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Aviation Maintenance Technology - Helpful Information

Things to know

To work in this field as anything other than an assistant, you need FAA certification. This may qualify you as an "airframe mechanic," "powerplant mechanic," or "avionics repair specialist." You need at least 18 months of work experience to sit for the exam for any one of these. If you want the combined "A & P" (airframe and powerplant), you need 30 months of experience. Completing an FAA-approved training program substitutes for that experience.

If you want to work in avionics, it helps to get a general radiotelephone operator license. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issues this license. You need to pass an exam to get it.

Your next career move may be to become an inspector. To be authorized for that, you need to hold the A&P certification for at least three years.

You will need to take classes to keep your skills up-to-date with changing technology. The FAA recognizes this and requires a certain minimum number of hours every two years. Most employers also recognize this and pay for you to take classes.

Source: Illinois Career Information System (CIS) brought to you by Illinois Department of Employment Security.
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