice of monitoring the condition of a blade, such as a helicopter's rotor blade, for deterioration or damage. A common area of focus in the aviation industry has been the detection of cracking, which is commonly associated with fatigue. Automated blade condition monitoring technology has been developed for helicopters and has seen widespread adoption. The technique is routinely mandated by airworthiness authorities for engine inspections. Another commercial sector where such monitoring has become important is electricity generation, particularly on wind farms.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Airworthiness</span> Measure of an aircrafts suitability for safe flight

In aviation, airworthiness is the measure of an aircraft's suitability for safe flight. Initial airworthiness is demonstrated by a certificate of airworthiness issued by the civil aviation authority in the state in which the aircraft is registered, and continuing airworthiness is achieved by performing the required maintenance actions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aircraft maintenance</span> Performance of tasks which maintain an aircrafts airworthiness

Aircraft maintenance is the performance of tasks required to ensure the continuing airworthiness of an aircraft or aircraft part, including overhaul, inspection, replacement, defect rectification, and the embodiment of modifications, compliance with airworthiness directives and repair.

The Wendell H. Ford Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21st Century is a United States federal law, signed on 5 April 2000, seeking to improve airline safety. It is popularly called "AIR 21," and is also known as Public Law 106-181.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">North American Institute of Aviation</span>

The North American Institute of Aviation (NAIA) was a private, FAA Part-141 flight school located in Conway, South Carolina, in the United States. Founded on July 7, 1972 in Hammonton, New Jersey, then later moved to South Carolina in 1978, NAIA specialized in flight and aircraft maintenance training. It has also had a campus in Las Cruces, New Mexico. The school had close connections to North European Aviation Resources (NEAR) of Vigra, Norway, and was for a period of time the ab-initio school of Scandinavian Airlines. The school subsequently commanded an excellent reputation in Northern Europe. NAIA boasted an international student population and graduates work for airlines worldwide. The school concentrated its efforts on FAA Part-141 operations and their European JAR-FCL approved program in cooperation with NEAR, which maintained a representative at the school. NAIA operated out of the Conway-Horry County Airport where it was also the fixed-base operator (FBO).

Aviation Maintenance Technicians (AMT) are an enlisted rating of the United States Coast Guard. They inspect, service, maintain, troubleshoot and repair aircraft engines, auxiliary power units, propellers, rotor systems, power train systems, and associated airframe and systems-specific electrical components. They service, maintain and repair aircraft fuselages; wings; rotor blades; fixed and movable flight control surfaces; and also bleed aircraft air, hydraulic and fuel systems. AMTs fill aircrew positions such as flight engineer, flight mechanic, loadmaster, dropmaster, Aircraft Ground Handling, Flight Deck Handling, sensor-systems operator and basic aircrewman.

An aircraft maintenance engineer (AME), also licensed aircraft maintenance engineer, is a licensed person who carries out and certifies aircraft maintenance. The license is widespread internationally and is recognised by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The American FAA recognise the qualification in foreign countries but refers to it as aviation maintenance engineer rather than "Aircraft...". Unlicensed mechanics or tradespersons are sometimes informally referred to as "Unlicensed AMEs"

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aircraft maintenance engineer (Canada)</span> Technicians who maintain Canadian civil aircraft

In Canada an Aircraft maintenance engineer (AME) is a person who is responsible for signing the maintenance release of certified aircraft and is licensed to do so by the national airworthiness authority, Transport Canada (TC). Their job is to ensure that aircraft are maintained in a safe condition.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Civil Aerospace Medical Institute</span>

Civil Aerospace Medical Institute (CAMI) is the medical certification, education, research, and occupational medicine wing of the Office of Aerospace Medicine (AAM) under the auspices of the Federal Aviation Administration Office of Aviation Safety. The Institute's primary goal is to enhance aviation safety.

References

  1. ↑ Federal Aviation Administration. "Subpart D—Mechanics". Part 65—Certification: Airmen Other Than Flight Crewmembers. Archived from the original on 2015-12-23. Retrieved 2015-12-22.
  2. ↑ Federal Aviation Administration. "65.71 Eligibility requirements: General". Part 65—Certification: Airmen Other Than Flight Crewmembers. Archived from the original on 2006-09-30. Retrieved 2008-03-04.
  3. 1 2 Federal Aviation Administration. "65.73 Ratings". Part 65—Certification: Airmen Other Than Flight Crewmembers. Archived from the original on 2015-12-23. Retrieved 2008-03-04.
  4. ↑ Federal Aviation Administration. "65.75 Knowledge requirements". Part 65—Certification: Airmen Other Than Flight Crewmembers. Archived from the original on 2006-09-30. Retrieved 2008-03-04.
  5. ↑ Federal Aviation Administration. "65.79 Skill requirements". Part 65—Certification: Airmen Other Than Flight Crewmembers. Archived from the original on 2006-09-30. Retrieved 2008-03-04.
  6. 1 2 Federal Aviation Administration. "65.77 Experience requirements". Part 65—Certification: Airmen Other Than Flight Crewmembers. Archived from the original on 2006-09-30. Retrieved 2008-03-04.
  7. ↑ Federal Aviation Administration. "8900.1 CHAPTER 5 TITLE 14 CFR PART 65—AIRMEN OTHER THAN FLIGHT CREWMEMBERS". fsims.faa.gov. Retrieved 2022-07-17.
  8. ↑ Federal Aviation Administration. "147.21 General curriculum requirements". Part 147—Aviation Maintenance Technician Schools. Archived from the original on 2006-09-29. Retrieved 2008-03-04.
  9. ↑ Federal Aviation Administration. "Appendix B to Part 147—General curriculum subjects". Part 147—Aviation Maintenance Technician Schools. Archived from the original on 2006-09-29. Retrieved 2008-03-04.
  10. ↑ Federal Aviation Administration. "Appendix C to Part 147—Airframe curriculum subjects". Part 147—Aviation Maintenance Technician Schools. Archived from the original on 2006-09-29. Retrieved 2008-03-04.
  11. ↑ Federal Aviation Administration. "Appendix D to Part 147—Powerplant curriculum subjects". Part 147—Aviation Maintenance Technician Schools. Archived from the original on 2006-09-29. Retrieved 2008-03-04.
  12. ↑ "Maintenance Schools". Federal Aviation Administration. Retrieved 2020-11-02.
  13. ↑ "ATEC Study: AMT Schools Need To Boost Enrollment". AINonline. Retrieved 2020-11-02.
  14. ↑ "Scholarships For Aviation Maintenance Students". AMT Job Openings. 15 July 2020. Retrieved 2020-11-02.
  15. ↑ "Women in Aviation: Diversity Boosts the Bottom Line". Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Retrieved 2020-11-02.
  16. ↑ "Women in Aviation: A Workforce Report" (PDF). Women in Aviation International. Retrieved 2020-11-02.
  17. ↑ "Pilot and Technician Outlook 2020–2039". Boeing. Retrieved 2020-11-02.
  18. ↑ "Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Salaries". aviation cv. Retrieved 2020-11-02.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.