Becoming an Aviation Maintenance Technician
Take a FREE Young Eagles Flight
EAA’s Young Eagles Flight Program
-
For youth ages 8-17
-
FREE introductory flight given by a local EAA chapter or individual EAA member in your area
-
Young Eagles are given a pre and post flight review of the interior and exterior of the airplane, safety instructions and an overview of airplane controls and operations
-
A 15-20 minute flight
Find a Young Eagles Flight
YoungEaglesDay.org
Register for a Young Eagles flight using EAA's online registration tool.
AeroEducate Calendar of Events ›
Find a Young Eagles rally or other youth events in your area.
Set Yourself up for success
You can start preparing to become an aviation maintenance technician now:
-
Talk to your high school guidance counselor and parents as early as your freshman year and let them know that your dream is to become an aviation maintenance technician. They can help you identify courses you can take to set yourself up for success in your future aviation maintenance career.
-
Get your pilot certificate. If you are looking to become an aircraft mechanic, getting your pilot certificate can help you have a better understanding of how an aircraft is built and flies.
-
You can start flight training at any age, although you must be 16 years old to solo and 17 before you can be issued a pilot certificate.
-
Join or get involved in your local EAA chapter.
-
Volunteer in your local EAA chapter, or with local civic or school organizations.
-
Take a tour of the maintenance facility at your local FBO through an EAA chapter. This is a great way to see what maintenance technicians do, and the environment they work in.
-
This could also be a great opportunity to network and learn about internship programs.
-
Keep working on AeroEducate badging and new activities to learn more about aviation.
Engineering Education
During High School
While in high school, enroll at a local technical school that offers aviation maintenance courses. By attending classes while still in high school you will be able to finish training sooner and start you career.
Technical Trade School/College
After graduating from high school, enroll at a technical college or trade school. Focus on becoming an airframe & power plant technician or an avionics technician.
Attend College or University
Getting a four-year degree is not required but it can help you to later land a job as a supervisor or manage a maintenance facility. Some colleges have specific aircraft maintenance degrees. Make sure you look at all your college options and work with an advisor or school guidance counselor.
Join the Military
Join the Military and get hands-on experience while learning new skills that will be directly transferable to a career in aviation maintenance down the road. Working with a recruiter can help you to find the best path for you.
Aviation Maintenance Career
After completing your training there are many different employment opportunities for an aviation maintenance technician such as working at a local FBO, an airline, manufacturers, a repair station, or an aviation maintenance school.
Enjoy a career ensuring aircraft operate safely and efficiently.
Give Back
When possible, inspire the next generation of youth by giving back to your aviation community.
Take a FREE Young Eagles Flight
EAA’s Young Eagles Flight Program
-
For youth ages 8-17
-
FREE introductory flight given by a local EAA chapter or individual EAA member in your area
-
Young Eagles are given a pre and post flight review of the interior and exterior of the airplane, safety instructions and an overview of airplane controls and operations
-
A 15-20 minute flight
Find a Young Eagles Flight
YoungEaglesDay.org
Register for a Young Eagles flight using EAA's online registration tool.
AeroEducate Calendar of Events ›
Find a Young Eagles rally or other youth events in your area.
Set Yourself up for success
You can start preparing to become an aviation maintenance technician now:
-
Talk to your high school guidance counselor and parents as early as your freshman year and let them know that your dream is to become an aviation maintenance technician. They can help you identify courses you can take to set yourself up for success in your future aviation maintenance career.
-
Get your pilot certificate. If you are looking to become an aircraft mechanic, getting your pilot certificate can help you have a better understanding of how an aircraft is built and flies.
-
You can start flight training at any age, although you must be 16 years old to solo and 17 before you can be issued a pilot certificate.
-
Join or get involved in your local EAA chapter.
-
Volunteer in your local EAA chapter, or with local civic or school organizations.
-
Take a tour of the maintenance facility at your local FBO through an EAA chapter. This is a great way to see what maintenance technicians do, and the environment they work in.
-
This could also be a great opportunity to network and learn about internship programs.
-
Keep working on AeroEducate badging and new activities to learn more about aviation.
Engineering Education
During High School
While in high school, enroll at a local technical school that offers aviation maintenance courses. By attending classes while still in high school you will be able to finish training sooner and start you career.
Technical Trade School/College
After graduating from high school, enroll at a technical college or trade school. Focus on becoming an airframe & power plant technician or an avionics technician.
Attend College or University
Getting a four-year degree is not required but it can help you to later land a job as a supervisor or manage a maintenance facility. Some colleges have specific aircraft maintenance degrees. Make sure you look at all your college options and work with an advisor or school guidance counselor.
Join the Military
Join the Military and get hands-on experience while learning new skills that will be directly transferable to a career in aviation maintenance down the road. Working with a recruiter can help you to find the best path for you.
Aviation Maintenance Career
After completing your training there are many different employment opportunities for an aviation maintenance technician such as working at a local FBO, an airline, manufacturers, a repair station, or an aviation maintenance school.
Enjoy a career ensuring aircraft operate safely and efficiently.
Give Back
When possible, inspire the next generation of youth by giving back to your aviation community.
